Artists’ market coming to the Inner Harbor in June
by Jenny Wierschem
Art is going outside of gallery walls and into the outdoors for a new Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts event at the Inner Harbor. Each Sunday in June, artists will set up tents at the harbor’s West Shore Park on Light Street between the Visitor Center and the Maryland Science Center. Throughout the day, artists and craftspeople will display and sell artwork and demonstrate how their craft is done.
“The whole idea was to provide a reason for people to come down to the Inner Harbor and take a look at the new things that are there and enjoy the sunshine and the artwork,” says Randi Vega, director of cultural affairs for the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts.
Work on display will represent a variety of media and range from crafts to fine art. Artists confirmed for slots so far include a cut-paper artist, mosaicist, jewelry makers, a soap maker, stained glass artists, and fine art painters and artists working in other mediums. Artists pick and choose which of the Sundays they wish to participate, so not all artists will be present every weekend.
While visitors stroll through the Artist Market on the Waterfront, bands will provide entertainment. The list of bands has not yet been set, but Vega says the bands will be local ones and will play off and on throughout the day.
In the case of light rain, the event will go on as scheduled. Severe weather could result in a cancellation.
“It is a rain or shine event,” says Vega. “Of course if we have a downpour or something we won’t have it.”
This is the first time the market is being held, and BOPA is treating it as something of a trial run. If the market is a success, it could return.
“This is just an experiment to see how this works,” says Vega. “We like to provide different venues for artists to display their work. We’ll just see how this works and perhaps we’ll expand it.”
Note: The Artist Market on the Waterfront runs each Sunday in June from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. BOPA is still seeking applications from artists for the event. Those who wish to participate can apply by filling out an application and submitting digital photos of their artwork. There is a fee for space rental and artists are responsible for providing their own chairs and equipment. To apply or for more information, visit www.promotionandarts.com or call 1-877-Baltimore.
