After speaking to several art majors, there is a general conclusion that students at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County do not know much about the city of Baltimore, and more importantly, they do not know what Baltimore has to offer artistically.
Nadia McCall, a freshman visual arts major, said, “I’m from P.G. [Prince George’s] county, but I don’t know nothing about Baltimore. I don’t claim that, I claim D.C. [District of Columbia]!” And why would she not want to claim D.C. when they have a significantly large amount of opportunities to explore the arts with free museums and numerous attractions that are just an arm’s reach away? However, when asked about her knowledge of all the free art attractions in Baltimore City, she was surprised to hear that there are so many options.
Baltimore City has an infamous reputation, known nationally for heroin overdoses, shootings, and being the top five most dangerous cities in America. However, a less common reputation, mostly known to the Baltimore locals, would be the city’s historic impact on artistic creatives.
From being home to the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) to birthing the unique mind of Edgar Allen Poe, Baltimore has many historically important aspects that could inspire and motivate current UMBC arts and humanities majors, as well as give entertainment to students with general interest, or who are simply bored. There are a multitude of artistic attractions that are unfortunately known only by Baltimore natives, such as the Walters Art Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art, and the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum. Although the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum costs at most $15.00, the art museums are completely free of charge, which is why these options are perfect for college students who want to experience the artistic culture of Baltimore on a budget.
The Walters Art Museum, founded in 1934, is a staple in Baltimore, known to the locals and a good tourist spot due to the free admission. The multitude of collections from the mid-19th century bring ambiance and relaxation. Whether one wants a guided tour, or just explores alone, the Walters Art Museum is somewhere anyone with an interest in art would enjoy. Additionally, they offer different talks and lectures that are always free to the general public, which would offer important resources and opportunities to art students at UMBC with just a short 17 minute drive. In addition to artists from around the world, including Claude Monet and Carl Fabergé, the Walters Art Museum offers displays from Baltimore artists such as Edward Berge and Joshua Johnson. Overall, the Walters Art Museum is a fun and interesting place to visit regardless of major.
The Baltimore Museum of Art, founded in 1914, offers a wide array of different artists, and specifically has the largest holding of a public display of Henri Matisse’s artwork. With just a 24 minute drive, students have the opportunity to see a multitude of exhibits and collections such as the Arctic Artistry exhibition, available until May 14th, 2023, and an expansive collection of African Art.
Although reservations are required, and tickets are not free for the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, the experience in itself is completely worth the price. Edgar Allan Poe is one the most genius minds to exist, and arguably the most influential short story and poem writer. Baltimore has the unique experience of being the birthplace and death place of Poe, which is a considerable part of Baltimore culture. For instance, the Ravens football team is named after Poe’s most famous work, The Raven, and the mascot is named after Poe himself. Having knowledge and appreciation for Edgar Allan Poe as an art student in Baltimore is especially important to get a greater sense of gothic literature and visuals.
Baltimore is not only home to museums, but also home to controversy. The iconic symbol located in Penn Station, the statue Male/Female by Jonathan Borofsky, is a controversial piece of art that has gotten mixed reactions. Some think it is genius, and some think it could not be more in the way. Standing 51 feet, and weighing approximately 20,000 – 28,00 pounds, the statue has been named Baltimore’s “kinkiest” piece of public art. On one side it depicts a male body, and on the other, it depicts a female body. Public art that causes controversy, and discourse can be especially important by opening up opportunities for discussions and even inspiration for young artists.
College students, whether they are commuters or dorming, are always trying to find something to do when they are not studying. Baltimore is an overlooked place that is judged at first sight, and if this stigma is erased through the art community, especially with students at UMBC, Baltimore can be considered a great city. The influences of art in a city with high crime rates can bring community to the people.
Arpa Shahnazarian is a freshman Mathematics and Economics major and Arts & Culture Probationary Reporter. Contact Arpa at arpas1@umbc.edu.