Maryland Official Visitors Guide - 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide
Arts & Culture
Christine Jackson 2019-12-19 00:02:13
Embrace the Arts
Maryland is home to so many cultural gems, from pieces of American history to wonders of contemporary art. Whether you’re looking to traverse the state in search of music, art and theater or take a day trip to one spot to soak up all the local scene has to offer, there’s something to inspire the artist in all of us.
The arts thrive in Maryland—from folk to eclectic and contemporary art and artisans to world-class performers. The diversity of the state has allowed pieces of the past to remain while new artists and voices bring visitors into the future. There’s so much to see, do, watch and hear across Maryland, but consider these stops as great places to start.
SEE...
Iconic artists at the Baltimore Museum of Art.
This free museum has offered Baltimore access to some of the world’s greatest artists since 1929, and it has only gotten better with age. Gaze up at Spencer Finch’s otherworldly light installation Moon Dust for a while before working your way through the iconic Cone Collection of Modern Art, which is home to the largest public collection of works by Henri Matisse in the world. The free museum has also recently expanded its collection by selling some works in order to acquire art created by female artists and artists of color.
Unexpected creations at the American Visionary Art Museum.
Hop on a water taxi or take a scenic drive around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to get to the mosaic-walled museum that’s home to the nation’s best collection of outsider art, created by self-taught masters who had little to no contact with the mainstream art world. Take in the hand-embroidered story quilts of Holocaust survivor Esther Krinitz in the main building, or wander across the courtyard to the Jim Rouse Visionary Center to see local treasures such as painted screens, kinetic sculptures and a towering tribute to drag queen Divine.
Art in a new way at Glenstone.
Get your tickets well in advance and plan to spend the day at this Potomac estate and museum created by Emily and Mitch Rales. Landscape, architecture and art blend together into an experience that feels worlds away from the average art museum. Take in a towering, flowering Jeff Koons sculpture on a hilltop, or head inside to experience one of the expertly curated contemporary exhibitions.
DO...
Embrace the past at Spruce Forest Artisan Village.
Folk traditions live on at this tiny village featuring studios for resident and visiting artists. Visit with skilled artisans of Spruce Forest in their own spaces, which happen to also be historic period buildings, and learn about oft-forgotten trades such as weaving, smithing and woodworking.
Walk the Hagerstown Cultural Trail & Frederick Public Arts Trail.
The half-mile Hagerstown Cultural Trail is dotted with art installations and experiences, connecting the downtown Arts & Entertainment District to City Park and the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. Frederick also offers a Public Art Trail, which winds through the town’s boutiques and cafés to show off soaring sculptures, eye-catching murals and monuments.
Take a class at Annmarie Sculpture Garden.
There are 30 acres to explore at this arts outpost in Dowell, but don’t miss your chance to turn your visit into an interactive experience at one of the park’s many art classes. Choose whatever calls to you, be it ceramics, jewelry or stained glass, and let the creative energy flow.
WATCH...
Classic and contemporary works come to the stage at Everyman Theatre.
It’s a can’t-miss season for Everyman Theatre in Downtown Baltimore. Everyman is shaking things up in 2020 with a brand-new upstairs theater space, a women-powered New Voices Festival, and a specially commissioned new play from Caleen Sinnette Jennings, Queens Girl: Black in the Green Mountains, in the spring.
Performances of all types at The Avalon in Easton.
This architectural gem is worth a visit to the Eastern Shore just to take in the art deco details, but check the calendar to see who or what is gracing its storied stage on any given day. Musicians, artists and actors delight audiences throughout the year, and the Avalon’s Multicultural Festival and Outdoor Concert Series are annual community highlights.
HEAR...
Big names from the lawn at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Grab some friends and a picnic blanket and head to Columbia to join the crowds at this sprawling outdoor venue. Seats are available, but the vibe on the grass is like a backyard party with hundreds of your closest friends. Country and rock dominate the lineup, but there’s something for just about everyone throughout the year, whether you’re into festivals, jam bands or smooth jazz.
A variety of musical acts at Strathmore.
This Bethesda performance mecca has so many spaces to choose from that you’re bound to find something on the bill that’s your style. International names bring in pop, rock, folk and jazz lovers, while the Maryland Classical Youth Orchestra and The National Philharmonic offer classical talent in spades. Looking for something a little more intimate? The Mansion brings musicians into a cozy, 100-seat space for concerts that feel like something truly special.
All that Maryland’s musical community has to offer through the Summer of Music.
Festivals across the state offer chances to jam along with whatever genre gets you dancing, whether that’s DelFest’s bluegrass pickin’ in Cumberland or the bass-heavy sounds of the Moonrise Festival at Pimlico. Take a look at the lineup and mark your calendar for the concerts that speak (or sing) to you.
There’s plenty more to see, hear, do and watch wherever your travels take you. For ideas and inspiration check the events calendar on VisitMaryland.org or visit the Maryland State Arts Council’s website at msac.org.
Want more? Visit the digitial inspiration guide at VisitMaryland.org/thingsto-do/arts-culture
©Maryland. View All Articles.