Baltimore Open City - Pictures from the Opening

Baltimore Open City

"An open city is a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of such things as wealth, race, age, or religion. In every neighborhood of an open city, one feels like he or she belongs. However in Baltimore—as in most American metropolitan areas—issues like housing discrimination, bad public transportation, and the privatization of public space separate people, and create an uneven distribution of health, wealth, and education.
For the exhibition Baltimore: Open City, students of Maryland Institute College of Art’s Exhibition Development Seminar invited scholars, activists, community-based organizations, local artists, and visiting artist Damon Rich to create a series of installations, workshops, and other public programs that investigate the ways in which Baltimore is and is not an open city. We welcome our neighbors to join us in exploring what a more open city might look and feel like."

General photo of the whole event.

Visual representation of foreclosures in the city.  Shown by neighborhood. We are in the 138-191 range.

Wall of things for the taking! I collected postcards as a kid, so this was right up my alley,

Images of how unwelcoming fortress-like building facades can be to a pedestrian.  Providing nothing of interest.

Baltimore time line.

Baltimore time line color legend.

Topographical representation of local cities' access to quality services.  The taller the stacks, the more accessible it is to residents.  The harbor is that gaping hole in the middle.

A puzzle made up of Baltimore's 270+ neighborhoods.

Guide to the puzzle.  I had to write in Pigtown by hand.  I'm guessing the artist considered which name (Pigtown or Washington Village) should go down, and then forgot to put it in.  Though, I spot at least 4 others with no name.  The physical puzzle pieces are labeled though.

Lounge spot with padded milk crate seating.

There is definitely more to be seen!  I'll have to go back to check it out.  After 30 minutes, there were so many people in there that I could hardly move.  So I figured I'd make it back before it ends on May 15.  Also check out the event webpage and click "calendar" to see the list of tours and lectures being given in conjunction with the exhibit!

Why do I keep posting about urban planning?  Because it's something that affects Pigotwn.  And the more you know, the more ideas we all get about what we can do to make it a better, and more welcoming, neighborhood.  Knowledge is power.  Empower yourself!