Getting off the beaten path in Baltimore meant getting lost in a maze of little streets that didn’t necessarily go where I planned to go, often becoming dead ends or one way streets going in a wrong direction. This is exactly what made two days of photographing Baltimore murals and graffiti one of the most surprising and enjoyable assignments I have ever had. It was like going on a safari, but instead of wildlife, I was looking for murals and graffiti.
I hadn’t expected such a wealth of creativity; so many walls covered with so many different images and messages hidden down previously unknown streets and alleys. Some were colorful and joyful, some somber and sad. I chose overcast days for these photos, in order to have richer color and eliminate possibilities of sun spots and shadows.
Since I prefer working with available light and no tripod, I shot Provia 400 Fujichrome and Fuji 400 NPH. My camera is a Nikon FM2. Many situations required my 28mm lens,but I was also able to make good use of my 135mm lens.
 |
A dominant theme in Baltimore’s murals is pride - pride in a neighborhood; pride in the accomplishments of respected citizens; pride in being able to give back to a community.
One four story wall showing children and adults dancing in a street proclaimed, “So there was a whole lotta joy in da city – Acts 8.8.”
I was told that the pastor of a nearby church had designed it and painted it with the help of his parishioners. One graffiti-covered wall had large letters that read, “Art of Harmony,” surrounded by paintings of people playing different musical instruments.
Graffiti in a narrow alley said, “Please respect our alley.” On one street there was a long wall painted with images of the zodiac and the word “Recycle.” Amazingly not one piece of trash could be found in that block.
Another graffiti image showed hands in prayer, and sadly on the pavement below were many empty gin and whiskey bottles.
Perhaps the most beautifully creative wall I discovered was covered with in variety of geometrical designs interrupted by huge flowers, butterflies, and exotic animals.
 |
Most of the murals to be found throughout Baltimore have been facilitated through The Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts – Baltimore Mural Program. They have helped create over 90 murals since 1987 and there are more in the planning for this year. The various neighborhood associations are closely involved and some designs have been based on drawings done by children in these neighborhoods. Many professional mural artists have been employed over the years, and recently the Maryland Institute College of Art’s Community Arts Program has partnered with them.
Whenever possible the artists invite community members, children and adults, to help in the painting. A list of murals and addresses can be found on their web site, www.promotionandthearts.com
As a special treat for anyone who enjoys biking, the Baltimore Mural Program is offering bike tours giving riders the opportunity to get “close and personal” to some of South West Baltimore’s best murals.
 |
The mural that most impressed me is “In the Spirit,” two details of which are shown here. It is located at the intersection of Monroe Street and Lauretta Avenue, and was part of a community art project to transform a derelict park into a community sacred place. In addition to the mural, a number of other art forms can be found in the park including wind chimes hanging from tree branches.
The Neighborhood Design Center Youth Art Initiative worked with mural artist Jay Wolf Schlossberg-Cohen and the Midtown Edmondson residents to create this impressive site.
Many Baltimore businesses, foundations, Associated Black Charities, as well as the Governor’s Office on Crime Control and Prevention, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, and the Baltimore Police Department partnered the project, supplying funding, construction services, equipment and materials.
In a series of art workshops led by Schlossberg-Cohen, participants from the neighborhood were encouraged to express their views about their community and their hopes for its future in sketches, paintings, and poetry. He then combined the many ideas into his large mural masterpiece.
A poem written by one of the workshop participants covers a 15 foot wall attached to the mural. It says:
Were these real living and breathing people that have died through drugs and violence?
It must be true because I heard about some of them on the news and even my friends knew some of these people.
What are people thinking?
Are we so insensitive to each other that a life doesn’t mean anything?
Will I get murdered?
Will they have my name on a wall?
In these days and times one can only guess.
Will I ever live to see no more graveyards on the walls?
Being a young person in this city is tough!!
Just being a young person is hard.
When can we as children feel safe in school, on the street, in our homes?
Can anyone in this city answer these questions for us?
Please!
