Exhibit On Activism Opens At Maryland Hall In January

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — In January 2021, Maryland Hall will welcome visitors to a building-wide exhibition to celebrate eight diverse artists focused on activism who use the creative process to educate their audiences about diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Art of Activism features the work of Maryland-based Black artists who were selected through a juried process in the fall of 2020. The show is presented in partnership with the Banneker-Douglass Museum and Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture. Art of Activism opens Jan. 8 and runs through Feb. 27. It is the first in-person exhibition at Maryland Hall since its galleries went virtual in March 2020.

“Maryland Hall is offering the Art of Activism to empower our community to face the need for change, and as a commitment to inclusivity and social justice efforts in our country, and in our own neighborhood,” Emily Garvin, executive director of Maryland Hall, said.

“Artists have been using art to communicate societal issues including gender, race, politics and religion for generations. The Art of Activism is giving space to Black artists responding to the current societal movement around race equity by elevating their artistic work. We hope this platform will introduce the artists to new audiences providing them with long term opportunities,” added Chanel Compton, executive director of Banneker-Douglass Museum.

Selected Artists:

• Aaron Maybin, Baltimore (Aaron Maybin is also a featured participant of Athletes for the Arts, an inaugural fundraiser taking place at Maryland Hall on January 27, 2021)
• Ashley Milburn, Baltimore
• David Cassidy, Upper Marlboro
• Nikki Brooks, Hyattsville
• Qrcky, Baltimore
• Schroeder Cherry, Baltimore

Additionally, Comacell Brown, Annapolis, was chosen to create work on a Black Lives Matter banner that will hang at the Banneker Douglass Museum connecting the two organization’s in the Art of Activism.

Finally, Greta Chapin McGill, whose work exemplifies ideas of black empowerment and social justice, will be showcased in the exhibit to further deepen the diversity of work and celebrate more Black voices in our Maryland community. For more information and updates on gallery hours, visit marylandhall.org/artofactivism.