LOCAL ARTISTS
TO WATCH
Murjoni Merriweather
Through stunning three-dimensional portraits and video projects , ceramicist and mixed-media artist Murjoni Merriweather combats racist stereotypes while uplifting the Black body in its natural state . She uses clay and synthetic hair to create hyper-realistic sculptures whose braids , afros , grills and chains challenge European beauty standards .
@ mvrjoni
IME UMOH
Jaz Erenberg
This Afro-Latina muralist paints the city in every color . Ahead of the long-awaited return of Artscape , Erenberg ’ s mural titled “ Portals and Passageways ” transformed a former Station North gas station into a dreamy , large-scale composition that speaks to Baltimore ’ s history and creative culture . Find more of her murals on local restaurants , businesses and schools , including cocktail bar The Royal Blue , urban farm Strength to Love II , and even her own home in Upper Fell ’ s Point .
@ jaz _ erenberg
Juliet Ames
Just when you thought the viral video of Ravens head coach John Harbaugh busting moves in the locker room couldn ’ t get any better , artist Juliet Ames went and put it on a salt box . The box is just one of more than 125 Ames has reimagined since 2020 , with other Baltimore-themed designs including depictions of Natty Boh , Orioles players and the legendary Divine . With snowy weather approaching , you ’ re sure to see one of the bright yellow boxes on street corners as you explore the city !
@ thebrokenplate _ jules ; @ baltimore . saltbox
@ MVRJONI
Webster Phillips III
Phillips comes from a lineage of pioneering photojournalists , including his father , the first Black news photographer for the Baltimore Sun , and his grandfather for the AFRO . To preserve and continue his family ’ s legacy , Phillips is creating a digital archive of his father and grandfather ’ s work , called the I . Henry Photo Project , while working to identify unknown places and persons in the images . View some of the photos on the project ’ s Instagram or check out several prints hung in the lobby of the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel .
@ ihenryphotoproject