April is Month of the Young Child! An expansion of national celebration, Week of the Young Child, this month-long event recognizes the importance of the arts in early childhood education. Join Arts for Learning Maryland, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Port Discovery Children's Museum, and over a dozen other partnering arts and early childhood organizations to participate in engaging, arts-based learning programs all month long! These partner organizations are hosting a Calendar of Events of early childhood programs taking place in Maryland throughout April. Families and caregivers will find a variety of free and low-cost events for children ages birth to six, including storytelling sessions, art activities, and hands-on art projects.
In other exciting news, the Baltimore theater scene is on fire! Ten theater companies are undertaking an unprecedented joint project with the three-year Baltimore August Wilson Celebration producing all ten of the playwright’s American Century Cycle. Wilson did not write the Cycle in chronological order but the celebration will present them as such. From Gem of the Ocean set in 1904 to Radio Golf set in 1990, a different Baltimore company will present a play from this Cycle from 2024 - 2027. The celebration, depicting Black life in the 20th century, begins with Gem of the Ocean opening this week at Arena Players on Friday, April 5. Go to www.bmoreaugustwilson.org to learn more.
Check out this opportunity. The Joshua Johnson Council (JJC) Artist in Residence program is seeking applications to select two (2) artists living and working in Baltimore City for the summer residency. This program is a collaboration between the JJC, the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA), and the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Artists of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Our hearts continue to go out to those affected by the Key Bridge disaster. For those looking for ways to help, The Baltimore Community Foundation has setup the Key Bridge Emergency Fund to provide ongoing support to the recovery and resilience efforts for families, port workers, first responders, small businesses and communities affected by the March 26 tragedy. Additionally, Maryland Nonprofits recently put out an Action Page to share resources or other ways you and your organization can participate in the relief effort.
Here are a few reflections about what the bridge meant to Baltimore: New York Times, Baltimore Fishbowl, Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Banner.
Jeannie
