Courting Art Baltimore is set to host its inaugural art contest reception on May 17, 2016, at the Eastside District Court Building in Baltimore. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., showcasing youth artwork aimed at enhancing courthouse environments and strengthening ties between the legal community and local residents. Attendees will witness the unveiling of student artworks, with top prize winners announced during the reception.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Baltimore Bar Foundation, Inc., and the Bar Association of Baltimore City. It draws inspiration from a similar program in Pennsylvania by the Montgomery Bar Association that highlights senior citizens' art. Judge Halee F. Weinstein of Baltimore City District expressed enthusiasm for engaging younger citizens through this project, stating it provides "a showplace for some terrific artwork" while beautifying courthouses.
Participants in this first contest worked under the theme "We Are Baltimore," with students submitting various two-dimensional artworks. Prizes include scholarships for further education in art programs and gift certificates for art supplies. Selected pieces have been reproduced professionally for display at the courthouse.
Robert D. Anbinder, president of the Bar Association of Baltimore City, remarked on the significance of Courting Art Baltimore: “The ‘Courting Art Baltimore’ program not only helps us expand our mission...it is making an even more important and immediate impact by changing for the better the lives of a great many young artists.”
Key partners supporting this initiative include Baltimore City Community College, Baltimore City Public Schools, and Maryland's District Court in Baltimore City.
The reception will be held in the main lobby of Eastside District Court Building with light refreshments available. Entertainment will be provided by Frederick Douglass High School Jazz Ensemble.
For media inquiries or attendance confirmations, contact should be made with the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at 410-260-1488.