The District Court in Baltimore City is set to reveal the artwork of 26 student finalists at the sixth annual Courting Art Baltimore awards reception. This year's event, scheduled for Wednesday, May 19, will be held virtually due to COVID-19 precautions. The contest invited Baltimore high school students to submit two-dimensional art pieces inspired by the theme "Baltimore Rising."
Courting Art Baltimore aims to highlight the artistic talents of high school students from participating schools within Baltimore City Public Schools. The initiative seeks to connect the legal community with local communities and enhance courthouse environments by displaying student artwork.
A total of $21,250 in scholarships will be awarded to the top seven contestants for art programs or post-high school education. The first-place winner will receive a $7,500 scholarship. Additionally, each finalist will get a $50 gift card, and two students will earn spots in the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) Young People’s Studio for weekend art classes.
The virtual celebration allows finalists to join with their families, friends, and art teachers as their work is professionally reproduced for display at the Baltimore City District Court on East North Avenue.
Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera and District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey are among those participating in the event. Administrative Judge Halee F. Weinstein will preside over the contest alongside co-chairs Brian D. Katzenberg and Carrie Williams from the Bar Association of Baltimore City and others involved in supporting arts education.
Students representing three city public schools—Baltimore City College, Baltimore Design School, and Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School—will showcase their creations during this virtual exhibition.