BmoreArt News: Wes Moore Inspires Taharka Brothers, Black Restaurant Week, Chaka Khan

This week’s news includes: Taharka Brother’s ‘We Want Moore’ ice cream, Black Restaurant Week returns, Chaka Khan coming to Artscape, Flicks from the Hill returns to AVAM, Baltimore Magazine becomes podcast partners with Rob Lee, VisArts announces new Emerging and Mentoring Curators, 10 hot Baltimore restaurants, a replacement for Cafe Hon, BMA launches a residency program, and help for Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park — with reporting from Baltimore Magazine, Baltimore Fishbowl, Baltimore Brew, and other local and independent news sources.

Header Image: Gov. Wes Moore holds a pint of Taharka Brothers’ “We Want Moore” limited edition ice cream. (Courtesy of the Office of the Governor)

by Matti Gellman

Published July 8 in The Baltimore Banner

Excerpt: A new frozen dessert is soon coming to Taharka Brothers Ice Cream shops. The inspiration? Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.

The politician pitched the idea of a vanilla, Berger cookie dough and peanut butter flavor over social media last month in response to a Ben & Jerry’s post that said Moore “got it right” in his pardoning of more than 175,000 people formerly convicted of cannabis-related offenses. When Moore’s plea went unheard by the ice cream mammoth, though, Taharka Brothers sprung into action.

Over the next month or two, the limited edition “We Want Moore” pint-sized dessert is expected to be available for home delivery and in the company’s four metro-area shops at Cross Street, Lexington and Broadway markets and R. House. It’s all an effort by the young Baltimore brand to establish themselves as a voice for social change.

by De’Andre Young

Published July 6 in The Baltimore Banner

by Aria Brent

Published July 10 in The AFRO

Excerpt: Black Restaurant Week is returning to Washington D.C. and Baltimore for its fifth year July 16-30. The two week event focuses on stimulating the economy of the Black community in Charm City and the District. Each year, Black-owned culinary businesses and professionals who cannot afford marketing campaigns are celebrated and promoted to the public. With a variety of cuisines, businesses and culinary artists being highlighted during the 2024 campaign, the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area is in for a treat.

According to the James Beard Foundation’s 2023 Industry Report, 53 percent of culinary business owners garnered lower profits last year due to the constant rise in food and labor costs. The costly changes have impacted menu prices and profits significantly since 2022.

“Black Restaurant Week is not only making people aware of amazing restaurants, but it is also increasing foot traffic for these businesses,” said Derek Robinson, a managing partner for Black Restaurant Week. “Black Restaurant Week is giving folks a great opportunity to support their own local businesses and try out new spots. We’re super excited to get these businesses more stability and more financial support from their communities.”

by Ed Gunts

Published July 9 in Baltimore Fishbowl

Excerpt: Chaka Khan has joined the lineup for Artscape 2024.

Mayor Brandon Scott announced on Monday that the 10-time Grammy Award winner will be the festival’s headliner on Friday, Aug. 2.

“

, y’all thought we were done with the Artscape lineup? Nope!,” Scott said on Instagram. “The incomparable, legendary @chakakhan will hit the stage on Friday, August 2nd, as she continues to celebrate 50 incredible years of her music!”

AVAM’s Flicks from the Hill Returns!

Press Release :: July 5

The American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) returns with its crowd-pleasing Flicks from the Hill film series on Thursday evenings starting July 11! Community members are invited to bring a blanket to Federal Hill Park, sit beneath the stars, and enjoy free screenings of four all-time favorite movies in AVAM’s Hughes Family Outdoor Theater.

The museum will be open for free from 5-9 PM each evening, plus food trucks and pre-movie activities for the whole family! Cuddle up with your popcorn as iconic films are projected onto a 32-foot screen “held” by Adam Kurtzman’s Giant Golden Hand sculpture on the side of the Jim Rouse Visionary Center. Screenings will begin at sundown (approximately 8:30 PM).

Flicks from the Hill will premiere with Field of Dreams (1989) on July 11, featuring a Free Mosaic Photo Frame Workshop from 7-8:30 PM. The schedule for the remainder of the series and accompanying free workshops is as follows:

Flicks from the Hill is made possible by Wright Constable & Skeen. Special thanks to the family of AVAM’s former board member Patrick Hughes, for providing funding to create the Hughes Family Outdoor Theatre.

For more information visit www.avam.org/flicks.

Published July 8 in Baltimore Magazine

Excerpt: The

team is excited to announce its new partnership with The Truth in This Art, a local podcast hosted by Charm City native Rob Lee that has “bridged arts, culture, and community through authentic, insightful, and curious conversations” for more than 700 episodes (and counting).

On a monthly basis,

editors, contributors, and subjects will sit down with Lee to give listeners an inside look at the making of the stories they’re reading in our latest issue.

Press Release :: July 9

VisArts is pleased to announce our 2024 Mentoring Curator, Mehveş Lelic, and our 2024 Emerging Curator, Jordan Horton.

VisArts’ one-year Emerging Curator Program offers a unique opportunity for an emerging curator to work with an experienced mentoring curator to assist with the presentation of the mentor’s exhibition and to develop and present an exhibition, for which VisArts provides a $10,000 budget with support from the Windgate Foundation.

The emerging and mentoring curator also develop and implement public programs to enhance VisArts’ exhibition experience through social interaction, creative exchange, educational opportunities, and community engagement.

The Emerging Curator Program provides emerging curators with practical, hands-on experience at a community arts organization and supports diverse exhibitions that present a broad spectrum of ideas and curatorial approaches.

“Los Extranjeros,” curated by 2024 Mentoring Curator Mehveş Lelic, will be on view in the Kaplan Gallery from August 23-October 13. An opening celebration will be held September 6, 7-9 p.m.

An exhibition curated by 2024 Emerging Curator Jordan Horton will be on view in the Kaplan Gallery from November 15, 2024-January 19, 2025. […]

Mehveş Lelic is an Istanbul-born artist, curator, and educator based on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. In her work, she ponders modernity and heritage, belonging, and the resulting relationship with the environment.

Lelic’s photographic work has been exhibited internationally in venues such as the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Rotterdam Photo Festival, PhotoNOLA, Filter Photo Chicago, the Ogden Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art Baltimore, Cosmos Arles France, the Photographers’ Gallery Istanbul, and others. Her work has been published in “National Geographic,” “GEO Magazine,” “Ain’t Bad,” “Lenscratch,” “C41,” “Aesthetica,” and “Der Greif.”

Lelic has been awarded the National Geographic Expeditions Council Grant, the City of Chicago Individual Artists’ Award, the Turkish Cultural Foundation Cultural Exchange Fellowship, the Association of Art Museum Curators (AAMC) Conference Fellowship, and the ArtTable Faith Flanagan Fellowship.

She previously served as curator and the head of the Curatorial Department at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, Maryland and has curated and organized over 20 exhibitions, including “Spatial Reckoning: Morandi, Picasso, and Villon” (2023); Laura Letinsky: “No More Than It Should Be” (2023); Marty Two Bulls, Jr.: “Dominion” (2023); “In Praise of Shadows: Jun’ichiro Tanizaki and Modern and Contemporary Works” (2023); “Mary Cassatt: Labor and Leisure” (2023); “Fickle Mirror: Dialogues in Self-Portraiture” (2022); Jackie Milad: “Vestige” (2022); Norma Morgan: “Enchanted World” (2022); “The Movable Image: Video Art by Collis/Donadio, Shala Miller, and Rachel Schmidt” (2022); Hoesy Corona: “Terrestrial Caravan” (2022); and “On Water” (2019).

Lelic is an assistant professor of art and art history and the director of Mosely Gallery at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. She holds an M.F.A. from Bard College and a B.A. from the University of Chicago.

Jordan Horton is a curator and scholar from Newark, New Jersey, whose scholarship largely focuses on the internet as a geographical space, with a special interest in sonic and visual aesthetics, virtual subculture, and the translation of internet-based communication systems into everyday life.

Horton completed a B.A. in art history from DePauw University in 2019 and an M.A. in art history from Williams College/Clark Art Institute in 2023. They previously served as a Mellon Curatorial Fellow at the Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA).

At WCMA, Horton assisted with exhibitions such as “Sweaty Concepts” (2021) and “Remixing the Hall” (ongoing). They have also worked with living artists for shows such as Frantz Zéphirin: “Selected Works” (2022), Beatriz Cortez: “The Portals” (2023), and “Mirrored Interiors: Films by Cecilia Aldarondo” (2023). They recently curated the exhibition “Pick Me Up, Put Me On” at the Bronx River Art Center.

Horton’s curatorial practice is centered around community and accessibility. They believe curation is an act of care for art, artists, and all who encounter it. For this reason, they believe additional exhibition programming and various forms of interpretation are critical for viewers to experience art to the fullest.

by Chris Franzoni

Published July 10 in The Baltimore Banner

Thus summer, Baltimore’s culinary scene is sizzling with a slew of new mouthwatering additions. From the inviting charm of Love, Pomelo in Canton to the cozy, dog-themed delights at Good Boy Bagels in Brewers Hill, there’s something for every palate. Join me on a journey of these recently opened hot spots that are spicing up the city.

2933 O’Donnell St.

Fall head over heels for Baltimore’s latest gem, Love, Pomelo, nestled in the heart of Canton. Dining at this charming aperitivo bar and restaurant is akin to being wrapped in the warmth of a dear friend’s embrace. Savor the watermelon and shishito pepper salad adorned with goat cheese, balsamic, mint and olive oil, or indulge in the exquisite spaghetti al baccalà made with cod, crab, spring onion, bottarga and breadcrumbs. My favorite new addition to the Baltimore dining scene, it’s a love letter to your taste buds, sealed with culinary affection.

2219 Maryland Ave.

Say “yebo” (Zulu for “yes”) to one of Baltimore’s hottest new neighborhood gems, Yebo Kitchen in Old Goucher. Helmed by “Chopped” champ chef Sammy Davis, this culinary oasis spices up American classics with a Southern twist. Experience a delightful fusion of Eastern and Western influences, with dishes from Chinese ribs and lobster mac to island wings and crab and shrimp fried rice, all crafted with the freshest ingredients. With a cozy indoors, chic bar and breezy outdoor spaces, it’s a flavor-packed experience you should add to the top of your list.

10480 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia

Ready to vacation and chill? Chef Chad Gauss’ new outdoor dining concept is the perfect pre-concert spot near Merriweather Post Pavilion. This al fresco cousin to The Food Market Columbia offers delicious bites like a brick-pressed cheeseburger and pork ribs. Pro tips: Don’t miss the shrimp macaroni salad, and get there early — it’s first come, first served. Your taste buds will thank you for this mini staycation.

834 S. Conkling St.

Say hello to Good Boy Bagels, a breakfast experience worth barking about. Nestled in Brewers Hill, this dog-themed coffee and bagel shop is a haven for doughy delight enthusiasts. With the finest ingredients and a warm atmosphere reminiscent of your grandmother’s living room, every bagel is a handcrafted masterpiece. And for local pit beef enthusiasts, don’t miss the 40 Gold, which includes house pit beef, fried eggs, onion and cheddar horseradish cream cheese all on a bagel of your choice.

914 W. 36th St.

Introducing your new go-to café, Catalog Coffee, a bright, airy café perfect for remote work and tantalizing bites on the Avenue in Hampden. With a garage door that rolls up in warm weather, it’s a sunny spot to enjoy breakfast and lunch sammies, coffee, espresso, matcha and iced coffee on draft. My favorite? “What The Kitchen Eats” — a flavorful sandwich made with a paprika fried egg, turkey sausage, cheddar, caramelized onions, baby spinach, Cholula and spicy cito sauce.

300 S. High St.

Benny’s has burst onto the Little Italy scene, marking a triumphant return for owner Joseph Gardella after he closed Joe Benny’s last year. Now serving “southern Italian cuisine with attitude,” Benny’s still offers the best meatballs on the block. Infamously known as “sloppy balls,” these meaty delights are made with beef and pork, smothered in tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella, and served atop polenta. With an upgraded menu, including dishes like agnolotti pomodoro and a 16-ounce ribeye served with Calabrian potatoes, Benny’s is back with a vengeance. (And don’t worry, they still have a selection of their unique focaccia-style pizzas.)

1724 Whetstone Way

CHX is clucking up a storm in Locust Point, taking over the old Fat Patties spot in McHenry Row. This family-oriented, fast-casual joint is all about signature chicken tenders, crinkle fries, homemade lemonade and root beer floats. Founded by Shawn Edwards and Frederick Huballa, who started their tasty journey in Minneapolis, CHX promises a finger-lickin’ good time. And don’t miss the honey buttermilk biscuits, which are worth a stop on their own.

10 Village Square Suite 10

Cece’s in Roland Park is Baltimore’s latest dining gem that masterfully blends sophistication and comfort. With Michelin-starred chef Nick Sharpe behind the scenes, Cece’s delights with an innovative continental European menu with coastal influences. A must-order dish? The Amish chicken for two, served with asparagus, chanterelles, chicken jus and pecorino. And don’t miss the beautifully landscaped open-air courtyard for al fresco dining. For a more relaxed vibe, Cece’s Kitchen next door serves up housemade pastas and pizzas in a casual family setting.

2460 Terrapin Way

Little Wing has landed in the Baltimore Peninsula, bringing a chic, modern touch to the local beverage scene. This independent coffee shop and general store offers a full coffee bar, housemade pastries, produce, spirits, toiletries, dry goods, home goods from local makers and delightful sundries at every turn.

838 E. Fort Ave.

Kneads Bakeshop has popped up in Locust Point, filling The Local Oyster’s old digs. This Harbor East favorite now offers its scrumptious donuts, croissant breakfast sandwiches and avocado toast in South Baltimore in a space with plenty of natural light to snap those perfect food pics. Whether you sip on your morning coffee or tea, dine in, grab and go or work remotely, your mornings just got a whole lot sweeter.

Chris Franzoni is a Baltimore native, food fanatic, blogger, and “Eater-in-Chief” of @EatMoreBeMore, which he started nine years ago with two goals — eating his way through the city and shining a positive light on the Baltimore-area restaurant and hospitality scene.

This story was republished with permission from The Baltimore Banner. Visit www.thebaltimorebanner.com for more.

by Ed Gunts

Published July 10 in Baltimore Fishbowl

Excerpt: More than two years after Cafe Hon closed on The Avenue in Hampden, there are signs that a new restaurant may be close to taking its place.

The Baltimore Liquor Board recently posted a notice in the front window of 1000 W. 36th Street, where Cafe Hon operated for 30 years, saying that the board has received an application for a new restaurant license and will hold a public hearing in City Hall sometime “on or after” July 4.

The notice states that the applicant, John Anthony Foreman of PubCo LLC, is seeking a Class “B” Beer, Wine and Liquor license and requesting to provide live entertainment and outdoor table service. A trade name for the new business is pending, the notice states.

Press Release :: July 8

The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) announced today the formation of the Sherman Family Foundation Residency. The program is established through a generous financial gift from the Sherman Family Foundation and in collaboration with philanthropists Betsy Sherman and her son Michael Sherman, who currently sits on the BMA’s Board of Trustees. The Sherman Family Foundation Residency will, each summer, provide one artist with studio space and financial support to complete ongoing projects, create new work, or simply explore and consider ideas within their practice. As part of the residency, the participating artist will also have the opportunity to connect with BMA leadership for professional development and to discuss an acquisition of their work. The creation of the residency marks a critical milestone in the BMA’s vision under the leadership of Asma Naeem, the museum’s Dorothy Wagner Wallis Director, to enhance its support for and position artists at the core of its work.

The residency will formally launch on July 8, 2024, with artist Kenturah Davis, who is based between Los Angeles and Accra, Ghana. In her multifaceted practice, which includes drawing, textiles, sculpture, and performance, Davis examines the fundamental role that language plays in how we understand ourselves and the world in which we exist. She draws inspiration from aspects of portraiture and design to connect with the dynamics of identity. Among her numerous exhibitions and awards, Davis was an inaugural artist fellow at NXTHVN in New Haven and created work that is permanently installed on the new Crenshaw/LAX rail line in Los Angeles. She holds a BA from Occidental College and MFA from the Yale University School of Art.

“We are immensely grateful for Betsy and Michael Sherman’s generosity, vision, and dedication to both supporting artists and our institution,” said Naeem. “As we consider the future of the BMA, we are committed to exploring and experimenting with new ways to uplift the essential work of artists and to expanding the possibilities of the museum within the arts ecosystem. Museums have long been places that collect and present the works of artists. We now have an opportunity to be more active partners, developing robust relationships through time. The BMA is thrilled to advance this approach with the creation of the Sherman Family Foundation Residency, and we look forward to collaborating with our inaugural resident Kenturah Davis and Betsy and Michael Sherman.” […]

by Timothy B. Wheeler

Published July 5 in Baltimore Brew

Excerpt: Leakin Park is a green oasis in the urban landscape of western Baltimore. Established more than 100 years ago to protect Gwynns Falls, a Patapsco River tributary, the park has managed to survive largely intact as the city grew around it.

Park advocates defeated a plan hatched in the 1960s to build a freeway through it, and citizens fought more recently, with less success, to limit the loss of forest from a BGE gas pipeline and stream restoration projects.

Despite the recent setbacks, Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park is still a vibrant wilderness where visitors are likely to see a fox crossing the road and birders may spot dozens of species on a spring morning.

Many neighboring residents still fondly recall hiking, bicycling and picnicking there, but others say its appeal has declined because of its physical condition and concerns for safety.

In a slightly different form, this story was first published in the Bay Journal.