'Baltimore' Mural, a Collaboration Between UB and MICA, Debuts March 4
February 23, 2010
Contact: University Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739
A mural inspired by the recent song "Baltimore" and created by MICA students as part of the University of Baltimore's Baltimore Song Project, will be on display beginning Thursday, March 4 in Baltimore's Penn Station, 1515 N. Charles St. Part of a collaboration between MICA and UB, the unique work of art brings to life the lyrics and themes of the song, written and performed by local musicians Caleb Stine and Saleem Heggins.
Following the mural's installation on Monday, March 1, an official opening and reception will take place on Thursday, March 4 at 2 p.m. It will remain on display at the station through Wednesday, March 31, and during that time it is expected to be seen by thousands of Amtrak and MARC train passengers. On opening day, Stine and Heggins will perform "Baltimore" live in the station. The event is free and open to the public.
Project coordinator Paul Sturm, adjunct professor for UB's undergraduate program in Community Studies and Civic Engagement, conceived of the mural after hearing "Baltimore" on the radio and seeing Stine and Heggins perform it live.
"The song celebrates everyday life in Baltimore," Sturm said. "Its message of hope and faith in our city needs to be conveyed as broadly as possible. Displaying the mural in Penn Station will be a great way to welcome visitors and say 'welcome home' to returning Baltimore residents."
The project's artistic adviser, Christina Ralls, an adjunct professor at MICA and former community artist at UB, worked closely with the student artists in a class called Finding Baltimore taught by MICA faculty member Paula Phillips. The mural, four large panels, depicts Baltimore life in a bold and colorful way.
The mural is part of the Baltimore Song Project, funded by UB's Renaissance Seed Scholar Fund. Other components of the project include presentations by UB students about the song's themes and an original dance piece involving students from the Johns Hopkins University's Peabody Institute that express the song's story through movement. For more information on these projects, contact Sturm at 410.878.0946 or psturm@ubalt.edu.
The University of Baltimore is a member of the University System of Maryland and comprises the School of Law, the Yale Gordon College of Liberal Arts and the Merrick School of Business.