Did Anyone Go to Artscape Last Weekend? (Baltimore: condos, houses)

[kinkytoes]

I didn't get a chance to go! What were the "columns of light" on Charles street like? How was the music? How was the art? Sigh, I can't believe I missed it. . .

[Summer_G]

It was HOT. I don't know the answers to the other questions because I was so distracted by the sweltering heat. Really. I think that ruined the whole thing for me. I wish they didn't have Artscape in JULY. Ah well, maybe next year will be better?

[barante]

Artscape, without a fail, coincides with some of the hottest weather of the season.
My wife used to have a stall at Artscape for seven years so we have seen it change. I thought the booths on Charles Street, between Pennsylvania Station and Station North, were among the most creative at the fest. That neighborhood is up and coming.

[Woodlands]

It seems inevitable that Artscape will eventually reach North Avenue and Charles. I was surprised that vendors were actually across Howard Street on the State Center site or it was my first time noticing in. I wonder if it will end up expanding futher south along Charles Street towards downtown? What amazing is that the UB Parking lot next to the Light Rail is being redeveloped into the Fitzgerald" development... the other UB parking lot that hosted the Hip Hop music will become a new facility for UB as well at Mt. Royal and Charles. So, many of the open spaces may not be available in the future. These development may present some creative challenges for organizers. I was amazed at how many people traveled up to Baltimore on Amtrak... who by the way, actually promoted their service as a way to get to and from Artscape for travelers up and down the NE Corridor.

[kinkytoes]

WOW it sounds huge. I think it's so cool ppl took the train down! In my single days I used to go on trips to DC and NY to go club-hopping on the train. Well, for work, too. Amtrak is so comfortable and much less hassle than the airport. I always wondered why more ppl didn't take the train. I'm sorry to hear it was so hot, though, but it still sounds awesome. Fitzgerald, huh? Are they condos, houses or apts? That is a fab location.

[BlackDoc]

Joan Jett was amazing! For those of you children of the 80's, she really brought it back with "I Love Rock and Roll" and "I Hate Myself for Loving You"!

[krakenten]

I rather miss Artscape-for years, I lived walking distance, and even later the light rail was very convenient to my home.

[nurider2002]

Was it just me or does it seem that each year there are fewer artists? A few years back I would meet artists from all over the east coast with interesting stuff I hadn't seen before. The last couple of years it seems like the same jewelry, same pottery and same African American themed paintings without much else. Is the extreme heat and humidity keeping non-local artists away? I liked the extension up Charles Street this year and having a band out in front of the Charles Theatre was great, but "carnival" type attractions, e.g., the "freak show" tent, house of mirrors, etc. seemed more geared to a carnival than Art. The music is great. Couldn't really hear Roberta too well but Joan blasted the audience and the jazz was good. Agree with others that September or early October would make all the difference. The sweltering heat and humidity makes you want to get through it and out. Still, I look forward to it each year.

[kharing]

My first Artscape! I went Friday and it was great. (Free lipgloss!!!) Made me happy to be here. Tried going back Saturday and the heat/sun was friggin' ridiculous but the crazy car parade was cool. Jumped on the light rail after finishing the most expensive lemonade ever and ended up at that amazing grocery store called Wegman's.

[rudy_d]

Originally Posted by nurider2002

Was it just me or does it seem that each year there are fewer artists? A few years back I would meet artists from all over the east coast with interesting stuff I hadn't seen before. The last couple of years it seems like the same jewelry, same pottery and same African American themed paintings without much else. Is the extreme heat and humidity keeping non-local artists away?

I don't know about the total number of artists, but I don't think non-locals are being kept away. I've read about complaints from local artists who claim they're being shut out of the festival in favor of new and regional talent.

My biggest complaint wasn't the heat or lack of art--I couldn't believe the price for a beverage this year. If I wanted to pay $6 for a beer I'd go to an O's game. Oh well, I purchased a few anyway and had a good time.