Brion McCarthy, a photographer who lives in Tuxedo Park, turns his eye to the Community Mosaic Wall Project by Southern High School students and residents from the Maryland Department of Juvenile Service’s William Donald Schaefer House and Baltimore Resident Center.
Why do you love this piece?
“It’s a sparkling beacon of the American Visionary Art Museum’s passion. And it’s a testament to the power of creativity of the kids going through the Department of Justice programs. During this project, they discover a sense of self-actualization and that they can create and contribute to something great. They’re taking broken pieces and making it into something beautiful and whole. It’s a very powerful message for the city. These kids and AVAM put energy and a sense of community into a city that really needs it.”
When did you first see it?
“I first spotted it nine years ago when I came to Baltimore from Tucson, [Ariz.,] an arts hub. … I was thinking, ‘Where are the arts here? Where’s the edge?’ At that time, the American Visionary Arts Museum was the only placed that looked like it was in touch with artists. I took note of it and was very grateful that it existed. I didn’t just live in a world of the Walters [Art Museum,] not to knock the Walters. A lot of the art that happens at the AVAM would never end up in a Walters or Peabody-type [venue], but it deserves a place.
Details: The Community Mosaic Wall Project, attached to the American Visionary Art Museum’s facade, is up indefinitely. The museum is at 800 Key Highway, Baltimore. For hours and information on the museum’s current exhibit, visit avam.org
