Try Cajun tuna, learn about origami and watch ethnic African dancers at Taste the Arts tonight at Centerstage.
Taste the Arts is a cultural fundraiser for Young Audiences of Maryland (YAMD), a nonprofit organization that brings the arts to Baltimore?s youth. “Every year, we have a fundraiser specifically to bring arts to the schools, and this year we decided to try a new idea, partnering with local restaurants that complement the cultures that we have on our roster,” YAMD Executive Director Stacie Sanders said. “The response has been so good that we are hoping to have one next year as well.”
Taste the Arts will feature five “destinations” that people can move around in from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Africa, which features Ssuuna, a West African drummer and dancer, will resemble an African marketplace where guests can learn about the culture of the continent. The second exhibit will focus on a city in India, with a classical Indian dancer and storyteller. The New Orleans destination features Almost Recess, an a cappella group; Europe serves mutton and beef pies; and China has a storyteller who also does paper arts.
“The reason we?re having this is not only for fun, but it gives our guests more of an idea of what Young Audiences of Maryland does on a daily basis,” Sanders said.
In addition to the destinations, three awards will be presented to people who have helped bring arts to Maryland?s communities.
The Artist of the Year award will be presented to Eileen Carson Schatz, the artistic director and founder of Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble.
The Visionary School Award will be presented to Dorchester County school Warwick Elementary for their efforts to bring arts into their classrooms.
E. Scott Johnson will be honored with the Nina Wood Collier Arts Champion Award.
Johnson, among other occupations, has served 13 years on the board of directors for YAMD and is the chair of the CityLit Project.
More information
» Taste the Arts with Young Audiences of Maryland at Centerstage, 700 N. Calvert St., Baltimore. 7 p.m. Saturday. For info and tickets, visit www.yamd.org, or call 410-837-7577.
