9/19: BETTY COOKE: THE CIRCLE AND THE LINE
At 97 years old, Baltimore native Betty Cooke has left a lasting legacy through her timeless art. Born in Baltimore in 1924, Cooke has become known as a crucial figure in the world of American Modernist studio jewelry, all the while strengthening her local roots as a teacher at the Maryland Institute College of Art and the longtime owner of The Store Ltd. in Cross Keys. In the first major museum retrospective of her work, Cooke’s one-of-a- kind pieces will be on display at the Walters Art Museum from September 19 through January 2. The Circle and the Line is a collection of jewelry, drawings, photography, and design sketches spanning throughout her eight- decade career. Inspired by the natural world, each portrays deeply personal meanings, with her use of different mediums and geometric shapes creating finished products that stand the test of time. —Madelyn Osgood

TO 9/2: WTMD’S VIRTUAL FIRST THURSDAYS
The indie radio station wraps up its monthly First Thursdays concerts with local and national acts performing via Facebook livestream. WTMD. Thurs. 7:30 p.m.

9/2-30: DIRTY THURSDAYS WITH THE DIRTY GRASS PLAYERS
Enjoy the sounds of bluegrass bands every Thursday this month in Federal Hill, with new acts every week hosted by local band The Dirty Grass Players. The 8×10. 7 p.m. $14.

9/2-26: THE SWINDLERS: A TRUE-ISH TALL TALE
Playwright Noah Diaz channels the real-life exploits of his mother and grandfather to inspire the story of Marie, daughter of a notorious con man, who is faced with choosing between her family and the law. Baltimore Center Stage. Times vary. $20-40.

TO 9/3: CHESAPEAKE BAY PADDLE
To bring attention to Chesapeake Bay health, this eight-day paddle along the nation’s largest estuary will raise money for the Oyster Recovery Partnership. Teams and individuals can register to follow some 200 miles of shoreline, from Havre de Grace to Virginia Beach. Locations, times, & prices vary.

9/3-26: EVERY BRILLIANT THING
What makes life worth living? This new play tells the story of a 7-year-old boy holding onto hope while coping with a suicidal mother, with audience participation encouraged. Single Carrot Theater. Times & prices vary. singlecarrot.com.

9/3: BEYONCE VS RIHANNA DANCE PARTY
The Ottobar’s most beloved dance party is back, with DJ Mills and DJ Craig Boarman battling off between each pop icon’s top tracks. Ottobar. 9 p.m. $12.

9/4: UNDER ARMOUR CHARLES STREET 12
Starting at The Shops at Kenilworth, run 12 miles down Baltimore’s historic Charles Street alongside fellow runners to the Under Armour Headquarters in Locust Point. Charm City Run. 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $55-115.

9/4: ZOO BOP
Explore the zoo and dance, too! Baltimore-based Baby Beats and the Grammy-nominated Milkshake band will perform for families in this kid-friendly music festival that includes all-day admission. The Maryland Zoo. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free- $31.

9/4-5: CAPITAL 2021 JAZZ FEST
For two days, the local “jazz festival with soul” is back with live music by big-name acts such as Bell Biv DeVoe, Eric Benet, Sheila E, Shanice, and more. Merriweather Post Pavilion. 122 p.m. $92.50-225.

TO 9/5: THE SECRET LIFE OF EARTH
AVAM’s environmental exhibition dives into the delicate nature of life on Earth and encourages visitors to take care of the planet. American Visionary Art Museum. Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$15.95.

TO 9/6: THE MARYLAND STATE FAIR
Catch the final days of the Maryland State Fair with family fun activities, rides and games, and interactive agriculture exhibits in Baltimore County. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Prices vary.

9/7: MY MORNING JACKET/BRITTANY HOWARD
Hear this cult-followed American alt-rock band, accompanied by Brittany Howard, lead vocalist for the Alabama Shakes. Merriweather Post Pavilion. 7 p.m. $46-96.

9/10: UNFINISHED REVOLUTION
This new exhibit explores how America rose to power and gained independence through early wars and victories, while delving into the effects on Maryland’s economic growth. Maryland Center for History & Culture. Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$9.

9/10-12: CYRUS CHESTNUT & AFFIRMATION
Join this American jazz pianist, composer, and producer for a weekend of soul- filled performances in Harbor East. Keystone Korner Baltimore. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 & 10 p.m., Sun. 5 & 7:30 p.m. $45.

9/11-10/16: SOMETHIN’ TO SAY
Curated by art historian Key Jo Lee, and co-curated by New York artist Felandus Thames, this new exhibition displays the work of 10 Black artists who have a deep connection to “The South.” Galerie Myrtis. Tues.-Sat. 2-6 p.m.

9/11: MERCY RUN TO REMEMBER
Charm City Run is hosting its final Mercy Run to Remember, with a 5K and 11K honoring the heroism and sacrifice of victims, survivors, and rescuers of 9/11. Charm City Run. 8:46-11 a.m. $45-55.

9/11: ITZHAK PERLMAN
World-renowned violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman joins the BSO for its season-opening concert with the sounds of Bach’s second violin concerto, Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet”, and Ravel’s “Boléro”. Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. Prices vary.

9/12-1/9: COLOR AND ILLUSION: THE STILL LIFES OF JUAN GRIS
In the first U.S. exhibition in 35 years dedicated to the Spanish artist, explore the pioneering art of Juan Gris, with more than 40 paintings and collages displaying his pivotal role in the evolution of the Cubist movement. Baltimore Museum of Art. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

9/13: LORD HURON
The L.A.-based indie rock band, known for hits such as “The Night We Met,” will perform along the Inner Harbor for one night only. MECU Pavillion. 8 p.m. $30-225.

9/16: THE AVETT BROTHERS
Watch the O’s play the Yankees, then this post-game show by the Grammy-nominated duo. Tickets include both game and concert. Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Time TBD. $20-85.

9/17: SOCCER MOMMY
Singer-songwriter Sophie Allison, aka Soccer Mommy, is a quickly up-and-coming artist, beloved by fans for her unapologetically candid alt-rock music. Ottobar. 8 p.m. Sold out.

9/17-18: TOY STORY IN CONCERT
Disney’s family-favorite Toy Story comes to the Meyerhoff with a screening of the 1995 lm accompanied by a live score by the BSO. Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 3 p.m. Price TBD.

TO 9/18: MAXINE TAYLOR: BRAMBLE AND BRUSH
This multi-medium Baltimore artist presents abstract and experimental works that explore self-expression and individuality through painting and collaging. Creative Alliance. Sat. 12-5 p.m.

TO 9/18: SUMMER ‘21
In celebration of its 44th summer gallery, C. Grimaldis Gallery displays mixed works by new talent in Baltimore City. C. Grimaldis Gallery. Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 

TO 9/18: KEI ITO: OUR LOOMING GROUND ZERO EXHIBITION
Visual artist Kei Ito explores global threats, traumas, and disasters across time periods in his latest multimedia solo exhibition, inspired by his grandfather’s experiences and survival of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during WWII. Creative Alliance. Sat. 12-5 p.m.

9/18: BLUE WATER BASH 2021
This year’s 14th annual Blue Water Bash features live music, a silent auction, and waterfront views to bene t the Blue Water Baltimore’s environmental efforts to reduce pollution in nearby waterways. Barcocina. 2-5 p.m. $25- 85.

9/18: SEVEN VOICES: A TRIBUTE TO PATSY CLINE
Celebrate Patsy Cline’s legacy and famous country music hits with cover performances from talented DMV artists. Creative Alliance. 8 p.m. $8-25.

9/18: DOPE BODY, TRUT, INFINITY KNIVES & BRAIN ENNALS
Veteran local rock band Dope Body performs its latest post-punk record, Crack A Light, with opening acts Truth Cult, Infinity Knives, and Brain Ennals. Ottobar. 9 p.m. $15.

9/18: KIX
This fan-favorite Hagerstown glam-metal band performs its ’80s-tinged hits downtown. Rams Head Live. 9 p.m. $47.

TO 9/19: STEEL MAGNOLIAS
This Southern classic gets an Everyman treatment as it follows a group of Southern women and their growing friendship. Watch either in person, through September 5, or via streaming through the 19th. Everyman Theatre. Times & prices vary.

9/19: CHARM CITY RUN 20 MILER
Join local athletes for this scenic 20-mile run along the NCR Trail. Charm City Run. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. $55-60.

9/21: FIRE AND SHADOW
Opening September 21, this new permanent exhibition honors Baltimore’s industrial past and how it shaped the city we know today in this exploration of steel-industry heavyweight Bethlehem Steel. Baltimore Museum of Industry. 5:30 p.m.

9/23-26: DELFEST
This family-friendly music festival celebrates the musical prowess of regional bluegrass legend Del McCoury, featuring myriad Americana artists for multiple days of music in a scenic setting in Cumberland. Allegany County Fairgrounds. Times vary. $30-1,850.

9/24: OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL
Willie Nelson is on the road again and bringing some friends along for his annual music festival, such as alt-country stars Sturgill Simpson, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Gov’t Mule. Merriweather Post Pavilion. 4 p.m. $45-199.50.

9/26: 11TH ANNUAL RUN WILD FOR AUTISM
Join local runners at the Maryland Zoo for a day of awareness and fundraising that benefits Pathfinders for Autism, a state-wide organization that supports individuals with autism and their families. Charm City Run. 8:30-11 a.m. $25-40.

TO 10/24: MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
In the woods of Anne Arundel County, travel back in time to the fantastical villages of King Henry VIII’s court during the annual Renaissance Festival. Don your chain mail and animal furs to catch joisting matches, eat massive turkey wings, drink mugs of mead, and more throughout the end of summer. 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis. Sat.-Sun. Times vary. Free-$28.

When the MICA Jewelry Center closed in early 2014, Baltimore jewelry makers were without a location to create and learn.

That is, until the Baltimore Jewelry Center opened its new location at The Centre in 2015. The East North Avenue space, started by teachers and students from MICA’s old center, now serves as the city’s jewelry hub.

Last fall, Baltimore’s own Betty Cooke, Joyce J. Scott, and Shana Kroiz were featured in the inaugural exhibition, “Passing from One Hand.” Program director Shane Prada says opening night saw nearly 250 attendees and many more visited throughout the exhibit’s run. Some who passed through even had old ties with the artists.

“We had a couple people come by who were students of Betty’s when she taught at MICA in the ’50s, which was really special,” Prada says.

The center’s January exhibition, “Co:Operation: Garnish,” features collaborative pieces each made by two different artists of different disciplines and creative processes. Aside from exhibitions, the center features four to six artists’ talks a year and a variety of classes, where novices and old hands alike can learn how to set stones, craft necklaces, create flatware, and more. (Kroiz herself teaches electroforming, anodizing, and soldering classes.) Class lengths vary from a single day to a full 12 weeks. Skilled makers who simply want a convenient space in which to work can rent a bench without being enrolled.

Kroiz hopes that the center will breed change in the way Baltimore views jewelry. And Joyce Scott encourages people to look past the center’s North Avenue address.

“Do not be frightened by the supposed problems that will happen in this neighborhood,” she says. “If you support endeavors like this jewelry center, then this whole area—the entire city—will be able to gain from it.”

Like the playfulness of her creations, there’s an impish, humorous side to jewelry designer extraordinaire Betty Cooke. When she tells you that, in the 1940s, she and a girlfriend hitchhiked from Maine through Nova Scotia and back again with nothing but a rucksack of clothes, a couple of sleeping bags, and a sheath knife, you readily believe it. “But we were [proper] Girl Scouts,” she wants you to know. “We were camping. We’d see girls hitchhike in shorts and skirts, but we didn’t.”

At 90 years old, Cooke remains as vital as her work. It’s been 50 years since she and her husband and business partner, Bill Steinmetz, opened The Store Ltd at the Village of Cross Keys, introducing fuddy-duddy Baltimoreans to contemporary aesthetics. “Sell only great design” is the mantra around the shop and it’s kept the business relevant long after Halston tunics and chintz slipcovers have come and gone.

“They just have a great eye and a sense of what’s good,” says Fred Lazarus, president emeritus of the Maryland Institute College of Art, who admits to purchasing “a ton” of pieces of Cooke’s jewelry for his wife, Jonna, over the years. “The shop is a real statement. Everything in it is so carefully chosen and represents the best in design, whether it’s home wares or clothing or gift items. Really, no retailer stays in business for 50 years anywhere and still has a fresh look to it.”

The same can be said of Cooke’s jewelry. With their geometric gold and silver spheres and tubes, precariously balanced like an Alexander Calder sculpture, there’s a contemporary sensibility to all of her designs, whether she created them 60 years ago or yesterday. Stories abound of jewelry-clad strangers approaching one another to ask, “Is that a Betty Cooke?”

“What my jewelry has in common over the years is that it always looks like I did it,” says Cooke. “It always expresses my approach—simple, clear-cut, architectural. Things have changed style-wise, but there’s something that ties them together. Like any other artist or musician, your voice is your voice, it doesn’t change, but what you do with it does.”

 

“What my jewelry has in common over the years is that it always looks like I  did it.”

 

These days, Cooke relies on a few select craftspeople to help with the work, but she still sketches every idea and creates custom designs for clients regularly. She and Steinmetz are at the store nearly every day of the week and personally pick out most items the shop carries. “She’s just inspirational,” says Vivian Fliegel, long-time manager of the shop’s jewelry section. “She has so much energy. She makes us tired. It’s unbelievable.”

In the 1940s, Cooke was teaching design at the Maryland Institute College of Art—known simply as the Institute at the time—when she met Steinmetz, a World War II vet three years her junior and one of her students. Cooke was creating and selling her jewelry as well as leather goods and Japanese folk art out of a tiny row home on Tyson Street in Mt. Vernon. As an engagement present, a friend gave them a baby Suffolk lamb, on which they bestowed the made-up name Mimsibou and kept in their backyard. It became sort of a mascot for the shop, and while customers loved it, “I’m sure it was illegal to keep livestock in the city,” says Cooke.

The store’s proximity to the posh Betty Patterson bakery, Antique Row, and the Medical Arts Building, with its plethora of doctors and dentists, meant a steady stream of moneyed clientele, including a young aeronautical engineer named Howard Head who, as Cooke recalls, came into the shop one day and announced, “I just rented a garage around the corner and I’m going to make skis!” Head would go on to create the mammoth ski and tennis-racket business that bore his name, and would continue to buy several paintings and pieces of jewelry from Cooke over the years.

Another devout customer was developer Jim Rouse who, over a 20-year span, purchased a custom-designed piece of jewelry for his wife, Patty, for every birthday and anniversary. Each piece featured a numerical reference to the occasion subtlety worked into the design, six pearls on an earring to represent the couple’s sixth anniversary or an abstract 6 and 8 in gold on a necklace for Patty’s 68th birthday.

In 1965, Rouse invited Steinmetz and Cooke to move their shop to his new development along Falls Road. The couple was impressed by Cross Keys’ architecture and its “community concept” that served as an early prototype for Rouse’s development in Columbia. They decided to call their new venture The Store Ltd, simply “because we didn’t know what we wanted to carry,” says Steinmetz, who taught basic design at MICA from 1950 to 1969. (Cooke also continued teaching until the late ’60s.)

They ended up carrying a little bit of everything: Marimekko fabrics, Noguchi paper lamps, even cardboard furniture designed by Frank Gehry. At one point, they sold high-end culinary equipment and held cooking demonstrations on-site. It was a little Museum of Modern Art gift shop in Baltimore—and no one in town had ever seen anything like it.

“Betty and Bill probably have done more to raise the bar on good design and aesthetics than anybody in this town, and the store is a great part of that,” says architect Monk Askew, a former design director for the Rouse Co., who hired Cooke and Steinmetz to create temporary storefronts for Rouse developments. “There’s something for everybody in there—kids, teens, someone who wants something on the cutting edge. It’s a department store in microcosm and it’s been a destination for good design since it opened.”

Cooke and Steinmetz also design interiors. Their work at Eastpoint’s Mischanton’s Restaurant got the attention of Herbert Friedberg of Fair Lanes bowling centers, who hired the couple to design the interiors of more than 50 of his centers. Instead of the drab bowling alley browns and beiges prevalent at the time, Cooke and Steinmetz suggested bright blues and oranges, circular patterns for the carpets, and Herman Miller furniture. “This was at the time of the design revolution,” recalls Cooke. “Everything was exciting and new.”

 

“She’s just inspirational. She has so much energy, she makes us tired. It’s unbelievable.”

 

In the late 1970s, clothing designer Geoffrey Beene hired Cooke to design pieces for his fashion shows in New York and Milan. Cooke was also a two-time winner of what was once the biggest competition for diamond jewelry design in the country, the De Beers Diamond Today Award. There was also a short-lived partnership with the Stieff silver company, which produced a line of gold jewelry that Cooke designed. Her work has been collected by numerous museums around North America, including Minneapolis’ Walker Art Center, where, on another cross-country camping adventure in the 1940s, she knocked on the door carrying a box of her jewelry. A surprised curator requested eight to 10 pieces on the spot and included them in a show—Cooke’s first major recognition.

After all the accolades over the years, the typically modest Cooke seems tickled that people remain so interested in her work. “I didn’t realize in the beginning how these very simple tokens would mean so much to people,” says Cooke, who claims she and Steinmetz have no plans to slow down. “I think it’s very interesting that people have collected it and loved it all these years. Now we see third- and fourth-generation customers coming into the store wearing my jewelry.”

Her success has led to one annoying problem, however: forgeries. Cooke isn’t one to be flattered by imitation. “I don’t think it’s nice to copy anybody’s work at all,” she insists, “and I think it’s a shame. Some people believe it’s fine, but I don’t.” And then she smiles. At 90 years old, Betty Cooke still has a few tricks up her sleeve. “All I can say is, they don’t know what’s coming next.”

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Online Exclusive! More photos of Cooke’s sketches and jewelry designs.