Museum – Baltimore Magazine

The Lemonade Selfie Museum Brings Fresh Fun to Mt. Vernon

Grace Hebron — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 20:59:36 +0000

On a Friday evening in Mt. Vernon, the upbeat sounds of Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross bounce between the walls of 1 East Franklin Street as guests sip glasses of tart lemonade, and novelty pool floats in myriad designs and colors—a popsicle, a diamond ring, a camera, a hot air balloon, and unicorns with multicolored tresses—float above the entrance.

To the right, a lush, green velvet couch waits against a yellow wall, and to the left, a hoisted floor-length mirror sits precisely photo ready. After all, the Lemonade Selfie Museum’s entryway was designed with a purpose. Opened to the public since February, it joins a growing trend of local spaces that were designed to be posted on Instagram, featuring various rooms created for parties, field trips, pop-ups, and, you guessed it—selfies—which can be reserved by the hour on Wednesdays through Sundays.

At a lavishly pink table, we catch up with the museum’s founding owner, Michelle, who is using a pseudonym to protect her privacy, about the inspiration behind the first venue of its kind in Baltimore.

What led you to open a museum?
I went to California and they have some selfie museums that are similar to this one. I remember thinking, “We don’t have anything like that in Baltimore.” I really wanted our museum to have a theme and speak to something more than just taking a picture, so I did a lot of research and went to other museums to make sure that ours was [up to the same standards]. At the Museum of Ice Cream in California, the coolest part about it was the props. We wanted to make sure that we had props that people could actually pick up and utilize. We make sure we have staff to help take pictures. Sometimes guests will stand in our windows and we’ll go outside to take pictures for them. Creativity is really what I want.

How would you describe the Lemonade Selfie Museum’s theme?
The idea was for the Lemonade Selfie Museum to be a museum of affirmations. I had experiences with domestic violence, and putting little sticky notes with affirmations on them in my bathroom, on the window, or my mirror, was always just a way to remind myself that I had everything I needed to move on. I didn’t want to do this for the money. I created this place to be a way to remind myself that I’m always going to have good vibes, I didn’t stop, and I’m still going to be great. And every person who walks in here, they’re going to be great too!

It reminds us of Beyonce’s Lemonade album.
Exactly! She created that album as a self-proclamation, like, “I am Beyonce. Whatever I went through, I made lemons into lemonade.” We wanted to embody the effects that album had and bring them into one space. We have a sign that says, “This Must Be the Place,” meaning any place you are is “the place.” Our mirror in the entryway says “G.O.A.T.,” because we want everybody to feel like they’re the “Greatest of All Time.”

What went into designing every room?
I wanted each room to be its own and everything to be friendly and family oriented. That’s why you see stuff that looks like it’s for kids, but adults can use it too, like the seesaw. We also have a rain installation. Why not have our rain be colorful? And why not have a clear umbrella so we can see how pretty it is? We reached out to different artists in the area; one of them hand-painted our Burberry wall.

How do you decide what music to play?
We always try to make sure our music is PG-13, but we try to mix it up. When people come in with big crowds, we let them choose their own music. The museum is about creativity, and music is a form of art as well.

What’s the most rewarding part of this experience?
Being able to use this platform to reach out to other women. Besides coming in here to feel good, I want them to be able to utilize the space for their own businesses as well. We’ve had people come and ask to use our backdrop for their podcast. We want them to be able to use this space for pop-up [vending.] Why not make it a one-stop shop? A lot of people can’t afford [their own] brick-and-mortar.

What’s next for the museum?
I’m hoping to create an upstairs, too. I definitely see us coming up with multiple locations. I’ve been playing with the idea of music. Maybe recreating old music videos from back in the day, like Missy Elliot’s videos, or recreating the scene of the SZA album cover with the TVs.

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The List: November 2021

Lydia Woolever — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 19:53:52 +0000

11/26-27: THE BRIDGE
It was a long, quiet year with concerts canceled and venues closed across the country in 2020 due to the arrival of COVID-19. Luckily this summer, with the help of vaccinations, live music began to slowly resume, and some of our favorite annual shows are now back on calendars this fall, including Baltimore’s post-Thanksgiving tradition at The 8×10 after a one-year hiatus.

On Friday, November 26, and Saturday, November 27, the Bridge’s annual reunion show—now in its tenth year—returns for two nights of much-needed musical revelry at this fan-favorite Federal Hill concert hall, one of the many local stages that remained dark throughout much of the pandemic. Though officially retired in 2011, the beloved jam band will be celebrating its 20th anniversary of bringing groovy rock and funk tunes to Baltimore, with guitar-toting frontman Cris Jacobs in tow. Expect to bump elbows with the group’s many loyal followers. The 8×10. 8 p.m. $35.

One Drop Design Studio. —Courtesy of The 8x10

11/2: JPEGMAFIA
Brooklyn’s cult-favorite rapper, JPEGMAFIA, is honing his style and amassing fans after performing at Lollapalooza 2021 and opening for Brockhampton, Kenny Beats, Injury Reserve, and more. His latest single “TRUST!” was released at the end of August. Baltimore Soundstage. 8 p.m. $23-44.

11/4: STRAUSS ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA
Conductor Christoph König and pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason both lead a performance of Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto and Richard Strauss’ tone poem, Also sprach Zarathustra. Strauss’ epic composition is featured on the soundtrack of Stanley Kubrick’s film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. 8 p.m. $25-65.

11/4: DJANGO FESTIVAL ALLSTARS
Known for their joie de vivre and jolly sound, Django Festival Allstars are guaranteed to bring joy, happiness, and plenty of infectious smiles to their Baltimore audience. The French musical group is described as the “rave of concert halls” and is lauded for their frequent live performances. Keystone Korner. 7:30 p.m. $30-35.

11/5: YASMIN WILLIAMS W/ AMADOU KOUYATE
Virginia solo guitarist Yasmin Williams is taking over a musical form once dominated by white men and uniquely making it her own. Williams’ artistry earned praise from The New York Times and her second studio album, Urban Driftwood, received positive reviews from journalists and critics. Creative Alliance. 8 p.m. $17-20.

TO 11/6: RANIA MATAR
This Lebanese-American artist explores young womanhood in her new exhibition “She,” focusing on issues concerning personal and collective identity through the photography of female adolescence and womanhood. C. Grimaldis Gallery. Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

TO 11/6: THE 14KARAT CABARET: BALTIMORE… PARIS…THE GUTTER
This exhibition celebrates the history of The14Karat Cabaret, a performance project directed by Baltimore artist Laure Drogoul. The project specifically focuses on experimentation, unconventional techniques, and new art forms. Local, national, and international artists will contribute to this exhibition by presenting photos, posters, performing objects, and video. Maryland Art Place. Tues.-Sat. 12-4 p.m.

11/6: COFFEE, PATISSERIE, AND CLASSICAL MUSIC
Curated by Katherine Needleman, the BSO’s principal oboist, this year’s musical event features a lineup of international musicians who specialize in performing and composing classical music. Through this event, Needleman strives to highlight the importance of diversity within the classical music art form. An die Musik Live! 11 a.m. $10-20.

11/6: ROCK YOUR SOCKS 5K
Wear your wackiest socks and take part in a 5K run to help end homelessness in Baltimore. All proceeds will go towards Health Care for the Homeless, which provides health care and safe housing to children and families in need. Register for either the 5K or mile run as a family or individual. Patterson Park. 8:30-11:30 a.m. $30-40.

—Shutterstock

11/6: AGELESS GRACE: BEYOND CHALLENGES
Calling all dancers! Dance Baltimore hosts its annual celebration of dance with performances highlighting modern, jazz, African, Polynesian, Flamenco, and many more styles. Featured dancers include both professionals and recreational enthusiasts who are all age 40 and over. Get your groove on and be inspired throughout the evening. Creative Alliance. 7 p.m. $19-22.

11/6: THE ART IN EARTH
This family-friendly event encourages children to explore the natural world through hands-on art projects. Activities, which will be led by staff from Port Discovery Children’s Museum at Robinson Nature Center, include creating jewelry from natural objects, creating homemade webs, and more. Robinson Nature Center. Sat. 2:30 p.m. Free-$5.

11/6: OFF THE CUFF: ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Christoph König, performs an additional performance of Richard Strauss’ acclaimed tone poem, Also sprach Zarathustra. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. 7 p.m. $25-65.

11/6-7: WAITRESS
This critically acclaimed musical made its debut on Broadway in April 2016 and is now coming to Baltimore for a fall showcase. Composed by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, Waitress offers a feel-good soundtrack filled with popular dance numbers and tunes. Don’t miss out on a performance that celebrates friendship, motherhood, and pies. Hippodrome Theatre. Times vary. $51-111.

TO 11/7: TRANSLATIONS AND TRANSITIONS / TRADUCCIONES Y TRANSICIONES
In an exploration of Indigenous civilizations of present-day Mexico and Central America, this exhibition incorporates multiple mediums, including one of Mexican-American artist René Treviño’s original paintings. The Walters Art Museum. Wed.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

11/7: ANNUAL FORD LECTURE: HOW TO READ CHINESE PAINTINGS
This in-person and virtual lecture led by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Asian Art chairman Maxwell K. Hearn explores a collection of Chinese artworks spanning from the eighth to the 17th centuries, with special attention paid to artistic style, technique, symbolism, and traditions within the Chinese art form. The Walters Art Museum. 2 p.m.

—COURTESY OF THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM: QIAN XUAN (CHINESE, 1239–1301)

11/7: REJOICE & SING!
Enjoy an uplifting choral spectacle that celebrates two women composers. Special performances include the society’s commission of “This is Our House” by Alysia Lee and an extravaganza featuring organs in the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. Baltimore Choral Arts Society. 3 p.m. $20-40.

—Courtesy of the Baltimore Choral Arts Society

TO 11/12: LOU JOSEPH
Local artist and Institute of Contemporary Art Baltimore founder Lou Joseph presents a solo exhibition of his paintings at Current Space in the Bromo Arts District. Current Space. Fri.-Sat. 1-5 p.m.

11/12: GROWN UP FIELD TRIP: THE INSIDE STORY
Embark on an adults-only field trip that explores the inner workings of the human body and all the science behind it. Participants will activate the five senses and challenge their own bodies with strength and balance activities. An assortment of alcoholic beverages will also be available throughout the night. Maryland Science Center. 7-10 p.m. $30.

11/12-13: 2ND ANNUAL BALTIMORE OLD TIME MUSIC FESTIVAL
Musicians, singers and dancers from across the country will unite in Baltimore for two full days of grand and intimate performances. This year’s Old Time Music Festival also features hands-on workshops, educational conversations, and an energetic square dance on Saturday. Creative Alliance. Times vary. $10-150.

11/12-20: DVORÁK SYMPHONY NO. 8
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Rune Bergmann, performs a collection of folk-focused pieces including Edvard Grieg’s First Suite from Peer Gynt and Dvorák’s Eighth Symphony. BSO musicians will also present solo performances on the oboe, bassoon, violin, and cello. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. 8 p.m. $25-65.

11/13: THE SEA AND THE LIGHT
Drawing inspiration from select artworks and the sea, conductor Gemma New arranges a program filled with compositions from Felix Mendelssohn and Claude Debussy. Additional performances from opera singers vocalize the emotional letters exchanged between painter Georgia O’Keeffe and her husband, photographer Alfred Stieglitz. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. 8 p.m. $35-75.

—Shutterstock

11/13: UNDER ARMOUR SOLE OF THE CITY 10K
This locally loved annual race begins and ends at Harbor Point, with an after party featuring beer and music. Harbor Point. 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $50-85.

11/13-14: BRAVE: ART IN TIMES OF CRISIS
The Full Circle Dance Company presents its 21st season debut, with a diverse mix of dancers speaking to historical inequality, challenges of the pandemic, and resilient communities. Baltimore Theatre Project. Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2:30 p.m. $15- 22.

11/14: MIRÓ QUARTET
This acclaimed string quartet performs works by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caro- line Shaw. Shriver Hall. 5:30 p.m. $44.

11/14-4/3/2022: ALL DUE RESPECT
Multiple unconventional mediums are utilized by four local female artists to showcase the beauty behind individuality and the cycles of life. Baltimore Museum of Art. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

—COURTESY OF THE BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART/LAUREN FRANCES ADAMS

11/19-1/2/21: ZOO LIGHTS
Visit the zoo for its annual festival of lights just in time for the holidays. Maryland Zoo. Fri.-Sun. 5-8 p.m. Free-$26.

11/20: AVAM GALA
This celebratory event salutes the honorable achievements of AVAM’s founder and director, Rebecca Hoffberger, who is slated to retire this year. American Visionary Art Museum. 6 p.m. Prices vary.

11/20-12/24: CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN BALTIMORE
Baltimore’s authentic German Christmas market returns with over 50 local and international vendors. Inner Harbor Baltimore. Mon.-Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free-$5.

11/25-12/19: FIRES IN THE MIRROR
Based on true stories, this riveting tale delves into the tension and resulting violence between Black and Jewish residents of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Baltimore Center Stage. Times & prices vary.

11/27-12/31: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
This annual holiday festival illuminates one Hampden block in holiday cheer. W. 34th St. 6-11 p.m.

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Port Discovery Launches $10.5 Million Campaign to Transform Exhibits

Jess Mayhugh — Tue, 15 May 2018 12:09:00 +0000

Even though it’s called Port Discovery and is just a block from the Inner Harbor, Baltimore’s children’s museum has never had an exhibit about the Port of Baltimore.

That will change in the next two years if directors succeed in raising enough money to complete a $10.5 million renovation that will bring new features to the multi level attraction at 35 Market Place, including a centerpiece exhibit focusing on the port and the activity it brings to the city.

Planned for the middle of the museum, the as-yet unnamed “Port Exhibit” will include a giant interactive sculpture that will look like the prow of a cargo ship that broke through the museum’s east wall. Children will get a chance to climb aboard the SS Port Discovery, role-play as the ship’s captain and crew, and learn how goods come to Baltimore from around the world by way of the port.

Why an exhibit on the port?

“We’re here. We’re in the Fish Market building. It’s part of the city’s history,” said Bryn Parchman, the museum’s president and CEO. “We’re all about learning and exploration. We thought it would be the perfect metaphor for everything that happens here.”

Hundreds of supporters gathered at the museum last week as leaders marked the museum’s 20th anniversary by announcing that they’re entering the final stage of a capital campaign, the first since the museum opened in December of 1998, and presenting a preview of the attractions planned to open starting next year. They also held a moment of silence to honor Baltimore County Executive and gubernatorial candidate Kevin Kamenetz, who died suddenly last Thursday and was an unabashed booster of the museum and the city.

Directors said the museum has already secured $7.5 million during the quiet phase of their “Playing Today, Leading Tomorrow” fund drive, including $1 million from the State of Maryland that was allocated by the General Assembly this spring.
They’re now seeking the remaining $3 million needed to begin the first phase of improvements, starting with last week’s fundraising event and the launch of a website that provides information about the campaign.

“Here at Port Discovery, we believe that every child should have access to a special place where they can stretch their imaginations,” Parchman told the crowd. “Help us to do that.”

Although the museum has made improvements and added exhibits over the years, leaders say, this will be its first comprehensive overhaul since the museum opened inside the city’s former Wholesale Fish Market, which dates from 1906, and is set to provide “immersive” attractions designed to promote play-based learning.

Parchman said the exhibit designs are based on the latest findings from research on how kids learn, surveys of what other children’s museums are doing, and focus group sessions held to determine what subjects Port Discovery should concentrate on.

A key goal for distinguishing Port Discovery from other children’s museums, she said, is to create “authentic” exhibits and experiences that tell visitors stories about Baltimore and Maryland.
The port exhibit fits that goal, she said, because it will give children a way to learn about the port’s role in the region’s economy, while developing math, science, social, and problem-solving skills.

A second major new attraction will be a four-story “SkyClimber” exhibit that will replace the KidWorks climbing structure currently in the center of the museum, but will be on the perimeter of the central space rather than in the middle of it. Framing the cargo ship replica, it’s designed to let kids go on a journey from under water up into the clouds.

Port Discovery was one of the first children’s museums to have a climbing feature, which has been copied by others around the country. Planners say removing the bulky KidWorks apparatus will help open up internal views of the museum that were blocked before because the older climbing structure was so dense.

Museum leaders are aiming to complete their fund drive in time to start construction of those two exhibits in early 2019 and complete them within several months. They say the museum will remain open during construction, but sections may be off limits for periods of time while work is underway.

More attractions and amenities will be introduced over the next several years, including exhibits on space, art, and nature. Parchman said those subjects were identified through the focus groups and other research as areas worth emphasizing in the renovated museum. On the upper level, she said, will be an exhibit on the history of the Fish Market itself and the role it played in city commerce and as an anchor for Market Place.

The architect for the proposed improvements is Cambridge Seven Associates, lead designer of the 1981 Pier 3 building for the National Aquarium in Baltimore and its Australia-themed addition. Roto Studio of Dublin, Ohio, is the exhibit designer and fabricator.

“We wanted to offer experiences that they couldn’t get anyplace else and that also have a Baltimore connection,” she said. “We felt very strongly about providing a sense of place.”

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