Photojournalist Martha Cooper has always been fearless, indefatigable, and intuitive. Now in her 80s, she is best known for her documentation of New York City’s graffiti culture of the 1970s and 1980s and, specifically, the 1984 book she co-authored, Subway Art, which became a foundational text for street art globally.

Twenty years ago, casting about for a project, she came home to Baltimore. She knew the city well. Growing up, she had been influenced by her father, who ran Cooper’s Camera Mart on Harford Road with his brother, and her mother, a Western High School English and journalism teacher. Initially, she considered the rowhouse communities of East Baltimore for her project, partly because she was taken with screen painting. (With degrees in art and anthropology, documenting subgroups has been a lifelong interest.)

Her cousin Sally, however, suggested the neighborhood where their great-grandmother and great-grandfather, rabbi Benjamin Szold, settled after emigrating from Austria-Hungary in the 1850s. In her ancestors’ once-upon-a-time stomping grounds in Southwest Baltimore—aka Sowebo—she found inspiration in children jumping up and down on a discarded mattress and kids kicking around a tin can on the streets of the struggling community.

“I thought, ‘Yeah, right, that’s the kind of place I’m looking for,’” recalls Cooper before a recent showing of some of that work from 2006-2016 at Zella’s Pizzeria on Hollins Street. “I didn’t spend much time looking elsewhere and then I went to this real estate agent who showed me [former City Paper photographer] John Ellsberry’s tiny little rowhouse on South Carrollton Avenue, which he had renovated nicely. I’m like, ‘Great. I’m going to buy this house and I’m going to do this project.’”

She introduced herself and her intentions at the annual Sowebo Arts & Musical Festival by offering free portraits in front of a public mural painted by artist Adam Stab (see above). And soon she began carrying her camera everywhere.

The working-class, ethnically diverse neighborhood surrounding historic Hollins Market has been targeted by real estate speculators for decades. But gentrification has yet to take a firm hold. Cooper notes she never had an incident in her years prowling for pictures, but she did lose money when she resold her home.

Baltimore author and Hollins Market resident Baynard Woods curated the new exhibition at Zella’s, titled “Sowebo Streets,” which also includes neighborhood portraits from an array of local photographers like Shae McCoy, Wendel Patrick, Christian Thomas, Josh Sisk, Myles Michelin, Joshua Kittle, Cheryl Kinion, Jack Radcliffe, Mark Stephen Bugnaski, Patrick Harnett, Bridget Cimino, Dan Van Allen, and Woods.

“I live down the street and get my packages delivered here, everyone does,” Woods says. The exhibition closes April 30. (Hopes to bring the show to this year’s Sowebo Art and Music Festival in late May did not pan out.) “Zella’s owners are great. They’re immigrants. I wanted to do it for the neighborhood.”

It’s a show in a pizzeria and not Paris, which someone else of her stature might dismiss, but not Cooper, adds Woods. “Martha? Right away, she said, ‘Yes.’”

Cooper is also the subject of the 2019 award-winning documentary Martha: A Picture Story, which is available to stream and includes her Sowebo experience and work.

“It was hard to describe immediately, but I what I was getting was pictures of everyday life in the streets,” Cooper says. “Simple things. Card playing. There was graffiti, a skate park, and an arabbers’ stable in the neighborhood, which was always good to photograph. Somebody kept pigeons and pigeon flying has been another interest.

“I also have a bunch of sidewalk pool scenes, one with a big inflatable sliding board in a tight alley,” she adds with a contagious smile. “I mean, I could do a whole zine of sidewalk pools.”

After a 2012 artist residency in South Africa, Cooper paired some Sowebo images with uncannily similar photos taken in the Soweto township, one of the centers of the anti-apartheid movement. The resulting photo essay, “Soweto/Sowebo,” features almost interchangeable images of cookouts, storefronts, children playing, rolling tires down the street, beat-up cars—even vegetables and fruits being sold from horse-drawn carts.

“There is a picture that I never thought was particularly anything, Baltimore kids riding in the back of a pickup truck, and it was in this small show I had in Johannesburg,” Cooper recalls. “And that was the picture people commented on because they were so surprised that white people would ride in the back of a pickup truck.

“To me, it was just two [similar] pictures. But a friend overheard those comments from the groups of Black South Africans standing around and talking about the photos. It was just the similarities of everyday life. But maybe when you put those two photos together, you find something universal. People overcoming their circumstances.”

This article first appeared in our May 2026 issue. If you connected with it, consider becoming a print subscriber. 

EAT

May 26: Momo X Sandlot

Sandlot, 1000 Wills St. 3-7 p.m. Free.

Skip the typical Memorial Day backyard barbecues (sorry, Mom) in favor of this culinary star-studded cookout at Harbor Point’s waterfront oasis. Hit the “beach” and spend Sunday afternoon sampling eats from some of the best grillmasters in the city, including Spike Gjerde of Woodberry Kitchen, Steve Chu of Ekiben, David Thomas of Ida B’s Table, and Carlos Raba of Clavel, as well as special guest Tae Strain of Momofuku CCDC in Washington, D.C. Jam out to live music by local troubadour Caleb Stine and, once the food coma has passed, indulge in sweets from Pure Chocolate by Jinji Fraser and David Alima of The Charmery.

DRINK

May 25-26: Brew at the Zoo

The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl. 1-7 p.m.$24.99-75.99.

We can’t think of a better way to kick off Memorial Day weekend than hanging out with Maryland Zoo’s polar bears and penguins while sipping on local brews. In between unlimited samplings of beers from more than 80 regional breweries, bop along to live music by artists like Ballyhoo! and Amish Outlaws and soak up the suds with eats from dozens of food vendors. Best of all? Every dollar raised goes directly back to the zoo.

SEE

May 25: Baltimore Drag Awards

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $18.

If you thought this year’s Met Gala featured the best campy couture looks around, think again. Follow the trail of glitter and false eyelashes to the Creative Alliance for the annual Baltimore Drag Awards, hosted by powerhouse MCs Brooklyn Heights and Betty O’Hellno who will lead the camp-tastic audience through a cocktail mixer, awards ceremony, and a series of fierce performances. While it’s too late to sit VIP, snag tickets to be in the company of the city’s best drag performers and see if you can spot the standout entertainers featured in our June Pride issue.

HEAR

May 26: Sowebo Arts & Music Festival

1100 Hollins St. 12-8 p.m. Free.

Summer in the city is full of street festivals, but after 36 years this Sowebo arts and music extravaganza continues to stand out among the pack. Held on the streets around Hollins Market, this neighborhood-wide affair boasts three stages of music—with sets by local bands like Deaf Scene and Joe Keyes and the Late Bloomer Band—along with tons of family-friendly activities, including a craft rumble, a petting station with furry friends from Irvine Nature Center, and a puppet performance by Black Cherry Puppet Theater.

DO

May 24: Art After Hours

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 8-11 p.m. $20-25.

When visiting hours end, the real art party begins. To commemorate the final weekend of the Monsters & Myths: Surrealism and War in the 1930s and 1940s exhibition, pack the Baltimore Art Museum to experience sound art, musical performances by artist Hans Berg, Surrealist-inspired games, and pop-up activities through the night. After downing signature cocktails and bites from Gertrude’s Restaurant, take advantage of late-night access to the galleries and spend some time with works by artists like Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso before the exhibition closes on Sunday.

 EAT

May 26: Ice Cream Making With Taharka Bros.

School of Food, 1412 N. Wolfe St. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. $55. 443-708-3789

Even if you’ve never heard of Taharka Bros. ice cream, chances are you’ve sampled it at area restaurants and retailers. The droolworthy flavors (honey graham, anyone?) are currently sold at more than 75 eateries, college campuses, and ice cream shops all over town. Plus, the Clipper Mill-based creamery roves in its hot pink “Change-Maker Mobile” to serve scoops while promoting its mission of supporting Baltimore youth. This weekend, join the Taharka team at School of Food in East Baltimore to learn the ins and outs of ice cream making—starting with a classic base. Just as Taharka dreams up flavors inspired by the local community (including the peppermint “Greenmount Chip” and coffee-flavored “Get Woke”) participants will be tasked with creating unique recipes influenced by their own experiences.

 DRINK

May 25: Old Westminster Winery Can Jam at Sandlot

Sandlot, 1000 Wills St. 5-10:30 p.m. Free.

Old Westminster Winery changed the game last year when it rolled out its canned vino varieties—which are each equivalent to half of a bottle. From the beginning, the team knew that the cans would be a perfect fit for Sandlot, the island oasis at Harbor Point that has a strict no glass policy. As the sun sets over the water this Friday night, head to the beachfront hangout to feel the sand in between your toes and celebrate Old Westminster’s newest seasonal releases including the dry white Vine & Vigor, semi-sweet white Bloom, and vibrant Raw Rosé. Crack open a can and welcome the long weekend in style by dancing to live music from the Timmie Metz Band all night long. 

 SEE 

May 26: Merriweather Movie Night Double Feature

Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia. 5-10:30 p.m. Free. 410-715-5550

There’s nothing quite like a summer night at Merriweather Post Pavilion—with warm breezes, cold beverages, and glimpses of fireflies lighting up Symphony Woods. The venue’s annual summer movie series returns this Saturday night with a special double feature starting at 6 p.m. Bring the kiddos and spread out a blanket on the lush lawn to enjoy a showing of Sing, followed by Dirty Dancing at 8:30 p.m. Another draw is that Merriweather will be offering discounted concessions (think essentials like chicken tenders, fries, soft pretzels, ice cream, and popcorn) and, of course, plenty of adult beverages. 

 HEAR

May 25: Summer Sounds Kickoff With Kelly Bell Band

Belvedere Square, 540 E. Belvedere Ave. 6-9 p.m. Free. 410-464-9773.

For 15 years, locals have made this Friday night gathering at Belvedere Square a summertime ritual. Kicking off the concert’s special anniversary season this weekend is the genre-defying funk, blues, reggae, and rock sounds of local favorite Kelly Bell Band. After the clock strikes five and the long weekend has officially begun, throw a lawn chair over your shoulder and head to the square to enjoy live tunes, snacks from the market’s vendors (including newbies Mason’s Lobster Rolls and Prigel Family Creamery), mingling with friends and neighbors, and all-around good vibes. 

 DO

May 27: 35th Annual SoWeBo Arts & Music Festival

Hollins Market, 1100 Hollins St. 12-8 p.m. Free.

Hundreds of local artists, crafters, and musicians will gather in the heart of Hollins Market this Sunday for the 35th annual SoWeBo Arts & Music Festival—a Memorial Day Weekend tradition that showcases the breadth of Baltimore’s arts scene. Wander around the four-block footprint to peruse handmade wares, outdoor sculpture, kid’s crafts, food trucks, puppet shows, and a non-juried art exhibit with an array of affordable pieces. This year’s jam-packed live music lineup spans three stages. With acts ranging from roots and folk band Skribe to the funk and jazz-inspired Joe Keyes and The Late Bloomer Band, there will be plenty of opportunities to jam out. 

CHEAP DREAMS: I have lived here for about four years, starting out as a tenant. I loved it so much I managed to buy the whole building. This is the closest thing to me living my New York loft fantasy with less zeros in the price tag.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE: We hold the SoWeBo Arts and Music Festival here each year and we have a very active community association. We certainly have our issues, but I’ve found that this neighborhood has the strongest sense of community over any other place I have ever lived.

HEAVY LIFTING: I bought the motorcycle from a place in Staten Island. The original intent was to work on it during the winter and then be able to ride it in the summer. I had five friends help me carry it up the stairs, which was incredibly foolish. Now everyone refuses to ever touch it again so it’s been stuck in my apartment ever since.

LEFT HANGING: My family spends a lot of time in Mexico and my sister brought me back the hammock. All I really need is a palm tree and I’m set.

INTO THE BLUE: The blue sofa is one of the first pieces of furniture I ever bought when I got my first real job. I’ve been carrying it with me ever since. It’s nice to finally now have a space where it fits properly.

ACQUIRED TASTE: It took me quite a while to collect all of my artwork. I lived in Argentina for a while so some of it comes from there. Some of it comes from New York City, but much of it is from Baltimore, which has a lot of very talented artists and a fantastic art scene.

PICTURE PERFECT: My favorite piece is over in the dining area by a New York artist named John Copeland. Space wise, it was made for this apartment.

SHOP LOCAL: There are two local pieces I really love, one by Pablo Machioli, who is originally from South America, and some others by Bat Favitsou Boulandi.

HIDDEN GEM: I have many pieces from Umri Siki, the African art store on the ground floor of this building. It’s run by Robert Williams, who has amazing stuff from places like Congo and Benin.

SHELF LIFE: I knew I needed a bookcase and after thinking about it for over a year and having my books scattered all over the place, I had the metal framework manufactured down in Pigtown. I bought old planks of wood from Second Chance for the shelves and now I have a bookcase. I stained the wood to match the existing wood. What I like about it most is that it looks like it was always there.