“The first tag I did was with a marker on the side door of John’s Quality Bakery at Fairmont and Kenwood. I had a red El Marko, and just wrote my name and it wasn’t big and I was nervous and scribbled it on real quick,” recalls Chris Stain. “But then I felt all kinds of things at once and a rush of adrenaline. The first thing I did with spray paint was up the block from where I lived. I had one of those old Testors cans that you use for painting model cars, and I wrote my name on the corner house. In a very juvenile sense, I felt immortal, and this great sense of purpose like I’d arrived at something.”

All of 11 years old, Stain had arrived at his life’s work. In high school, he learned printmaking before shifting his technique toward stenciling. Self-taught, he also moved toward paperwork and public murals, which he’s done all over the world. His efforts have been shouted out in publications from Graffiti World to The New York Times and shown in galleries from Baltimore and New York to Berlin, London, and Amsterdam.

Now 50, with two children, he’s a member of the United Scenic Artists Local 829 in New York. With down time due to the actors’ and writers’ strikes (he’d been making sets for an HBO revival of Pretty Little Liars), he’s currently working on a commissioned proposal for CFG Bank Arena.

Earlier this summer, Stain put a collection of ’80s skateboarding and graffiti images into a limited edition, 4×6-inch photo album project titled Highlandtown Refugee. But his larger, still-in-development plan is a book chronicling the early history of graffiti in Baltimore, which he saw explode firsthand.

Baltimore’s first graffiti artist, according to Stain, was not a style writer in the usual sense, but an older Black worker, reportedly employed by either Bethlehem Steel or the city, who went by BEAU.

“He wrote with marking pens, which steelworkers used to identify pieces of steel, that look like tubes of toothpaste,” Stain says, adding that at least one BEAU tag remains visible. “He was not part of any movement like the teenagers in the late 1970s and early ’80s. Then a guy who went by REVOLT came from Manhattan to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art and he wrote on things that got attention, as did several kids who attended the Baltimore Experimental High School,” which tended to attract independent, creative, and dysfunctional students in equal measure. “One kid’s tag was CUBA. Another wrote DILLINGER. They were all part of the punk scene at a club everyone called The Loft.”

The first time graffiti really hit Stain, he was walking to school at St. Elizabeth’s. In the alley behind the bakery where he grabbed pizza rolls to take for lunch, a massive, colorful tag had suddenly appeared. “I went to class but kept thinking about it. A few days later, on a school building, I saw another big graffiti piece and I thought, ‘What is this? Who did it? Why is it popping up?’”

That summer of 1984, the movie Beat Street, about a break-dancer, a graffiti writer, and a hip-hop DJ in the Bronx, offered an explanation. Just a sixth-grader, Stain realized hip-hop culture had made it to Baltimore because he’d seen older kids trying to break-dance. He remembers leaving the since-demolished Grand Theatre in Highlandtown and racing home to draw graffiti lettering from the movie. “I played soccer. I rode bikes. I skateboarded. Nothing affected me like seeing that artistic expression being done by other kids.”

In his research, Stain, who was arrested at 11, 16, and, yes, 39 for tagging, has found police photographs of local graffiti from that era. Following in the footsteps of Philadelphia, Baltimore eventually launched some mural initiatives as part of its anti-vandalism efforts and Stain later contributed to the city’s acclaimed 2012 Open Walls project (see opening image, which shows Stain on the right with artist Billy Mode).

“It’s not in the public’s best interest to have kids writing graffiti and painting on people’s property. But sociologically there is a reason why kids do the things that they do,” Stain says. “At the heart of it, it’s a need to be heard, to be seen. It can seem perverted because what you’re doing is seen as defacing other people’s property, but it’s also the world we live in and that’s what I’m trying to figure out by putting the book together: how somebody survives with all the madness that’s going on around them.”

When he was growing up, says Stain, whose father got laid off from Western Electric, forcing the family to move, a kid could make more money selling drugs and guns in Patterson Park than some of their parents made.

“Some people turn to alcohol and drugs, some people turn to sports, some people turn to art as a means of survival,” he continues. “I got lucky. I don’t know how else to describe it. I never thought art would be a career. I figured I’d get a construction or blue-collar job and art would just be my hobby, the thing that kept me getting up every day.”

Above: A collection of early ’80s graffiti pieces from PLAD, DILLINGER, and TRASH 1. —Courtesy of Chris Stain.

Social calendars are full this year, and there’s no way we’re showing up to any event without feeling our absolute best—and that includes our skin. Natalie Sams, founder and owner of The Loft, the esthetics and self-care studio with locations in Federal Hill and Brewers Hill, gave us the low-down on how to get our skin clear, tight, and radiant before any event this year. Heads up: If you’ve got a big event this spring, now is the time to book your next facial.

How can we prep our skin at home?
For daily skincare rituals: resurface [exfoliate], hydrate, nourish, repeat. The Loft features a private-label beauty line, Ritual, to promote daily ritualistic skin care with high-quality organic and natural ingredients. Make fruits and veggies your besties. Fruits and veggies will provide key nutrients important for healthy skin, such as vitamins A, C, and E. Avocados, mixed berries, fatty fishes, and “Aura” Marine Collagen elixirs are my top favorites to achieve optimal hydration, overall quality, clarity, and texture of the skin.

When should we see an esthetician for help and what should we ask for?
For the newbie facial guest, we recommend the Gua Sha Glow. This treatment increases blood circulation, reduces bloat, and creates a slimming effect on the face. For the experienced facial guest, we recommend a HydraFacial with Dermaplane. This facial duo is resurfacing and hydrating, ideal for any special occasion or for a monthly maintenance plan for glowing goddess skin. We recommend starting this routine three to six months before a big event for optimal results.

If there’s a last-minute event on the books, how can we get glowing within just a few days?
Hydrate. Increase water intake and decrease or eliminate alcohol intake. I recommend spring water with three to six drops of chlorophyll to detox the liver, boost energy, increase blood flow, and aid in diges- tion and bloating. Juna Chlorophyll drops are sold and offered post-treatment in both Federal and Brewers Hill Loft studios. Also, try contrast therapy. Commit three to four days a week of contrast hot and cold therapy to reduce inflammation, burn calories, detox, boost mood, and improve the tone and texture of the skin. We provide a private room for guests to circulate between the infrared sauna and cold plunge ice baths, with added amenities and sauna experiences such as the “Body Glow Up,” which incorporates a body plane tool and custom oil for any guest looking to level up their glow.

What kind of skin care routine is best on the day of the event?
Products with hyaluronic acid to keep skin cells plump and hydrated are a must, as well as epidermal growth factors (EGF), a gentle growth factor protein that produces collagen and elastin, providing a youthful appearance.

WHAT YOU NEED:

NUTRITION: Take care of your skin from the inside out with fruits, veggies, and plenty of hydration.

ROUTINE: Cycle your skin care regimen with products that exfoliate, hydrate, and nourish the skin.

TREATMENTS: For general detox and whole-body glow, try a trip to the sauna followed by an ice bath.

OPEN

Skincado Expands to Baltimore: One of Washington, DC’s top organic beauty brands has finally made it’s way to Baltimore. Owner Sara D’Amelio began her beauty journey back in 2013 after revolutionizing her beauty routine to include only natural ingredients and training as a holistic esthetician. In 2018, she brought organic beauty to DC with Skincando. This year, she announced her plans to join Baltimore’s beauty scene, exclusively selling her products at Mint & Major.

Brightside Opens New Location: This just in: one of Baltimore’s beloved boutiques is branching out. Brightside Boutique’s humble beginnings as a small shop in Federal Hill is now a nostalgic memory. The boutique then expanded to Fells Point in 2014, Hampden in 2017, Annapolis in 2018, and now, in March 2020, a fifth location will open in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. “Shaw is one of the last neighborhoods in D.C. that has a local, neighborhood feel to it,” says Rachel Cooper, Brightside’s director of operations. “It’s home to so many up-and-coming breweries and restaurants with emerging chefs, craft-cocktail bars, and amazing venues like the 9:30 Club and Howard Theatre. We’re really excited to be a part of it.” Stay tuned for more from Brightside Boutique’s own brand Brightside The Label, as well as upcoming events.

EVENTS

Boxing & Beauty Event @ Knockout Fitness: Need an reason to workout and an excuse to splurge on beauty products? This might be the collaboration you’ve been dreaming of. Knockout Fitness is hosting Boxing & Beauty, an event that offers a one-hour workout followed by an afternoon of all things beauty and style. Shop for spring essentials with Arrow Clothing, experience The Loft’s newest Nanofusion treatment, and even try botox from Belcara Health. And if this isn’t enough, there’s also going to be makeup demos and styling from Manty Makeup and Corbin Salon. Perhaps the best part? It’s the day after Valentine’s day—a perfect way to treat yourself.

Self-Care Sundays @ The Loft: One thing we love about The Loft? There’s always something new going on. This time it’s a can’t miss weekend series: Self-Care Sundays. One the first Sunday of every month, customers can indulge in champagne, light bites, and 20 percent-off all skincare services. Though known for her stellar lash and brow treatments, owner Natalie Sams has been a licensed esthetician for more than 15 years and has introduced some of the hottest skincare treatments out there—including hydrafacials, dermaplaning, and nanofusion. If doing more for yourself is among your New Year’s resolutions, this is your chance.

SHUT

Bishme Announces Move + Gala: It’s a bittersweet goodbye saying farewell to local designer Bishme Cromartie. After watching his designs lead him to the final four of Project Runway to kicking off his label here in Baltimore, it’s with sadness but even greater excitement that Cromartie has announced his relocation to Los Angeles. “I’ve had the pleasure of constructing a lot of magic while working out of my hometown and my work will forever have a piece of Bmore in it,” Cromartie posted onInstagram. As a last hurrah, fans will have a chance to celebrate the designer and say “Bon Voyage” at The Bč Exhibition Gala on February 8.

Chances are, you probably know someone who gets their brows, lashes, facials, or all of the above done at The Loft in Canton. That’s because, over the past four years, owner Natalie Sams and her team have established themselves as the experts in perfectly sculpted brows, sky-high lashes, and flawless skin care. Not only are the services well-executed, but the space—filled with lush greens, modern furniture, and world music—ushers clients into an instant state of relaxation.

And now visiting The Loft just got a lot easier with a second location that opened in Federal Hill in May. “I am so excited to be in Federal Hill and to connect with a new community of people,” says Sams. “There is nothing really like us in this area, so I think it will be a great fit.”

The new location offers all of the same services, including brow design, brow henna, facials, peels, lash lifts and extensions—with a new service called volume lash extensions that splits a regular extension into three for a lightweight feeling that creates a full and feathery look.

With growth still on the horizon for Sams, her plan for maintaining the quality of her service is to use only the best supplies in the industry while still making sure each client feels cared for.

“We are in the human connection industry,” she says. “It’s important for us to be intentional with our services and to customize them for each and every client. We think women should have the freedom to feel confident—whether that means working out, putting on a sexy outfit, or spending a little more time on your eyelashes, we fully support it.”