Strandscape

When I told a fellow actor friend of mine last year that I would was asked to work on play at the new Strand Theater located at 1823 North Charles Street, the block between West Layfayette Street and North Avenue, he gave me a container of mace. A lot has changed in a year... I often walk over to North Avenue after a performance to Joe Squared Pizza or Cyclops Book Store... yes, on North Avenue. Station North is HOT and teaming with talented artists that are making things happen in Baltimore. It seems every week there is a new theater, gallery or cafe popping up in Station North. I feel like I am part of an artistic revolution, right here in Charm City.

I have been told that Artscape is the largest free arts event in the country, and it makes sense that this year this event has expanded, no, exploded into Station North. The rumor a few months ago was that there would be a stage outside of the Strand on Charles Street... how fabulous, and oh, how loud. Having a theatrical performance seemed like a bad idea. I was inspired to have something happen in our space, perhaps an art exhibit. I was further inspired after a photographer friend of mine was bummed to realize the cost of a booth at Artscape was way out of his financial reach. I offered him and a few other photog friends the theater for the weekend, free of charge to display and sell their works. I would coordinate this gallery event, complete with wine and sweets, air-conditioning and a with a clean bathroom. A bit of a reprieve from the steamy Baltimore City Streets. The only caveat for the artists was that they were not allowed to put any nails into out theater walls, they were use their creativity to display their fabulous artwork. They had a free space and the theater was not dark for a weekend, and I had no idea what to expect, since I had never taken on such a project.

The Thursday evening scheduled for load in and set up was under way, and to my disappointment there was no stage outside the Strand on Charles Street, it was one block south next to Everyman Theater. My heart dropped, but I remained silent about my disappointment. My artistic director, Jayme Kilburn put out a press release on the event, we announced the event on Face Book.. all my “friends” were invited, people would stop by... right? My artist friends turned the row house turned theater in to a fabulous art gallery in front of my eyes. I was thrilled for the weekend as I left the theater and drove home to bake many batches of brownies. Since Artscape spawned not only my “Strandscape” event, but also “Northscape” on North Avenue, I knew even though there was no band outside our space, there would be some foot traffic along Charles Street.

The energy of the weekend was amazing in our little block that could of 1800 North Charles Street. I was whisked away by Sherman, the owner of the new barber shop on the corner and was given the tour of his salon and his fabulous photography collection. The new Bohemian Cafe was packed with people indulging in cherry sodas, ice cream and the addictive curry chicken salad. The cafe had comics and musicians performing all weekend. The new ice cream shop across the street in the basement of the Station North Arts Cafe also is selling fabulous hand made jewelry. Within one hour on Saturday I met three musicians that played the ukelele. Where else does this happen, but Smalltimore? Artists and actors and new fans of the Strand filled our space and made me high from their appreciation of our space and exhibit. Most of our artists actually sold some of their fabulous pieces! It was truly a learning experience for all. The artists learned how to sell themselves, and their art. I learned the importance of making new friends in this neighborhood, that I hope remains my home for a very, very long time.

Hurray Station North!!!!! Hurray!!!!!