Baltimore Artscape Festival to Present Project Artscape Fashion Weekend

By Ericka Alston Buck
Special for AFRO

As Baltimore's renowned Artscape Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary, the city's fashion community prepares to showcase its finest designs at Project Artscape. This exciting event, led by a team of dedicated individuals including Devin Shacklett and Caprice Ann Jackson, promises to be an immersive celebration of style, innovation and creativity.

Artscape, often hailed as America's largest free arts festival, has been a cornerstone of Baltimore's cultural scene since its founding in 1982. Over the past four decades, it has become a dynamic showcase of visual arts, performing arts and culinary arts, attracting millions of visitors and fostering a sense of community spirit.

Devin Shacklett, Project Artscape program coordinator, shared his perspective on the inspiration behind this unique fashion weekend.

“The Artscape Project was born out of a desire to provide a platform for Baltimore’s historically underrepresented fashion community. As Artscape celebrates its 40th anniversary, they saw an opportunity to highlight the city’s rich fashion heritage and showcase local designers,” he said.

Caprice Ann Jackson of the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, newly named fashion coordinator and host of Project Artscape, highlighted the importance of the event in supporting emerging designers.

“Fashion is an integral part of Baltimore’s artistic tapestry,” she said, “and the Artscape project aims to showcase the diversity of talent within the community. From established designers to emerging creatives, this event celebrates the artistry and innovation of Baltimore's fashion scene.

One of the highlights of Project Artscape Fashion Weekend is the collaboration with the Baltimore Jazz Alliance, which brings live music to the shows. This fusion of fashion and music pays homage to the city's rich cultural heritage and adds an extra touch of excitement to the event.

Attendees can expect diverse programming, including runway shows showcasing collections from 12 Baltimore-based designers, a curated fashion market highlighting sustainable fashion and upcycling initiatives, and engaging panel discussions with industry professionals Of the industry.

Among the creators featured are:

– Earle Bannister, E. Bannister Couture

–Nicole Moan, Moan Inc.

– De Mac-Henry, de Man

– Dr. Marilyn Walker, Afrocentric by Marie Francis Designs

– Abisola Oladeinde, Yel

– Eryn Boggs, iconic license

– Brandi Lewis, Syeko Design House

– Sehar Peerzada, Urban Masala

– Natalie Karyl, Ragdolls Couture

– Kenn Hall, OMRY International

– Evette Monique, Evette Monique Couture

– Iliana Quander, Amparo3

Brandi Lewis, one of the featured designers, expressed her excitement to be a part of the event.

“Syeko Design House is more than just a brand; it's a movement to bring light to the world through art and fashion, she said. She is excited to showcase her work alongside other talented designers and celebrate the creative spirit of Baltimore.

In addition to the fashion festivities, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the Artscape festival as a whole, with its myriad art installations, performances and culinary delights. From the bustling streets of Station North to picturesque Mount Royal Avenue, Artscape transforms Baltimore into a vibrant cultural hub.

Project Artscape Fashion Weekend will take place at The Garage, located at 6 Lafayette Ave., with doors opening at 5 p.m. on Friday and expanded programming throughout Saturday and Sunday. As Baltimore prepares to celebrate 40 years of Artscape, this fashion extravaganza promises to captivate audiences with its creativity, innovation and community spirit. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of Project Artscape Fashion Weekend and participate in the celebration of Baltimore's rich cultural heritage.

Following Project Artscape Fashion Weekend, BOPA will continue to support Baltimore Fashion Week August 12-17, with promotional and programmatic support. During Baltimore Fashion Week, BOPA's fashion department will announce the top three designers from this year's Project Artscape Fashion Weekend, who will showcase their designs at the Project Artscape Finale Show on December 14 at the Walters Art Museum.

Project Artscape is grateful for the support and collaboration of the Project Artscape 2024 evaluators, who played a vital role in the success of the event. Through dedication and vision, Project Artscape continues to elevate Baltimore's fashion community, providing professional development opportunities and fostering creativity and innovation.

The BOPAs Fashion Initiative will continue to make new connections and leverage these partnerships to support and amplify Baltimore's fashion community through expanded programming, special events and professional development opportunities. Stay tuned for updates by following BOPA on social media (@promoandarts). Learn more about BOPA's fashion-focused programming and resources and join them in celebrating the creativity and talent of Baltimore's fashion scene.

As excitement builds for the 40th annual Artscape, the Baltimore Office of Promotion and Arts (BOPA) has announced two headline acts that promise to electrify audiences with their legendary performances.

Grammy-nominated percussionist Sheila E., known as the “Queen of Drums,” will take the stage Saturday, August 3 at 8:45 p.m. on the Mount Royal Station Main Stage. With her breakthrough album “The Glamorous Life” celebrating its 40th anniversary, Sheila E. is set to deliver a captivating performance that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all those in attendance.

Following Sheila E.'s electrifying set, The Original Wailers, featuring Bob Marley & The Wailers lead guitarist Al Anderson, will close the celebration on Sunday, August 4 at 3 p.m. With their iconic reggae sound and legendary status, The Original Wailers promise to bring the spirit of Bob Marley to the heart of Baltimore's art scene.

But the excitement doesn't stop there. BOPA has teased a mystery artist to close out the first night of Artscape 40, promising a very special act to be announced in the coming days. With anticipation building and the stage set for an unforgettable weekend, Artscape 40 is shaping up to be a celebration of Baltimore's vibrant art scene unlike any other.