
Behind the Build: Making Public Art Happen
Ever wonder how public art initiatives happen? Come hear about the behind-the-scenes expertise, partnerships, and processes that made Baltimore’s ambitious Inviting Light project possible.
JOIN US FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT
-
- Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 2:00 – 6:00pm
- MICA Fred Lazarus IV Center, 131 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201
- AIA 2.0 LU (HSW) and LACES 2.0 PDH (HSW) approved
In partnership with AIA Baltimore, the Neighborhood Design Center is offering this engaging half-day professional development event.
The event will feature indoor presentations and breakout sessions, followed by an outdoor twilight walk to “Hike the Sites” through four Inviting Light installations with on-site interpretation. For more event information and to reserve a ticket, please visit NDC’s website.
Why Attend
Now that the most of the Inviting Light installations are complete, this event will unpack what it really took to bring each artwork to life, and what lessons the design and planning community can carry forward.
From navigating technical hurdles to forging partnerships across sectors, Inviting Light is a unique case study for the design sector to learn about what it takes to produce large scale public art in support of neighborhood revitalization
Symposium Schedule
Plenary: “Exploring Inviting Light and Baltimore’s Cultural Community”
Merrell Hambelton, BMA Director of Public Engagement, in conversation with Derrick Adams, Renowned Visual Artist & Inviting Light Curator
Moderator: Sterling Wilson, Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Panelists:
- Zoë Charlton
- Phaan Howng
- Tony Shore
- Wickerham & Lomax (Daniel Wickerham and Malcolm Lomax)
___________________
Moderator: Lauren Kelly-Washington, Robert W. Deutsch Foundation
- Lee Davis, Maryland Institute College of Art
- Shauntee Daniels, Baltimore National Heritage Area
- Robyn Murphy, Create Baltimore
- Jermaine Jones, Baltimore City Council District 12
___________________
Breakout Session A
“Public Art Processes- From Artist Selection to Site Selection and Concept Development to Permits”
Hear from:
Catherine Borg, Inviting Light
Jack Danna, Central Baltimore Partnership
Obed Gant, Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
___________________
Breakout Session B
“Design, Engineering, Fabrication & Materials: Technical and Collaboration Considerations for Light-Based Public Art”
Hear from:
Jason Neal, J Neal Design
Megan Elcrat, Present Company
____________________
Breakout Session C
“Engagement, Impact and Storytelling: Measuring Success and Centering Community in Public Art”
Hear from:
Jose Ruiz, Maryland Institute College of Art
Maura Dwyer, Neighborhood Design Center
Peter Quinn, Supermade
Amanda Phillips-de Lucas, Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance
_____________________
Twilight Walk
Guided Tour of Inviting Light Installations
____________________
Conclusion
Join us for happy hour at the SHOWROOM at Motor House Baltimore located at 120 W. North Ave!
For more event information and to reserve a ticket, please visit NDC’s website.
