MEDIA ALERT
bmerritt@blackheritage.com
410-340-7089  - phone
509-694-4029 – fax
www.blackheritageartshow.com  

The 14th Annual Black Heritage Art Show Hosts
Visual Arts Career Day for Baltimore Students
Area students from Baltimore Public and Private schools
are scheduled to attend
(click here for print version)

Baltimore Convention Center Hall D is the location where hundreds of students and teachers from Baltimore City, County, and Private schools will tour the 14th Annual Black Heritage Art show 10:00 am on Friday, February 6, 2009 free of charge for Visual Arts Career Day. Students can paint, draw, and learn techniques from participating national known artists as well as young aspiring artist Storm Emerson, a Delaney High School student whose unique works of art exhibit great accomplishment and promise.

“The African American visual and performing artists are the unsung recorders of African American History and culture says AAVA Co-founder, Glenda Boone “Their work reflects the essence of life in the African American community, it highlights the culture, religion and struggle.  In order to continue this rich legacy of visual enlightenment we must inspire youthful artists to develop and pursue their heritage in the arts.” The Black Heritage Art Show is sponsoring Visual Arts Career Day as one of the kick off events for area students during the art show weekend.

The Black Heritage Art Show was founded on a shoestring budget in 1995 as a small family business; currently the show is ranked the third largest art show of its kind in the nation. The Black Heritage Art Show is in its 14th season and continues to operate with the total support of the community both participatory and financially. It is also the first show of its kind to give birth to a non profit entity, The African American Visual Arts Association, (AAVAA), an organization that provides scholarships and networking opportunities to youth interested in pursuing a career in the visual arts. To date more than 75 collegiate (10) and presenting arts scholarships have been awarded.

Founders Glenda and Milton Boone are grateful for community feedback and support over the past fourteen years, especially in this difficult economic time. In the future they will focus on expanding the show’s collaborative efforts to include other arts organizations, museums, colleges, universities and the City of Baltimore. “It is my belief that the Black Heritage Art Show can serve as the City of Baltimore’s venue which will allow many organizations to collectively expose and educate diverse audiences to the arts and culture of the African Diaspora” says, Glenda Boone. 

Visit www.blackheritageartshow.com for additional information on the show and Visual Arts Career Day or contact PR Coordinator Belinda Merritt directly 410-340-7089

14th Annual Black Heritage Art Show, the largest celebratory Art event held in the Mid-Atlantic region during Black History month.
General Admission is $8.00, children under 13 admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.
(click here for print version)

WHEN/WHERE: Friday, February 6, 2009 through Sunday, February 8, 2009 at the Baltimore Convention, Center 1 W. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD. 21201

DETAILS:

Friday, February 6th, 11 a.m. Show will officially open to the public. Artist and Craftsman from across the country and of international acclaim will participate, including Stu McClean. Local Personality Randy Dennis will host the Art of Line Dance sponsored E&J Brands at 7p.m. Enjoy complimentary wine courtesy of E & J Gallo Wines while dancing and learning the latest line dances. Participate in the silent art auction; proceeds will benefit the African American Visual Arts Association (AAVA) scholarship fund.

Saturday, February 7th--Show opens at 11:00 a.m. Bilal "The Adventure" will serve as the Master of ceremonies from the main stage. Meet and greet Actress/author, Jasmine Guy and R&B recording artist, Devon Howard. There will be live entertainment and empowering seminars throughout the day until 7p.m. with unique art and crafts available for purchase.

Sunday, February 8th Musical contestants will compete in the Artist Spotlight Competition, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Winner will receive $250.00 plus an opportunity to acquire a recording contract under Genese Musical and Entertainment Group. Stellar Award Gospel artist Isaiah Thomas and Stellar Award nominee Jessica Greene along with local gospel groups will perform on the main stage during the Art of Gospel. Unique art and crafts are available for purchase. 14th Annual Black Heritage Art Show officially closes at 7 p.m.

Interview opportunities are open to the media. Contact Belinda Merritt for interview requests and press credentials. Please note, press must RSVP no later than January 31, 2009 to receive press credentials for The Art of Line Dance.

Visit www.blackheritageartshow.com or call 410-521-0660 for additional information.

Sponsors: Comcast, Genese Music, Noventri, Upscale, Homeview Contractors, E&J Gallo Wines, MD Lottery, and WEAA