Artist Christina Delgado is collaborating on a summer-long public space intervention with the Johnston Square neighborhood, through the Neighborhood Design Center’s Build Together Summer Design Residency. Delgado is one of three Designers in Residence working in East Baltimore this summer through Build Together, alongside Jaz Erenberg (in residence in East Baltimore Midway), and Courtney Morgan (in residence in Broadway East).
For years, the Johnston Square community has been actively organizing to move their high-priority community projects forward. Recent successes include the renovation of Henrietta Lacks Park, and the creation of the Johnston Square 2020 Vision Plan, led by Mrs. Regina Hammond and the Johnson Square community association Rebuild Johnston Square alongside the Johnson Square Partnership. Creatives have joined the effort, bringing storytelling and community identity elements to fruition in a series of design projects rooted in local history and culture.
Delgado’s partnership with the Johnston Square community includes an effort to beautify and enliven the E Biddle St. bridge located at 300 E Biddle Street. The gateway installation covers both the north and south sides of the bridge with a 200-foot mural design emulating Johnston Square’s new community identity branding, along with 14 vinyl photos on display . This site intervention ‘bridges’ the dividing line between Johnston Square and Midtown, and anticipates a future park and development along E Biddle Street, as part of the Johnston Square 2020 Vision Plan. Delgado, a Baltimore based artist, designer, educator and organizer, intends to “create public art that honors the people that make and have made Johnston Square a place of community”.
In addition to the bridge beautification, a culminating event will bring people together around the community. The Johnston Square Gateway Event will take place October 2, 2020 from 1-4pm, at 400 E. Biddle Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 and will include:
Learn more about the event at: https://tinyurl.com/2p8cfub7
ADDITIONAL PROJECT PARTNERS:
Regina Hammond, Rebuild Johnston Square
Christina Delgado, Neighborhood Design Center Build Together Designer in Residence
G Laster, (Harvard University and Rebuild Metro Intern)
Jenny Guillaume (Rebuild Metro)
Paige Orpin (Mural Artist)
Nicholas Mitchell (Noisy Tenants)
James Boicourt, (Charm City Meadworks)
PRESS RELEASE