The University maintains a vibrant appreciation for the arts through programs, exhibitions, museums, the annual “1807” journal, and other initiatives.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) comprises six professional schools and the interdisciplinary School of Graduate Studies, collectively awarding the majority of Maryland's health care, human services, and law degrees annually. Beyond academics, UMB is a vibrant community rich in diverse talents, including a strong appreciation for the arts.
This appreciation has blossomed over the past 10 years with the creation of the Council for the Arts & Culture and the leadership of UMB’s previous president, Jay A. Perman, MD, and current leader, Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, an accomplished blacksmith whose metalworks are displayed at the SMC Campus Center and elsewhere on campus.
While the University does not offer formal classes or art degrees, the artistic interests of its community are extensive, with art playing a significant role in campus life and community engagement.
Public Art and Installations
In October 2018, UMB unveiled “Stochastic Interactions,” a 30-foot-tall sculpture by artist Eric Peltzer that is situated between Health Sciences Research Facility III and the School of Dentistry. The sculpture’s interaction with the wind symbolizes the randomness inherent in genetics. At the unveiling, then-President Perman said, “The random nature of the wind interacting with the sculpture is meant to suggest the randomness at work on our genetics. It’s a gorgeous piece.”
In February 2023, UMB introduced Presidents Hall on the second floor of the SMC Campus Center, outside the Elm Ballrooms. This space showcases portraits of UMB’s past two presidents, Perman and the late David Ramsay, DM, DPhil. The unveiling ceremony celebrated the leadership and impact of Perman, now the chancellor of the University System of Maryland.
Museums, Historic Spaces, and Galleries
UMB is home to notable museums, historic sites, and art galleries including:
- Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry: The Smithsonian affiliate was designated by Congress as the official museum of dentistry in the United States.
- Davidge Hall: The founding building of UMB and the University System of Maryland is rich in history and architecture and recently underwent a major renovation.
- Westminster Hall and Burying Ground: Famously known as the burial place of poet Edgar Allan Poe, this also is the gravesite of many other notable individuals.
- School of Nursing Living History Museum: Maryland’s only museum dedicated to nursing showcases the profession’s evolution and impact.
- The Frieda O. Weise Gallery: Located on the first floor of UMB’s Health Sciences and Human Services Library, the gallery has showcased local and national artists since 2003, featuring diverse mediums such as photography, paintings, sculptures, and traveling exhibits. With 1,700 square feet of open space, 93 linear feet of display area, and a professional hanging system, the gallery accommodates large-scale and three-dimensional works, while its floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light and visibility to the public.
Council for the Arts & Culture
Established in 2015, the UMB Council for the Arts & Culture is composed of faculty, staff, students, and community members appointed by the UMB president. Its mission is to promote the rich history of the institution and surrounding neighborhoods, celebrate the creative talents of the University community, and raise awareness of the links between the arts and sciences.
The council sponsors and coordinates numerous opportunities and initiatives, including:
- 1807: An Art & Literary Journal: The annual publication features works by faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members that include paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and poetry.
- Public Art: UMB sponsors works such as “Stochastic Interactions” to enrich campus aesthetics.
- Galleries: The University hosts exhibitions in spaces such as the Frieda O. Weise Gallery and SMC Campus Center.
- Artscapes: UMB has created outdoor areas such as the Pearl and Arch Street galleries to showcase diverse artworks from 1807.
- Theater Discounts: The council partners with local theaters, including the Hippodrome Theatre, Everyman Theatre, and Baltimore Center Stage, to offer discounted tickets to faculty, staff, and students.
- Mural Projects: To facilitate neighborhood beautification, UMB commissions murals to be painted on K-12 partner school buildings.
- Community Festivals: The University organizes or collaborates on events such as the Neighborhood Spring Festival to engage and celebrate with the local community.
Artistic Engagement Opportunities
UMB offers avenues for other artistic expression and appreciation:
- UMB’s Got Talent: This annual event held in late winter or early spring encourages faculty, staff, and students to showcase their performance skills for a chance to win prizes and recognition.
- Community Engagement Center: Located at 16 S. Poppleton St., the center offers free classes in its makerspace and provides community members with the opportunity to use 3D printers, vinyl cutters, fabrication machines, laser cutters, robots, and other state-of-the-art technology.
Staying Informed
To stay updated on art-centric events and opportunities:
- The Elm: Read The Elm Weekly newsletter on Mondays and regularly check The Elm website for news and updates on artistic happenings around the University.
- The Elm Calendar: Consult The Elm Calendar for a list of upcoming events and activities.
- UMB Website: Visit the Human Resource Services’ Employee Discounts webpage for information on discounts to local theaters and other cultural engagements.
UMB’s commitment to integrating art into its community enriches the campus experience, fosters creativity, and strengthens connections within the University and with the surrounding neighborhoods.
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Submissions are currently being accepted through April 6, 2025, for various art forms and poetry for the seventh issue of 1807: UMB’s Art & Literary Journal. Submission does not guarantee publication. To review the rules, guidelines, and submission portal, click here.