The Creatives behind The Bmore Creatives

Remember our Mount Vernon Wall at Dooby's which features photos from #thebmorecreatives feed in real life? Welp, it’s time for a revamp! 

This round we’ll be featuring YOU, the creatives behind The Bmore Creatives, with our first user submitted portrait series. The gallery highlights some of your favorite local Baltimore creatives, makers, and get sh*t done-ers and we’re giving you a sneak peek of the photos BEFORE the opening party on January 10th.

We asked folks to tag #creativesbehindTBC on their IG posts containing a Baltimore creative whose story inspired them and makes this city brighter. Our goal was to bridge the gap between social media and our big bad beautiful city by sharing the stories behind the folks who call Baltimore home.  Check out the hashtag to see ALL the inspiring creatives who were submitted.

The new gallery opens up Thursday, January 10th and we’re celebrating with a party at Dooby’s from 6 - 9 pm! Dooby’s will be providing happy hour drink specials and free small bites all evening, so what’s not to loose?

Thank you to all who participated by showing off some of the truly inspiring people that live in our community.

Kirstyn Elyse Mad

“This image represents a woman with puissance. A woman that is undeniably black. A woman who does not hold her tongue when It is her turn to speak.”

Model: Kirstyn Elyse Mad

IG: @k.mad

Website: girlwhyusoloud.com

Photographer: Zachary & Nneka

IG: @zacharybxllion & @nnekagigi

Rav Sitaula

“After graduating from University of Texas with a major in Filmmaking/BFA, I moved to Baltimore in early 2017. The goal was to start a video production company with a friend of mine, who was already residing here. The business was a total flop- we couldn't even sustain for over a year. That's when I decided to venture out and try out other platforms such as photography and online/affiliate marketing. Since then, my life has changed! I truly accredit any of my wherever successes I've had since then to this city as this is where I truly learnt how to work hard, hustle and become an entrepreneur in a true sense. Jan Galvan and I collaborated for this shoot to capture the mobile lifestyle I'm living now. It shows how I can be working for myself, whenever & wherever I want which is truly a blessing! Federal Hill park, where this picture was taken happens to be one of the coolest spots in town where dreamers like me can come for inspiration and aim even higher in life.”

Model: Rav Sitaula

IG: @ravwave

Website: www.facebook.com/rav.wave

Photographer: Jan Galvan

IG: @jangalvan

Website: www.jangalvan.com

Chelsea Gregoire

“2018 was a crazy year! Many accolades, like Best Bartender, 49 Under 40, Eater Young Guns, were given to me, but at the same time, it was a difficult year of learning, growing, and remembering who I am. Here’s to 2019, and always keeping a focus on what’s ahead!”

Model: Chelsea Gregoire

IG: @homegirlsays

Photographer: Shandi Chester

IG: @shandi.chester

Website: www.drinkablegenius.com

Armenyl

“I wanted to share the story of one my favorite places through a unique medium: Clothes! So, I created a dress(a first-timer), inspired by the fall foliage in one of my favorite parks in Maryland: Centennial Park. In this photo, I combine my three passions (tourism, fashion & photography) to create an editorial fashion self-portrait at the lake in Centennial Park.”

Model & Photographer: Armenyl

IG: @armenyl

Website: www.armenyl.com

Benjaman Deihl

“I enjoy taking portraits. When I’m feeling creative, and no one is available, I take self portraits. I enjoy incorporating plants and flowers into my photos as well to help them stand out amongst the crowd.”

Model & Photographer: Benjaman Deihl

IG: @sixshotfox

Email: benjaman.deihl@gmail.com

Corynne Ostermann

“Portrait of me with a brand new custom-made bass courtesy of a Baltimore-local lutheiry called Evil Evil Guitars.”

Model: Corynne Ostermann of @naturalvelvet (her band)

IG: @corynneostermann

Website: www.corynneostermann.com & www.naturalvelvetband.com

Photographer: Micah E Wood

IG: @micahewood

Website: www.micahewood.com

SEBASTIAN MARIN

“I took this shot of Charlie and Hilton when we first met at the jungle. Turns out, this was Charlie’s 3 year anniversary of being adopted from BARCS! The whole campaign was shot for a giveaway in partnership with Hilton Carter, The Bmore Creatives, BARCS, and Jungle by The Falls.”

Model: Charlie and Hilton Carter

IG: @hiltoncarter

Website: www.junglebythefalls.com

Photographer: Sebastian Marin

IG: @sebasmarin & @sebasmarin.bw

Eliza Romero

“Eliza Romero, aka Aesthetic Distance -- a blogger, podcast host, pop culture writer, and Filipino American activist -- sitting in Baltimore's Penn Station, waiting for her train to arrive.”

Model: Eliza Romero

IG: @aestheticdistance

Website: www.aestheticdistance.com

Photographer: Justin Kovalsky

Verna Vitalise Severin

“This a portrait of the head janitor Mr.Welch. He works at Harlem Park Elementary.”

Model: Mr. Welch.

Photographer: Verna Severin

IG: @vitalisephotography_community

Website: www.vitalisephotography.com

Katie Venezia

“Birthday portraits to match the her soul: colorful, vibrant and fun.”

Model: Ashley West

IG: @pwrwoman

Website: ashleywest.co

Photographer: Katie Venezia

IG: @katieveephoto

Website: katievee.com

Justin Ashlye Goetz

“I was out to dinner with some friends and family on Veterans Day and noticed this gentleman sitting behind me on a bench outside of the restaurant. I glanced for a minute having no idea what he looked like, but went outside with my camera to say hello anyway. He seemed cautious of me at first, but after talking a little bit about why I like to take pictures of people, he began to open up. His name was, I believe, John! He said he served 12 years in the Navy where he became a junior officer, so I thanked him for his service and asked if I could take his picture. Currently, he travels locally throughout Baltimore and has some people close by that look after him. The conversation lasted no more than 5 minutes, but it remains one of the most meaningful interactions I've had this year.”

Photographer: Justin Ashlye Goetz

IG: @justinashlye

Micah E. Wood

“Cover art for Joy Postell’s album ‘Diaspora’ out now on all streaming platforms!”

PHOTO CREDITS:
Director of Photography: Micah E. Wood
Art Director: Corynne Ostermann
Graphic Designer: Christopher James Chester
Lighting Director: Lauren Castellana
MUA: Angel Jones
Stylist: Erica Bentley
Plants Provided by B Willow
Nails by Astrid Rosero Curet

Model: Joy Postell

IG: @joypostell

Photographer: Micah E. Wood

IG: @micahewood

Website: micahewood.com

Barbara Oliveira

“May The Fourth Be With You. Lauren and Preston love Star Wars, so naturally we had to get in character for their engagement session.”

Models: Lauren Berry and Preston Reeves

IG: @heyits1auren

Website: www.heyitslauren.com

Photographer: Barbara O Photography

IG: @barbaraophotography

Website: http://www.barbaraophotography.com/

Grant Brady

“This beautiful gorgeous photograph was taken of three instax photos during a workshop at the 2018 Instant Photo Society’s #Polocon2017 meeting! I rode-tripped from Kansas City to to Dallas in a Model X Telsa with my two Instagram moms that weekend and ended up winning awards for polaroid photos taken at the Texas state fair! These instax photos were created from a single digital photo spliced up and sent to an instax printer.”

Model & Photographer: Grant Brady

IG: @GrantBrady

Becky Stavely

“Shae and I connected about doing a cannabis shoot, wanting to create something witchy for the autumn season.”

Model: Shae Li

IG: @shae_li

Photographer: Becky Stavely

IG: @ourendlessadventure

Website: www.ourendlessadventure.com

Joe Cardamone

“Bubbles and Cigar. This was taken during Baltimore's Pride Parade and the person in the picture was having a blast walking the street. He turned towards me just as he was laughing about something someone slightly behind him said and he was framed right under some bubbles that were floating around. It was fun, beautiful, and joyous day and this picture captures that feeling for me.”

Photographer: Joe Cardamone

IG: @joecardmonephoto

Website: www.joecardamonephoto.com/gallery

Maura Asteria

“Giulietta is a beautiful soul with an incredible appreciation for Baltimore's creative community. Together we've visited many amazing local places that I've had the privilege to photograph. Places informed by a diversity of experiences, that fuel, and are fueled by imagination and expression. Walking into Cedar and Cotton I felt the warmth of welcome and the thrill of anticipation. Nasira and Raina have created a space that is authentic, inspiring, and evolving. Magic.”

Model: Giulietta Pinna

IG: @limonatacreative

Website: www.limonatacreative.com

Photographer: Maura Asteria

IG: @earthtomaura

Maura Asteria

“Ok, so super technically we weren't supposed to "climb" on the shipping containers. So I can't confirm for sure that this shot isn't just all SPFX. What I can confirm is that exploring new places and making new friends is always a good idea.”

Model: Henry Taylor

IG: @sexyvegancandleboy

Photographer: Maura Asteria

IG: @earthtomaura

Anne Gassaway

“I took this photo in late August of this year. My oldest daughter and I sat out on our back deck, while my youngest daughter took her afternoon nap. My camera was sitting on a kitchen chair in front of us, and I used a remote shutter control, which had just arrived in the mail that week. I wanted to capture those late August vibes of hot humid afternoons, when the boredom and tan lines have reached their peak....when feet are bare, and foreheads are damp with sweat.... and when those woods out back start to resemble a jungle, in sight and sound. I chose this photo out of the bunch because I love the positioning of my daughter's body, and the look she is giving the camera. Getting in front the camera with my daughters is always kind of a crap shoot, but there is also that chance that we will strike gold. I think that this was one of those times.”

Model: Anne Gassaway and 5 yr old daughter Isabel

Photographer: Anne Gassaway

IG: @anne_gassaway

Website: www.annegassawayphotography.com

Chyno

“Working on finding moments of pure joy, I’ve been struggling recently with balancing emotions, obligations and priorities. The importance of finding time for self has become more evident now then ever. Non-matter what your life path, the importance of finding what balances you in the world of over flowing anxiety, heart ache and rocky political climates should take center stage. For me I’ve found what truly works for me: Medical Cannabis & Insight Timer guided meditations. I’ve since stopped taking my anti anxieties & depressants going on a couple months. Now don’t get me wrong something that works for some may not work for others but anything is worth a shot to get off the heavy pharmaceutical drone feels.”

Model: Chyno

IG: @theboywiththebluebeard

Photographer: Matty Tae

IG: @mattytae

Rachel King

“This image is of Erica Bentley, owner of Keeper's Vintage in Mount Vernon. It is part of a year long project for Mother Muse Co, where I have been photographing and interviewing wom*n on their definition of success. This project is all shot on film, my Hasselblad and 120 film. You can find more of this project at mothermuseco.com.”

Model: Erica Bentley, owner of Keeper's Vintage

IG: @keepersvintage

Website: https://www.keepersvintage.com/

Photographer: Rachel V King

IG: @rachelvkingphotography

Website: www.rachelvking.com

G B Robertson

“Shot in complete darkness, the arm movement of Baltimore based percussionist, Jeff Stern, was captured using six flashes (stroboscopic) over the course of a 1-second exposure (f2.2, ISO 160). Here, Stern's uncanny ability to hold his head and torso still while moving his arms in such a dynamic range - presumably from years of drum-related core strengthening - allowed for the clear depiction of his face despite the entire image being the aggregate result of overlapping flashes.”

Model: Jeff Stern

IG: @sternpercussion

Website: sternpercussion.com

Photographer: G B Robertson

IG: @gbrme

Website: gbrobertson.me

Hope C. Seidl

“Standing in the rain, in a skirt fastened with a glorified paper clip and string, in the middle of traffic, dodging cat calls, Rachel and I made magic on a Hampden side street. We were shooting for Brightside Boutique and in this city, a little rain doesn't stop the show! That's part of the magic, rolling with the punches. Feeling the rain on your face. Laughing at ourselves disregarding onlookers for the sake of content. Creative shoot days are by far my favorite days. We get to get out into the community with our fellow creatives, and make actual magic. It's so rewarding to see those 5 minutes of magic translated into such a beautiful image.”

Model: Hope C. Seidl

IG: @hopezillla & @bmore.babes

Website: www.bmorebabes.com

Photographer: Rachel Cooper

IG: @rachellcooperr

Website: www.rachellcooperr.com

ISAIAH WINTERS

“Finally got to create with @thecreativegentleman!”

Model: Oneil Gardner

IG: @thecreativegentleman

Photographer: Isaiah Winters

IG: @isaiahrw

Website: www.isaiahrw.com

Alexa Gaines

“The perfect nook.”

Model: Christen B

IG: @christenbmusic

Photographer: Alexa Gaines

IG: @alexa_gaines

Holiday Heap Vendor Sneak Peek

We’re getting excited because one of our favorite holiday events is coming up soon! If Holiday Heap isn’t on your calendar yet, be sure to pencil in some time on Saturday, December 15th! The Charm City Craft Mafia will be bringing together 50+ amazing artists and makers for their 12th annual craft fair. Just in time to shop handmade and local for all your holiday needs.

To give you a sneak peek of what to expect, here are three artists we are looking forward to checking out:

Lori Thompson of Lori Loves

LORI LOVES combines Lori’s love of sewing and quilting with her love of everything colorful and fun. Lori designs and produces high quality, vibrant, and modern home decor products. Her motto is: "IT'S GOTTA BE BIG, IT'S GOTTA BE BRIGHT, IT'S GOTTA BE BOLD & IT'S GOTTA MAKE YOU FEEL SOMETHING!" That’s something we can get behind. A perfect gift for that one-of-a-kind human in your life, no matter their age.

Website: whatloriloves.com

Instagram: @xoxoloriloves

Tiffany Banks of Wood Antler & Bloom

Wood Antler & Bloom is an American Knitwear company based in Baltimore, MD. Wood Antler & Bloom offers modern, high quality, handmade knitwear. Born out of a desire to present a fresh take on traditional hand knits, Wood Antler & Bloom is a perfect gift for that friend with a classic and romantic style.

Website: woodantlerandbloom.com

Instagram: @woodantlerandbloom

Maria Louise High

Maria Louise High comes from a family of building builders, Singer sew-ers, and garden growers. She knows she has to create something everyday with her hands and we thank her for that. Find her at Holiday Heap to nab her art jewelry and accessories for yourself or a friend.

Website: marialouisehigh.com

Instagram: @marialouisehigh

Want to learn about the other 50+ vendors? Head over to the Holiday Heap website and start planning out your Saturday.

Looking forward to seeing you all at Space 2640 on December 15th. The free and family-friendly event runs from 10AM-5PM.

Art With A Heart #GivingTuesday

Over the last month, we have had the absolute honor and pleasure of touring and getting to learn about some of the Non-Profits and Organizations who are making a difference here in the Greater Baltimore region. With today being #GivingTuesday we wanted to share a little bit more information with you about Art With A Heart, located right here in Baltimore.

There are a ton of activists and leaders here in the city who are seeing gaps in our system, especially when it comes to programs that help our youths find positive ways to overcome different issues. The mission of the team over at Art With A Heart, founded by Randi Pupkin (read her official bio here), is truly inspiring:

Art with a Heart brings interactive visual arts classes into schools, community centers, group homes, shelters, permanent housing facilities, hospitals, and senior housing facilities. Founded in 2000, Art with a Heart has experienced steady growth, from four small classes a week to 11,000 annually, with a proven track record for developing creative initiatives and accessible paths to success for individuals living in Baltimore’s most vulnerable communities.

Art with a Heart provides teachers, assistants, materials, and innovative curriculum to engage our vulnerable neighbors in consistent art programming.

Their classes cover everything from youth homes, all the way to senior housing. Many of us know the healing effects of art and creating something on your own. The empowerment many of these classes bring the communities who would otherwise not have access is huge and definitely felt when you enter their location.

They also have a HeARTwares program that allows them to sell art that was created by participants of HeARTworks, a workforce development program for disconnected youth, and volunteers. Sale proceeds are shared between Art with a Heart and the artist or community partner. This helps them not only expand their programming, but it helps grow the opportunities for other community partners they work with.

There is still time to swing by their Falls Road location and grab some unique gifts for the holiday season, created by locals and for a good cause! They also have their Holiday Party on Sunday, December 2nd from 4PM to 7PM, it’ll be a great time and they will be lighting their new Art With A Heart sign for the first time at 6PM!