BALTIMORE, MD – The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) raised a record-setting $1 million during the spectacular BMA Ball and After Party held on Saturday, November 23, in celebration of the museum’s 110th anniversary. The proceeds raised from this event will help the BMA continue its outstanding artistic and educational programs—such as the Turn Again to the Earth environmental initiative—and expand upon its mission of fostering artistic excellence and social equity for the benefit of communities throughout Baltimore and beyond.
More than 400 guests attended the BMA Ball and another 200 attended the After Party. Guests were greeted by the Twilighters Marching Band on the historic front steps of the museum in the early evening and the Morganettes Dance Team later. Among those who attended were Maryland Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore (honorary co-chairs); former Governor Martin O’Malley and Katie O’Malley; former Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke and Dr. Patricia Schmoke (honorary co-chairs); artists Derrick Adams (BMA Trustee), John Akomfrah, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Jerrell Gibbs, Mark Thomas Gibson, Devin N. Morris, Amy Sherald, SHAN Wallace, John Waters (BMA Trustee), Kennedy Yanko, and Monsieur Zohore; venture capitalist George Petrocheilos (BMA Trustee) and Diamantis Xylas (co-chairs); Amy Elias (BMA Trustee and co-chair) and Richard Pearlstone; and philanthropists Michael Sherman (co-chair), and Betsy Sherman.
Highlights of the evening included the presentation of the inaugural Artists Who Inspire Awards to acclaimed artists John Akomfrah and LaToya Ruby Frazier and the first Changemaker Who Inspires Award to renowned civil rights lawyer and BMA Trustee Sherrilyn Ifill. R&B GRAMMY® winner John Legend (honorary co-chair) participated with a surprise video congratulations to Sherrilyn Ifill and sang Happy Birthday to the BMA. Governor Wes Moore’s lively remarks recounted some of the museum’s significant milestones and recognized the importance of the arts for the state and Baltimore to thrive. After a sumptuous dinner catered by Linwoods, DJ Tanz and the Lethal Ladies kept the energy high and the dance floor full during the After Party, co-chaired by BMA Trustee Darius Graham and Tonya Miller Hall, Senior Advisor of Arts & Culture, Mayor’s Office.
More information: https://artbma.org
