Media Contacts:
Anne Mannix-Brown
Jessica Novak
Sarah Pedroni
443-573-1870
THE BMA HOSTS FREE ACTIVITIES IN CONJUNCTION WITH INAUGURATION
ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 20
BALTIMORE, MD (January 17, 2017)—The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) will be hosting a day of free art
activities held in conjunction with the Presidential Inauguration on Friday, January 20, 2017.
“Museums are civic spaces where people and ideas come together,” said BMA Dorothy Wagner Wallis Director
Christopher Bedford. “We want everyone to know the BMA is a safe haven for the city during a time of change
and that art offers many opportunities for contemplation.”
Throughout the day, visitors will be able to participate in gallery talks about key works of art and join in readings
of the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and other founding documents. The BMA will also offer
mobile-device self-guided meditations with artworks and provide information on how to contact your political
representatives.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
10 A.M. to 5 P.M.
 Take a guided meditation with BMA Go Mobile on your smartphone.
 Which artworks evoke freedom to you? Vote in the galleries.
11 A.M. to NOON
 Hear readings of the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and other founding documents
by local poets. Audience participation welcome.
NOON to 4 P.M.
 De-stress with aromatherapy by Priya Means Love.
 Snack on comfort foods (available until 3 p.m.).
1-3 P.M.
 Hear from BMA docents and educators on art and politics in the BMA’s collection. Tours begin at
1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
2 to 4 P.M.
 Learn who your representatives are and write to them if you like. Postage is on us.
 Art-making in the BMA Studio
—more—
THE BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART
The Baltimore Museum of Art is home to an internationally renowned collection of 19th-century, modern, and
contemporary art. Founded in 1914 with a single painting, the BMA today has 95,000 objects—including the
largest public holding of works by Henri Matisse. Throughout the museum, visitors will find an outstanding
selection of American and European painting, sculpture, and decorative arts; works by established and emerging
contemporary artists; significant artworks from China; stunning Antioch mosaics; and an exceptional collection
of art from Africa. The BMA’s galleries also showcase examples from one of the nation’s finest collections of
prints, drawings, and photographs and exquisite textiles from around the world. The 210,000-square-foot
museum is distinguished by a grand historic building designed in the 1920s by renowned American architect
John Russell Pope and two beautifully landscaped sculpture gardens. As a major cultural destination for the
region, the BMA hosts a dynamic program of exhibitions, events, and educational programs throughout the
year. General admission to the BMA is free so that everyone can enjoy the power of art.
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