BALTIMORE, MD.- The talent and diversity of Baltimore’s arts community is on display at the BMA with Baker Artist Awards 2011, a multi-disciplinary exhibition showcasing the winners of the prestigious $25,000 Mary Sawyers Baker Prize. On view September 7 through October 2, the exhibition also features examples of works by the 18 b-grant winners and culminates with a free celebratory Late Night event on October 1 at 7 p.m.

The three Mary Sawyers Baker Prize winners this year are performance artist Audrey Chen, visual artist Gary Kachadourian, and beatboxer/vocal percussionist Shodekeh. Visitors to the BMA can see a room-size installation of Kachadourian’s intricately detailed drawings photocopied and enlarged so that every wall in the gallery—as well as parts of the floor and ceiling—are covered with life-sized bricks, trees, lamp posts, and other everyday objects. Another gallery features new video footage of Chen and Shodekeh. Chen uses her cello, voice, and electronics to create unique sound compositions. Shodekeh emulates various instruments and soundscapes, such as drum sets, turntables, ocean waves, and sleigh bells. Both he and Chen perform solo and collaboratively with musicians, dancers, and visual artists.

The 18 b-grant winners who received $1,000 are: ellen cherry, Copycat Theatre, Jim Dugan, Shaun Flynn, Andrew Liang, Naoko Maeshiba, Bruce Nelson, Mara Neimanis, Nelly’s Echo, Michelle Antoinette Nelson, Hermonie Only, Lynne Parks, Fernando Quijano III, Bashi Rose, Caleb Stine, Justin Sirois, Lily Susskind, and Nolen Strals/Bruce Willen. Works by the visual artists are on display in the exhibition. Visitors can experience examples of the non-visual artists’ works by using a smartphone to scan a Quick Response (QR) code linking you to the artist’s nomination page on bakerartistawards.org or by visiting the website on their personal computer.

Among the b-grant winners, musician ellen cherry was awarded an additional prize of $500 in honor of Semmes G. Walsh, whose 40-plus years of service to the Baker Fund were characterized by integrity, common sense and a commitment to artistic excellence and his love of music. Actor and playwright Bruce Nelson was awarded an additional prize of $500 honoring Nancy Haragan for her decade of creative service to Baltimore’s arts sector. The exhibition is curated by Ann Shafer, Assistant Curator of Prints, Drawings & Photographs. The Baker Artist Awards are directed by the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund with the assistance of the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance. The exhibition is supported by the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund.