A12 The Afro-American May 30, 2026 - June 5, 2026
Artscape 2026 turns Downtown Baltimore into cultural dreamscape despite rain By Ronald Christian Jr. Special to the AFRO The sky was grey, but the atmosphere was bright and electric. Despite a soggy Saturday, the rain let up a bit on Sunday, and Artscape, America’s largest free outdoor festival, welcomed art and art lovers on May 23 and May 24. For over 40 years, Artscape has served as a means of showcasing the culture of Baltimore’s art community, while also delivering an economic boost for the area. In 2025, Mayor Brandon Scott moved the arts festival from its traditional home in the Mount Royal area to Downtown Baltimore. The event was also moved to Memorial Day weekend. For those with retail therapy in mind, there was a wide variety of vendors selling from arts and crafts to clothing and body care essentials. There was 11-year-old Athena Brown, whose stall showcased Brown Beauty, her line of all-natural beauty products created to inspire Black and Brown girls to discover their inner beauty. Daughter of former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, Nylyn Mosby, also put her art on display as the artist and owner behind NY Mahogany. The festival’s 2026 iteration was a rich and varied showcase of sounds, sights, smells and flavors. Musicians of varied genres graced different stages. Kwaku Payton, of the Drum Love Movement,
Kayenecha Daugherty enjoys a moment at Artscape 2026. Daughtery is founder of Creative Nomads, a nonprofit created to connect, educate, inspire and support local youths and members of the art community.
Digital artist and sculptor Sonny shows off his art.
Street performers Swaggy Fresh (back, left), Jess Raschella, Safiyatou (front, left) and Tracie Jiggets (front, right) entertain festival-goers.
Kobby Aboagye and his son, Kwame Aboagye enjoy the festival. led African drumming circles for attendees. And the War Memorial housed the SCOUT Art Fair, which showcased talent from around the region whose works were rooted in culture, community and authentic expression. Mimes, stilt walkers and street performers walked among the crowds, providing up-close-andpersonal entertainment. Culinary showcases by talented chefs and a variety of food stalls offered a cornucopia of delicious delights to satisfy every diet and taste. All Photos: AFRO Photos / Ronald Christian Jr.
Athena Brown, 11, owner of Brown Beauty, showcases her products.
Knicole Mosby-Taylor (left) and Aniyah Mosby prepare to host a round of bingo for teenage Artscapers.
Tarenzo “Renzi” Davison shows off his balancing act on stilts.
Nylyn Mosby, daughter of former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, showcases her work at Artscape as owner of NY Mahogany. D’Ziyre of Bra1nrot Draws stands before one of her original art pieces.
Ridge Dogget (right), owner and artist behind Ridge Dogget Studios, and his father, Jeremy Dogget.
Kwaku Payton of Drum Love Movement leads a drum circle of all ages.
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