Programs & Events Calendar

Membership

Join AVAM's Fan Club Today!

Join AVAM's Fan Club Today

Did you know AVAM Members get FREE museum admission for the entire year, plus discount on our fabulous workshops & classes, exclusive FREE admission to our annual exhibition Preview Party, big discounts at our museum shop Sideshow & restaurant Mr. Rain's Funhouse & so much more!

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Current Exhibition

THE ART OF STORYTELLING

October 6, 2012 – September 1, 2013

From scripture to fairy tale, cartoons to cyberbullying, the raw power of stories to inspire and enchant, spread lies or to inform, simply has no equal. THE ART OF STORYTELLING: Lies, Enchantment, Humor & Truth is the American Visionary Art Museum's brand-new, supremely original exhibition featuring embroidery, diorama, sculpture, film, graffiti, and PostSecret confession—promoting all manner of acute 'visual listening' and delight for the whole family.

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All Events

MOSAICS with Rick Shelley
Saturday June 8 • 10am–4pm $100, $75 Members

A One-Day MOSAIC WORKSHOP with Rick Shelley! Come and learn the ancient art of mosaic. You will get a chance to learn about a variety of techniques and walk away with your own finished piece of art.

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Summer Solstice Sun Salutation Celebration
Friday, June 21 • 6:30am–7:30am FREE! Bring your own yoga mat or towel

By the dawn's early light, in celebration of Charm City as the birthplace of our National Anthem, join with thousands around the world to welcome Earth's longest day–the Summer Solstice–by performing the classic yoga movement of grace, the Sun Salutation. On the morning of Friday, June 21, yoga practitioners and novices alike will congregate on the eastern slopes of Federal Hill and AVAM's plazas along Key Highway to celebrate summer's official start. In partnership with AVAM, Kim Manfredi from Charm City Yoga will lead the group in Sun Salutation poses, both modified and advanced to accommodate all fitness levels.

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MEMORY JARS with Nancy Josephson
Saturday June 22 • 10am–4pm $85, $70 Members

Every pitcher, jug, and jar tells a story. Memory jars–aka spirit jars, forget-me-not jugs, etc.–use the art of embellishment as a way to capture a moment, a time, the spirit of a loved one. Using precious and mundane small objects as words, we will weave together bits and pieces to create a personal, meaningful piece of art. Join artist Nancy Josephson (maker of spirit rooms, shrines of all kinds, and over the top embellished vehicles) for this full day workshop.

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AVAM Summer Arts Camp for Students with Disabilities
Tuesday–Friday, June 25–28, Cost: $50/student
9am–12pm for Ages 11–14; 1pm–4pm for Ages 15–18

AVAM, in collaboration with The John F. Kennedy Center's VSA Programs on arts and disability, will be hosting a very special SUMMER ARTS CAMP for students with disabilities. Students will be inspired by the work and motivation of visionary artists to expand their own creative capacity in a visionary setting; gain an educational experience outside of the traditional classroom; and showcase their work at AVAM!

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July 4th: Visionary Pets On Parade!
Thursday July 4 • 10am (9:30am Pet Registration) • FREE!

Dress your pet & strut your stuff. Animal fun! Animal prizes! Trophies awarded for Best Costume, Most Patriotic, Most Visionary Pet, Owner & Pet look-alikes, Least likely to succeed as a Pet, Visionary Pet Tricks and more! Friendly pets of ALL kinds are welcome. The best dog-gone parade in town! Followed by the Pet Talent (Or Not) Show! And Sit, Stay for a rousing game of pet musical chairs! Pets must be leashed or carried. H20 and baggies provided.

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Summer Arts Programs @ AVAM!
4 one week sessions, Tuesdays–Fridays, July 9 thru August 2 • 10am–3pm daily

This summer we will be continuing our spectacular summer arts programming here at AVAM! Each one-week summer studio session is packed with hands-on activities inspired by our visionary artists. Spend time exploring the museum, collaborate with visiting artists, and create one-of-a-kind visionary art projects! Blow us away with your creativity!

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BAZAART: Call for Artists!
Application deadline July 13, 2013

BAZAART – AVAM's annual holiday marketplace of original creations by over 50 regional artists and craftspeople is back for the 2013 holiday season! Featuring the artsyiest artistrys & craftiest crafts, ranging from painting to sculpture to jewelry to handmade clothing and accessories, BAZAART has become a Baltimore tradition attracting thousands of holiday shoppers each year to AVAM for this one-of-a-kind show!

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Flicks From The Hill
Thursdays: July 11–Aug 22 • FREE screenings @ 9pm on Fed Hill • AVAM open & free 5-9pm on flicks nights

Grab a blanket, picnic under the stars, and watch a great film selection inspired by AVAM's current exhibition, THE ART OF STORYTELLING: Lies, Enchantment, Humor & Truth! The Hughes Family Outdoor Theater features seating for more than a thousand on the natural amphitheater formed by Federal Hill; a 30-foot wide screen held from above by a Giant Golden Hand; a twinkling view of the city; and an amazing community experience that is FREE. And don't forget, the museum is open & free between 5pm and 9pm on flicks nights!

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X-ACTO-MUNDO with Béatrice Coron
Saturday July 13 • 10am–4pm $75, $60 Members

Master paper-cutter and AVAM's The Art of Storytelling artist Béatrice Coron is back to host this extra-special visiting artist workshop! Participants will discover new applications of paper-cutting, including stenciling, pop-ups, dimensional art, and contemporary story scenes. Make your own cut-out masterpieces in this fun hands-on workshop!

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SHINY HAPPY THINGS with Bob Benson
Saturday August 10 • 11am–2pm $50, $35 Members

Join the creator of the Blinged-Out Universal Tree of Life (outside of AVAM's Main Entrance) in making your own FLASHIES: dynamic, sparkling decorations made from mirrors and marbles and such. Each participant will receive instruction on cutting and assemblage and will leave this workshop with at least two finished decorations to keep and dangle. For beginning and continuing students.

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*SHINIER* HAPPIER THINGS with Bob Benson
SPECIAL Evening Workshop before FLICKS! Thursday August 15 • 6pm–9pm • $50, $35 Members

Join *King of Bling* Bob Benson for a special sequel to his wildly popular Shiny Happy Things workshop! This continuing class is intended for those who have already studied the art of flashie-making in Bob's beginning workshop. Get ready for *SHINIER* HAPPIER THINGS–where you'll take your bling to the next level by making some super giant super-flashies or try your hand at creating an oscillum!

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The Sketchbook Project's Mobile "How To" Tour @ AVAM!
Thursday August 22 before FLICKS! 4pm–8pm • Outside of AVAM • FREE!

SEE The Sketchbook Project's Mobile Library, a 16-foot interactive art exhibition on wheels, when it stops at AVAM on August 22 before our FREE Flicks From The Hill screening of The NeverEnding Story! You'll have a chance to get an official Library card, then get access to an entire library of artist-created sketchbooks that you can explore.

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