Black Art Galleries, Museums And Tours

The Wire Tour

HBO’s critically acclaimed show, The Wire, was a groundbreaking series that took a hard look at the urban landscape of Baltimore City.

The drama was a social and political commentary whose five-season run focused on the illegal drug trade and police corruption, a corrupt port system, city government and bureaucracy, education and schools, and the decline of journalism. Although the show has been off the air for more than 14 years, one of the top tourist requests is still “show me the WIRE!” 

That request is answered by one young man who has been running the only Wire Tour in the City for more than six years. You meet your guide, James, at the Visitor’s Center then you’re off on a 2-hour tour where you will see at least 30 main areas where filming took place including “The Pit,” “The Towers,” and “Hamsterdam,” among so many others. Your tour guide is happy to let you get out and take photos along the way.

More than just a tour of numerous famous scenes in the show, James is well versed in so lots of historical facts about Baltimore, famous literary figures, performers, and about the city’s role in the building of the nation.  You will see the home of Edgar Alan Poe, the graveyard he is buried in, and many other interesting tidbits along the way. It is a very well-rounded tour.

The current cost of the tour is $40. To book: https://www.peek.com/the-wire-themed-tour-of-baltimore/a0rkxk 

KSM Candle Co.

Looking for a fun and creative activity while in town? Look no further than KSM Candle Co. Located in the Clipper Mill community along the Jones Falls in Meadow Mill, a historic 200,000-square-foot cotton mill. The cool location is only second to its owner, Letta one of the coolest, friendliest folks you’ll meet. 

This bright shop is a feast for the eyes, but more importantly your nose! You must sign up in advance to participate in one of the candle making workshops. You will be guided through and educated on types of wax, the blending of scents, and all the clues you need to keep your wick straight while your candle sets. (Don’t worry, they will fix everything for you before your candle sets).

Classes hold up to 12 people and last one hour. If you want to take your candle home the same day (it takes about two hours to set), you can take a short drive up the street to Whitehall Market for a quick bite or drink. 

KSM Candle Co. 3600 Clipper Mill Road Suite, 123 Baltimore, Maryland 21211

James E. Lewis Museum of Art at Morgan State University

The beautiful campus of Morgan State University, an HBCU located in the Northeastern section of Baltimore City, is the home of the Murphy Fine Arts Center. Since its opening in 2001 the Center has hosted international, national, and local musical artists, theatre productions, and special events. Most folks know about the 2,000-seat Gilliam Concert Hall, the 300-seat Turpin-Lamb Theater, and the 167-seat Recital Hall with state-of-the-art acoustics (Kem & Kindred the Family Soul was a beautiful sound experience there). However, outside the halls of academia, little is known about the James E. Lewis Museum of Art (JELMA).

The museum is named after the famed Baltimore artist, sculptor, and chair of Morgan’s Art Department for 36 years, who spent decades curating and expanding the department. While visiting the campus, stop by Holmes Hall to view the 8-foot bronze cast of Frederick Douglass located in front of Holmes Hall. Lewis created the piece in 1956.

Host to permanent and rotating collections, the museum features internationally known artists, and student work. There is an exciting schedule for 2022 that includes “United We Thread: African American Quilters of Baltimore” coming up July 28th – December 9th. 

It is easiest to reach the campus by car or car service.

The Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center Morgan State University 2201 Argonne Drive

Phone: 443 885 3440 Hours: Tuesday – Friday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Admission: Free 

Admission to the JEMLA is free; however, donations are accepted. 

Photo Tourz by Devin Trent: A Unique Lens into the City

Devin Trent of Photo Tourz is a Baltimore native who found a love of photography by happenstance and started his tour company the same way. After touring a few friends around Baltimore and commemorating it with photos, his friends enjoyed it so they encouraged him should do it professionally. Now the 34-year-old Devin offers walking tours in two of Baltimore’s most popular historic neighborhoods, Federal Hill and Mount Vernon.

Walk with Devin as takes you on a stroll while pointing out some of the well- and little-known facts about the land, architecture, and people, filled with historic and personal tales. What makes Devin’s tour so special? At the end, you receive a digital drive that contains several hi-res, professionally taken photos, by your personal paparazzi to commemorate your experience. As he guides you, he is using his keen eye as a photographer to capture all the sights, starring you as the main subject. 

If you want to experience this tour and have it captured with beautiful professional photographs contact Devin at: 410-615-4444 or email him at Devin.Trent84@gmail.com.  Currently, tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays after 3 PM. For 1-3 people the tour is $150.00, each additional person in the same group costs an additional $15 per person.  

Eubie Blake Cultural Center

Eubie Blake was one of the most prolific ragtime and jazz musicians of his time. His popularity spanned the United States and Europe. Born James Hubert Blake, at 319 Forest Street in Baltimore, he began playing piano professionally when he was 16; he wrote his first composition, “Sounds of Africa,” (later retitled “Charleston Rag”) around the same time.  

The Eubie Blake Cultural Center, established in the year 2000, is a multipurpose facility that hosts concerts, houses an art gallery with rotating exhibits, rental space, and programming for children. The Memories of You Lounge (pictured) is filled with memorabilia from his career; pieces that Blake himself curated with the assistance of the Maryland Historical Society prior to his death in 1983. The Billie Holiday Garden, accessible right off the main level, is also available for rent. 

https://www.eubieblake.org/  847 N. Howard Street (on-street parking during the weekdays) Call for hours 410.225-3130 info@eubieblake.org

Baltimore Black Heritage Tours

Mr. Lou Fields has been at the center of tourism in Baltimore for decades. Specializing in Black tourism, he is the President of the African American Black Tourism Council and the owner of Baltimore Black Heritage Tours. The company offers tours for a variety of interests that include:

• A Taste of Soul Foodie Tour
• Underground Railroad Tours 
• Frederick Douglass Path to Freedom Walking Tour
• Thurgood Marshall-Billie Holiday-Ma Jackson Civil Rights Tour
• Benjamin Banneker Beyond Baltimore Tour
• Baltimore Black Heritage Tour 
• Charm City Sightseeing & Shopping Tour, Crab-Cracks, Casinos, Cruises, Concerts Tour

BBHT will also arrange custom tours to suit your personal taste. Contact: 443.983.7974

https://bdxlive.biz/home, bbhtours@ggmail.com