I have seen many expressions in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in recent months, but the largest and most artistic is on display now in Patterson Park. The exhibition is the result of a blended community effort. The organizers are a white couple from Lauraville, and the dozen artists they recruited are both black and white… Sadly, an employee of Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks is accused of removing and trying to destroy some of the panels, in what officials say was a “miscommunication.” Further investigation is underway, but the art is now restored, thanks to diligent, watchful citizens (one neighbor reportedly even stored a panel in their home to protect it until the confusion was over).
The full exhibit, as well as this controversial incident, is a highly visible, highly collaborative expression of solidarity. See below for a slideshow, as well as a letter posted by the Friends of Patterson Park, the independent 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is “to ensure the park’s vitality as a treasured green space and encourage its use and appreciation by neighbors, visitors, and future generations.”
