This year, the vibrant neighborhood of Fells Point in Baltimore is set to host the highly anticipated BRUSH Mural Fest, an annual event dedicated to showcasing public murals and honoring the artists behind them.
Over the past few weeks, six collaborative teams of artists have been diligently creating stunning murals. These works of art will be unveiled during a free public celebration on Saturday, September 26, from noon until 3 p.m.
The unveiling will take place at 1610 Thames Street, the location of Saints & Sinners Tattoos. The newly painted murals adorn the east side of the building, facing the parking lot of The Sound Garden-Baltimore record store, making them easily visible to passersby along Thames Street.
Attendees can look forward to an afternoon filled with engaging activities, including DJ music, dynamic dance performances, and food offerings available for purchase from AREPI Venezuelan Eats. Moreover, there will be a makers’ market and creative art-making stations for both children and adults. The BRUSH team will deliver remarks and introduce the artists starting at 12:45 p.m.
This marks the fourth annual festival, which takes place in various parts of Baltimore each year, featuring both established and emerging artists tasked with creating murals that reflect a chosen theme. The theme for this year is “Echoes and Amplifiers,” highlighting aspects of Baltimore that resonate with its history as well as new narratives that the artists wish to elevate.
Previous editions of the festival have included events at Lexington Market in 2023, under the theme “Smalltimore Vibes,” the Baltimore Convention Center in 2024 with “Hidden Gems,” and Graffiti Alley in Station North in 2025, focusing on “Re-Imagination.”
Showcasing local talent and creativity
The BRUSH Mural Fest was initiated by three local muralists: Jaz Erenberg, Saba Hamidi, and Jess Langley. Their mission is to shine a light on the vast talent and creativity found within Baltimore’s artist community, create opportunities for emerging muralists, and represent the city’s vibrant spirit through community-focused public art.
This year’s organizing team includes Hamidi, serving as Executive Director; Caroline Lampinen, the Artist Engagement Manager; and Saz Ross, the Events Coordinator. Additionally, Stacy Handler from Bloom Arts Strategy acts as a funding and strategy consultant, while Eliza Malecki, also from Bloom Arts Strategy, manages marketing and social media efforts.
Hamidi noted that out of 50 artists who applied to participate this year, 12 were ultimately selected. Each year, the organizers form teams that pair an established or professional muralist with a rising star who supports the experienced artist in their work.
For the 2026 festival, the professional muralists include G. Pack, danamarie hosler, Maria Gabriela Aldana Enriquez, Camila Leão Lopes, April Skye, and Sanah Brown-Bowers. Meanwhile, the rising stars consist of Victoire Polsky, Kayla Bae, Majesty Reyes, Tatiana “Bunny” Robinson, Anisa Bailey, and Artie Sadahiro. Each professional artist is compensated with $4,700, while rising stars receive $1,000.
The BRUSH Mural Fest 2026 has received support from numerous organizations, including the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation, which is the primary funder, along with the Lord Baltimore Hotel, Create Baltimore, the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment, the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, Maryland Art Place, the Baltimore Community Foundation, the Maryland State Arts Council, the Burkholder Agency, Visit Baltimore, among others.
Expanded opportunities for artists
Hamidi explained that BRUSH Mural Fest has grown by incorporating a variety of additional activities and programs, expanding beyond the main community celebration on Saturday.
A notable new initiative is a three-day incubator program, known as BRUSHWork, which was held in July at the Lord Baltimore Hotel. This program was mandatory for all rising stars and welcomed any artists who applied but were not accepted into the festival, in addition to past BRUSH alumni. BRUSHWork included workshops and interactive sessions covering essential skills such as transferring designs onto walls, forming an LLC, and pricing their artwork.
The team also organized a Community Paint Day in partnership with Empact Art during the September Art Walk in the Bromo Arts District and hosted its inaugural BRUSH Alumni Event, a gathering for past artists to reconnect and discuss their journeys since participating in BRUSH, while also meeting this year’s artists.
For more details regarding BRUSH Mural Fest, interested individuals can visit www.brushmuralfest.com or follow @brushmuralfest on Instagram.
