The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) is currently offering a series of special programs in conjunction with its comprehensive photographic exhibition, Flashback: Two Centuries of Baltimore Photography. This noteworthy exhibition is scheduled to run until February 21, 2027.
Flashback represents the first extensive exploration of Baltimore’s rich history in photography, tracing the medium’s development from the early daguerreotypes created in the 1840s to contemporary works. The exhibition features an impressive collection of 210 images by 90 artists and historical studios, showcasing rare daguerreotypes, Civil War-era photographs, and significant cultural moments captured through the lens. This exhibition not only highlights the evolution of photography in Baltimore but also emphasizes the city’s pivotal role as a center for innovation in documentary and portrait photography.
Included in the exhibition are historical works from renowned photographers such as A. Aubrey Bodine, Elinor B. Cahn, Carl Clark, Roland L. Freeman, Robert Houston, Irving Henry Phillips Sr., Kenneth Royster, and others. Additionally, the exhibition features contributions from contemporary artists including Devin Allen, Jim Burger, Joseph Mario Giordano, Connie Imboden, Kei Ito, Elle Pérez, Gioncarlo Valentine, Elena Volkova, and SHAN Wallace, among many others.
Flashback also includes a section entitled “Open Call,” which presents a diverse collection of works from emerging photographers who have not yet had significant opportunities for professional exhibition.
Anne Brown, the BMA’s director of communications, has explained that the Open Call aspect was designed to encourage emerging talent in photography, likening it to a casting call or open mic event.
“[We aimed to] expand the exhibition to include up-and-coming photographers who may not have had many opportunities to showcase their work,” Brown elaborated to Baltimore Fishbowl. “Our goal is to spotlight the next generation of photographers from Baltimore. The Open Call occurred over the summer, and an advisory committee selected 12 works that are now featured in the exhibition throughout its entire duration, also displayed on a monitor at Lexington Market.”
Artists featured in the Open Call section include Anthony Bryant, Ben Cricchi, Nick Freeman, Kelis George, Drayden Hebb, Kim “Jinx” Jenkins, Debra Lanouette, Blake “Blakehasnoface” Lyle, Harold E. McCray, Berkeley Reddick, Kaori Maiyiah Taylor, and Carters Vision. Their works are on view during museum hours in the BMA’s special exhibition galleries as well as at BMA Lexington Market, which operates Sunday through Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
To complement the Flashback exhibition, the BMA is hosting various special events aimed at encouraging community dialogue and celebrating the significant contributions of photography—both historical and contemporary—within Baltimore City.
This engaging day will delve into the diverse approaches to photography in Baltimore, recognizing the city’s influential role in the evolution of the art form. It will feature a series of panel discussions, presentations by artists and scholars, and more. Notable photography expert Deborah Willis along with the 14th Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, will present the keynote address at the conclusion of the symposium. Several participating artists will also engage with attendees throughout the day, including Linda Day Clark, Robert Creamer, Bill Gaskins, Joseph Mario Giordano, Phylicia Ghee, Hunter O’Hanian, Kei Ito, Saskia Kahn, SHAN Wallace, NIA JUNE, Kirby Griffin, and APoetNamedNate.
Flashback Educator Night
Thursday, Oct. 22, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Free, registration required
This free evening event is tailored for educators, offering a chance to engage with art, draw inspiration, and participate in hands-on activities. Teachers are encouraged to explore the Flashback exhibition, connect with fellow educators, and learn how the BMA can assist in their classrooms. It is designed for instructors across all subject areas. Interested participants can register here.
During this event, writer and critic Lawrence Burney will read excerpts from his debut essay collection, “No Sense in Wishing,” which has been designated as the 2026 One Maryland One Book selection. Attendees will also enjoy a special preview screening of his in-progress documentary, “Revisiting Ramona,” which provides a cinematic portrayal of a Baltimore community’s past, present, and future through the lens of Ellis Marsalis III’s photographic work and his book, “Tha Bloc: Words, Photographs and Baltimore City in Black White and Gray” (published under the pen name t.p. Luce). Following the screening, Burney and Marsalis will discuss various aspects of photography and the documentary. This program is made possible through a collaboration with the Johns Hopkins University Writing Program and Maryland Humanities. To participate, please register here.
Flashback College Night
Thursday, Nov. 5, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Free, registration encouraged
College students are invited to bring friends and their student ID to an enjoyable, interactive evening at the BMA, featuring creativity, games, and food. This is a perfect opportunity to relax and network with peers from across the city while exploring the museum’s galleries. College Night is part of an ongoing partnership between the BMA and Johns Hopkins University’s Program in Museums and Society. Admission to Flashback is complimentary with a valid college ID. Interested students can register here.
Tickets for Flashback: Two Centuries of Baltimore Photography are complimentary for BMA Members and children aged 6 and under. General admission for adults is $15, and $13 for seniors, active-duty military, and guests of BMA Members; tickets for students and youth cost $5.
The Baltimore Museum of Art is located at 10 Museum Drive, Baltimore. The BMA Lexington Market is found within Lexington Market at 112 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore, Stall 55 in the Upper Market near the Baltimore Room.
