A captivating new exhibition titled “Objects Made Holy” has officially opened at The Peale Museum. The exhibit is curated by Gina Pierleoni, a talented visual artist and mixed media professor based in Baltimore.
Over 40 residents from Baltimore have generously contributed personal, everyday items to this thoughtful exhibition. The real focus, however, is on the meaningful stories that accompany these items.
“I find significance in various situations, objects, and countless other things,” Pierleoni shared with Baltimore Fishbowl. “I hold dear my grandmother’s wooden spoon. My culinary journey began with it in her kitchen. …[T]he memory of my little hands clenching that spoon, and how my mother treasured it enough to pass it down to me – it embodies something invaluable. It transforms the ordinary into something sacred.”
Pierleoni, who has called Baltimore home since 1983, studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and has dedicated herself to the local community ever since. She describes the exhibition as a heartfelt tribute to Baltimore, highlighting the profound impact of gathering so many significant objects in one location.
In preparation for this exhibit, Pierleoni reached out to approximately 40 individuals – one for each year she has lived in the area. Each participant shares a connection characterized by warmth and kindness, be it through a conversation, a shared moment, or a relationship spanning decades. Among these contributors, some have known her for four decades, while others have been acquainted for a mere three weeks. Not every participant is an artist, and Pierleoni has intentionally chosen to keep their identities and the specific items anonymous, as she wants visitors to enjoy the thrill of discovery within the stories and objects presented.
“I believe that in these times filled with division and uncertainty, we need positive surprises like the ones I’m offering,” Pierleoni explained. “You know, those moments of realization where you think, ‘Wow, I would have believed that was just garbage!’ or ‘I feel so moved by this!’ It’s really about fostering connections and valuing our relationships. It’s an effort to uplift humanity.”
For Pierleoni, the terms “sacred” and “holy” transcend religious definitions, taking on a deeply personal significance. These items serve to cultivate community, flatten hierarchies, and promote equality.
“Hierarchies frustrate me,” she confessed. “I despise excluding anyone, and building a sense of community is integral to both my personal and professional life.”
The idea for this exhibit has been brewing for over 20 years. It originated from Pierleoni’s desire to connect the concept of holiness with commonplace objects that hold the weight of cultural and familial traditions. She reached out to The Peale in the fall of 2024, where Kim Domanski, who was the chief operations officer at the time, embraced the project. Tragically, Domanski, a beloved figure in Baltimore’s art scene, passed away in March 2025. Pierleoni continued to collaborate on the exhibition with Andie Townsend, who is now the assistant director of operations and programs at The Peale.
While all involved contributors reside in Baltimore City and have interacted with Pierleoni at some point, they represent a remarkably diverse group. The age range spans from individuals in their 30s to those in their 80s, showcasing racial, religious, and cultural diversity, as Pierleoni noted, “they reflect so many aspects of my life.” Although a few items in “Objects Made Holy” may be religious, those selections were based solely on contributors’ choices.
“I believe that even mass-produced items can be deemed holy or sacred through the emotional weight they carry for someone,” Pierleoni expressed. “Whether they evoke memories of a person, an experience, or a transformation, these objects ground us.”
Beyond envisioning “Objects Made Holy” as a local community-building journey, Pierleoni hopes to create a model that could resonate with other communities. She is currently hosting online sessions to answer questions about the exhibition’s conception and formation. In its fullest vision, she envisions this type of community-driven storytelling as a tool for promoting peace.
“I wanted to design a project that could be adaptable to community centers, senior centers, libraries, corporations, or even kindergarten classrooms worldwide,” she shared. “As long as someone poses the question, ‘What matters to you?’ or ‘What’s inspiring you these days?’… it shifts the focus from gossip about actions or statements to a gentle exchange that fosters connection. Yes, we truly need that. We are craving connection.”
“Objects Made Holy” officially opened on February 12, 2026. The opening reception will feature many contributors and will take place on Sunday, February 15, from 1-4 p.m. Entry to this reception is free, but an RSVP is required. Additional engaging programs are planned, such as panel discussions and open mic sessions. The exhibition will be on display until March 29, 2026.
The Peale is located at 225 Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD.
