As an artist born in Baltimore now living in Brooklyn since 1993, I see parallels in the ways artists who work within the market and without market visibility thrive and survive. I’ve been fortunate to witness the under-recognized creative community of my hometown, unable to reach audiences beyond the city limit simply due to the lack of support on a local level, but never lacking support within their community. For the past seven years I have been taking notice of the growing artists community in my hometown, and have become most invested in using my platform to highlight the work I find engaging and reflective of the environment that informed the artists’ practices.

(Derrick Adams)

The Bishop Gallery, in collaboration with Richard Beavers Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of The stars are aligned/the time is now, a group exhibition curated by visual artist Derrick Adams. Opening September 7th and 8th, from 6-9pm and 4-7pm, Adams brings together a selection of artists living and working in Baltimore City. Artists include, Ro Vision, Charles Mason III, Murjoni Weariweather, Kim Rice, Jeffrey Kent, Nicholas Wisniewski, Destiny Branay, Brandon Hill, Ernest Shaw and Amy Boone-Mcreesh.

The works featured in this exhibition are diverse in form and content -- ranging from painting and sculpture to mixed media work -- and equally dynamic in craftsmanship and purpose. The title of the show The stars are aligned/the time is now speaks more to the time at hand and the readiness for the world to witness voices in contemporary art outside of cities with infrastructure most known for building artists’ careers. Despite Baltimore’s challenges, local artists remain steadfast in their productivity and creative output. Each artist and artwork chosen for this presentation is a testament to the unyielding influence of the city on its inhabitants, but also to these particular artists' ability to transform their shared lived experiences into works that mirror both their individuality and the ways they each view their surrounding source of inspiration.

Both Bishop Gallery and Richard Beavers Gallery have played a major part in representing and assisting in artists' development, at both early and late stages of their careers, on an institutional level. They share a committed investment in the artistic community and are considered to be pioneers and advocates for supporting art and artists engaged in broadening the discourse associated with contemporary art making. The stars are aligned/the time is now will open in two locations: Bishop Gallery, Sat Sept 7 from 6-9pm and Richard Beavers Gallery Sun 4-7p Sept 8.

Group exhibition curated by Derrick Adams

This collective of Baltimore-based artists—Ro Vision, Charles Mason III, Murjoni Weariweather, Kim Rice, Jeffrey Kent, Nicholas Wisniewski, Destiny Branay, Brandon Hill, Ernest Shaw, and Amy Boone-McCreesh — represents a dynamic and diverse array of creative voices. Their works span multiple disciplines, from painting and sculpture to mixed media and installation art, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultural, social, and personal narratives.

Ro Vision and Charles Mason III delve into the intersection of urban life and identity, while Murjoni Weariweather’s work highlights the complexities of the Black experience, often focusing on themes of resilience and heritage. Kim Rice’s practice investigates the impact of systemic inequalities through evocative installations, and Jeffrey Kent uses his art to address the intersections of race, politics, and society.

Nicholas Wisniewski and Destiny Branay explore abstract and figurative forms, creating visually compelling pieces that challenge traditional boundaries. Brandon Hill and Ernest Shaw's works are deeply rooted in the African American experience, emphasizing the power of history, memory, and cultural expression. Amy Boone-McCreesh's vibrant, large-scale installations captivate with their intricate patterns and bold use of color, pushing the limits of contemporary art.

Together, these artists contribute to Baltimore's vibrant art scene, each bringing their unique perspective and voice to the collective cultural conversation.