To the BYA community,
In 2015, BYA began in one classroom inside the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center. Since then, more than 2,700 young people have come through our programs, and we've paid more than 270 as Apprentices. BYA turns 12 in 2027, and on December 3, we’re kicking off our anniversary year. We want you in the room to celebrate all of it!
BYA’s 12th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, December 3, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
BYA Community Studio, 20 W. North Ave., Baltimore, MD 21218
Free and open to all. RSVP here
What to expect:
A youth exhibition with work by current Apprentices and pieces from BYA’s history
12 Artists x 12 Years, an art auction of work donated by
Bonnie Crawford, Brandon Slewion, Charles Mason III, Waymond Harrison, Edgar Reyes, Josh Sinn, Erin Fostel, Jerrell Gibbs, Kolpeace, Hannah Atallah, Jackie Milad, and Tae Hwang.
Many of these artists have been part of BYA’s story for years. Bidding opens online November 15 and closes at 8 p.m. on December 3.
Save the link for the auction going live on November 16th here.Artmaking and Printmaking demos
Light refreshments
“When I first came into this space, I thought I was just coming in to get money and leave. But this is a space that made me feel more free and allowed me to express myself.” – Kim, BYA Apprentice
A note from Dave: This anniversary is a chance to honor what Gianna built. She founded BYA in 2015 and led it as sole Executive Director for more than a decade, growing it into a year-round program that brings art into Maryland Department of Juvenile Services facilities and pays young people for their creative work at our Community Studio. This fall, we started leading BYA together as Co-Executive Directors, and December 3 is our chance to celebrate how far it’s come.
One ask as we kick off year 12. We’re raising $15,000 by December 31, and an anonymous donor is matching every dollar. Your $50 becomes $100 for Apprentice wages, materials, and mentorship. Donate to Baltimore Youth Arts here. Gifts are tax-deductible through BYA’s fiscal sponsor, Uplift Alliance.
Thank you for believing in Baltimore’s young artists. Let’s start year 12 strong.
Gianna Rodriguez, Founder and Co-Executive Director
Dave Eassa, Co-Executive Director
P.S. To every Apprentice, alum, donor, volunteer, teaching artist, family member, and community partner: if you’ve been part of BYA at any point, December 3 is the night to come back. Bring a friend.