FEBRUARY 2019
TowsonLifestyle.com
Creativity Unleashed at Carver
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX SUMMER CAMPS
VALENTINE’S GIFTS YOU’LL NEVER FORGET
THE CURE FOR CABIN FEVER
– Make your tax refund –
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
FEBRUARY 2019 PUBLISHER
Kristen Cooper | kristen.cooper@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR
Sue DePasquale | sue.depasquale@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Kelly Sage | towsonlifestylecontent@gmail.com
Curating Creativity FEBRUARY — IT’S THE SHORTEST MONTH OF THE YEAR, BUT THERE’S DEFINITELY NO SHORTAGE OF EXCITING THINGS HAPPENING IN THE TOWSON AREA. When thinking of ideas for our Arts + Makers issue, we were inspired by the talented local creatives who enrich our community with their work. Whether it’s local theater performances and art exhibits, the next generation of creators found at the
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Nicole Allen | nicole@leapdaymedia.com Nuala Rooney | nuala@leapdaymedia.com Kerry Carroll | kerry@leapdaymedia.com SALES SUPPORT
Kara Wasniak | kara@leapdaymedia.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jeb Cook, Sue De Pasquale, Kelly Sage
George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology or the power of art to help
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
individuals communicate and connect at Make Studio, art is amazing. We are inspired
Jenna Mace, Keith Schneider
by the creative culture in our community. This month we also take a look at the many ways to inspire your kids this summer. Whether your children are looking for enrichment, unusual summer adventures, or basic summer fun, we have a round-up of some unique summer camps to keep their minds growing. In addition to being my birthday month, February is also time to celebrate with your valentine. This year we’re highlighting some unique experiences to share with your love.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
We all have creativity within us. Consider this issue your launch pad for creating or
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
consuming art in the coming months.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
With love,
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS John Newman | Eric Williams
Kristen Cooper, Publisher
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Kristen.Cooper@LifestylePubs.com
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
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Towson Lifestyle | February 2019
Proverbs 3:5-6 Towson Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Towson areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Towson Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
Over 65 and Want to Stay at Home for as Long as Possible?
Community For Life Is For You! Community for Life at Keswick will assist older adults who wish to remain living in their homes, doing the things they love for as long as possible.
You can buy it for yourself or your parent! What Membership Includes…
Home Assessment • Handyman & Home Maintenance Service Wise & Well Center for Healthy Living Membership • Transportation Support Groceries and Medication Access • Health and Wellness Concierge Personal Balance/Falls Risk Screening For more information, please contact: Stephanie Pessin, PT, BA, BSPT, MPT Email: PessinS@ChooseKeswick.org Office: 410.246.7187 | Cell: 443.890.0289
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INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2019
FEATURES 12 The Cure for Cabin Fever Choose from Musicals, Museums and Monsters in the Months Ahead
18 Outside-the-Box Summer Camps From Improv to Droids, These Niche Camps Won’t Disappoint
24 Creativity Unleashed at Carver Towson’s Arts and Technology High School Is a Nationally Recognized Treasure
24 18
34 What Are You Working On? Catching Up with Artist Bess Lumsden at Make Studio
34
12
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
11
Local’s Choice
12
City Scene
28 Travel Destination 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Parting Thoughts
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February 2019 | Towson Lifestyle
7
GOOD TIMES 1.
2.
3.
Monument Sotheby's International Realty Year-End Gala Monument Sotheby's International Realty rang in the holiday season on Dec. 6 with it's year-end gala at the Bygone restaurant, atop the Four Seasons Hotel in Harbor East. Agents, management and guests celebrated another wonderful year in residential real estate sales.
4.
5.
6.
1. Nathan Sowers, Kimberly Kepnes, Ken Maher, Adolfo Trujillo | 2. Charlie Hatter, Amanda Mitchell, Mark Mitchell, Shawn Evans | 3. Charlie Hatter, Amanda Mitchell, Mark Mitchell, Shawn Evans | 4. Genevieve Wilner, Alex Lerner, Tony Ferrari, Chelsea Forrest | 5. Michael Fenwick and Marcellus Kendell | 6. Nick Travelstead, Lydia Travelstead, Ashley Hatter, Charlie Hatter
1.
2.
3.
Fire & Ice Night 2018 Families filled the streets of Towson on Dec. 7 for Fire & Ice Night, an evening that featured ice sculptures, s’mores and hot chocolate, carolers singing in the streets, and surprise visits from favorite holiday characters. The Towson Chamber of Commerce thanks everyone who participated in this fun family event!
4.
5.
6.
1. Families braving the cold for the holiday festivities | 2. Children posing with Frosty outside of Charles Village Pub | 3. S’mores served by restaurants were a popular treat for the whole family | 4. Sam Doolittle and the Harbor City Chorus entertaining guests at C&R Pub | 5. The Grinch posing for a selfie at C&R Pub | 6. Kids staying warm with hot chocolate by the fire pits 8
Towson Lifestyle | February 2019
SUMMER CAMPS BEGIN JUNE 17, 2019
SUMMER IS LOOKING BRIGHT AT THE ST. PAUL’S SCHOOLS!
A variety of coed programs from June 17 – August 16 Ages 5–18 Half-Day Workshops Full-Day Intensives Evening Classes
Summer Classes
Creative Movement • Ballet • Pointe Modern • Pilates • Contemporary Tap • Musical Theatre • Hip Hop Jazz • Acrobatics • Lyrical
For more information, go to spsfg.org/TDCsummer
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Call 410-458-9794 or email Natasha C. Rhodes, TDC Artistic Director at nrhodes@spsfg.org for any questions.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @thedanceconservatorybaltimore 11232 Falls Road | Brooklandville, MD 21022
Registration open now! June – August | Co-ed and single-gender camps Rising Kindergarten through 12th grade programs Before and after care available Early bird discounts For more information and to register, visit www.spsfg.org/summer 11232 Falls Road | Brooklandville, MD 21022
SUMMER AT THE ST. PAUL’S SCHOOLS
February 2019 | Towson Lifestyle
9
AROUND TOWN
BUS SERVICE TO NEW YORK CITY ADDS TOWSON STOP
County before he arrived at Gilman, where he
As of Dec. 15, OurBus, a tech company special-
has taught middle school art for 16 years. He has
izing in crowd-sourced intercity and commuter bus
presented at state, national and international art
routes, has expanded existing service to include a
education conferences. Most recently, he pre-
stop in Towson, with express service to New York
sented at the International Society for Education
City. OurBus service will operate daily, with one-
through the Arts' annual congress in Finland. His
way fares starting at $10.
topic was the cultural identity dilemma associated
“Since launching our first Maryland route from Columbia in April 2017, we've been continually lis-
with monuments and memorials.
tening to our customers, and OurBus recognizes
DOCKLESS BIKES DEBUT IN BALTIMORE
the need for more convenient transportation options
In December, rentable bicycles returned to
closer to where our Maryland customers live and
Baltimore when Lime, a company “founded on the
work,” says Axel Hellman, OurBus co-founder. “For
idea that all communities deserve access to smart,
example, rather than traveling to downtown Baltimore,
affordable mobility,” introduced a fleet of 250 elec-
we're offering local Towson residents and university
tric-assist bikes to go along with the 1,000 e-scooters
students bus service in their own backyard.”
that appeared in recent months. The Lime-E
The Towson stop is located at Fairmount Avenue
model contains a battery-powered motor that pro-
and Towson Gate Drive, at the southeast corner
vides a little extra pedal power for pedaling up hills.
(in front of Towson Town Center).
The news website Technical.ly reports that
For an updated list of bus schedules and to enroll
the bicycles operate under a dockless bikeshare
in the OurBus Select Membership program, visit
model, which means they can be returned where a
OurBus.com or download the OurBus app.
rider leaves off rather than to a station. Bikes are $1
TOWSON UNIVERSITY NAMES NEW PROVOST Melanie Perreault will join Towson University as
to unlock and $.15/minute to ride.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF METROPOLITAN BALTIMORE NAMES PRESIDENT
executive vice president of academic affairs and pro-
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan
vost. Melanie, who led SUNY Buffalo State College
Baltimore has appointed Jeff Breslin as its new
Academic Affairs as provost and vice president since
president and chief executive officer.
2015, will assume her new role at Towson on Feb. 18.
A seasoned professional with close to 15 years
“Dr. Perreault brings more than 21 years of experi-
of youth development, nonprofit and corporate
ence in higher education to the role as both a mem-
philanthropy experience, Jeff comes to BGCMB
ber of the faculty and administration,” said Towson
after serving as senior manager, global philan-
University President Kim Schatzel in announcing
thropy at Under Armour, where he led the strategic
the appointment to the Towson community. “At
direction and execution of all youth-focused philan-
Buffalo State, some of the efforts led by Dr. Perreault
thropic investments made by Under Armour.
included the development of the institution’s stra-
In addition to the organization’s global and national
tegic plan, creation of the Office of Institutional
initiatives, Jeff supported local Baltimore projects
Effectiveness, establishment of a new program that
including UA House at Fayette, a multimillion-dollar
expanded funding opportunities for students to
renovation of an East Baltimore community center,
engage in faculty-led undergraduate research and
the development of a multi-year initiative to invest
creation of the Diversity Faculty Fellows Program to
in Baltimore City Public Schools, and leadership on
assist in diversifying the professoriate through ABD/
the brand’s efforts to support more than 20 youth-
post-doctoral fellowship programs.”
serving nonprofit organizations in Baltimore through
GILMAN ART TEACHER HONORED
10
middle-level art educator. Dave taught in Howard
the Baltimore Summer Funding Collaborative. Prior to joining Under Armour, Jeff spent 10 years
The Maryland Art Education Association has
working with and supporting Boys & Girls Clubs
recognized Dave Anderson, an art teacher at the
throughout the country in his role with the Cal
Gilman School's Middle School, as the state's
Ripken Sr. Foundation.
Towson Lifestyle | February 2019
LOCAL’S CHOICE
E D I T O R ' S
P I C K
NOTHING SAYS ROMANCE LIKE A COUPLES MASSAGE OR A CHOCOLATE AND WINE TOUR IF THE IDEA OF CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY WITH CHOCOLATES AND FLOWERS LEAVES YOU COLD, PLAN AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER WITH YOUR SWEETHEART INSTEAD. Whether the two of you yearn to be daredevils, art aficionados or nature lovers, our local picks are sure to delight—and ignite that spark of romance!
1. Couples Massage. From $98/person, About Faces Day Spa & Salon at The Shops At Kenilworth. AboutFacesDaySpa.com | 2. Indoor Skydiving. Flights from $69, iFLY Baltimore. iFLYWorld.com/baltimore | 3. Date Night Pottery Classes. $95, Baltimore Clayworks. BaltimoreClayworks.org | 4. Chocolate and Wine Tour. Chocolates from Parfections and tour a local winery, $150/ticket, Vino 301 Wine Concierge. Vino301.com | 5. Private Dance Lessons. $95/lesson, Towson Dance Studio. TowsonDanceStudio.com | 6. Ladew Topiary Gardens Membership. $65 for dual membership, LadewGardens.com (photo credit: Helen Norman) | 7. Dinner and Art. Dine at Gertrude’s, then tour the Baltimore Museum of Art. BMA admission free, dinner prices vary. GertrudesBaltimore.com and ArtBMA.org | 8. Gangster's Gamble. Al Capone-inspired clue room, $29/participant, Charm City Clue Towson. CharmCityClueRoom.com/ escape-rooms-towson | 9. Date Night Cooking Class. $160/couple, For the Love of Food. ForTheLoveOfFood.com February 2019 | Towson Lifestyle
11
CITY SCENE
ARTICLE KELLY SAGE
The Cure for Cabin Fever GET OUT OF THE HOUSE AND GET SOME CULTURE! OUR ARTS ROUNDUP MAKES IT FUN—AND EASY
BY THE TIME FEBRUARY AND MARCH ROLL AROUND, MANY OF US ARE GRIPPED BY CABIN FEVER. We need to get out of the house — go somewhere! — but the weather outside is still wet and blustery, and spring seems impossibly far off. Not to worry: The Towson area is rich with cultural offerings during the next few months. Whether you're in the mood for theater with friends, a Saturday night out with the family, or a Sunday afternoon at the museum with your sweetheart, you'll find something to love in our arts roundup that follows. Baltimore Center Stage
12
Towson Lifestyle | February 2019
Everything is Wonderful – When the repentant driver in a fatal collision
LIVE THEATER/ COMEDY
seeks forgiveness from the Amish family whose sons’ lives he claimed, faith guides them to welcome him into their community—and their home. Everything is Wonderful plumbs the depths of an outlying culture in this enthralling, critically acclaimed drama about a peaceful community wrestling regret, redemption and contradiction. Written by Chelsea Mercantile and directed by Noah Himmelstein. + Everyman Theatre, Jan. 29 - Feb. 24, EverymanTheatre.org
Fun Home – A coming-out musical based on a true family. Through the searching eyes of daughter Alison—aged 9, 17 and then 42—we meet her ever-shifting and sometimes unreliable memories of brothers, mother and above all her repressed father, along with recollections from the family funeral home to Alison’s coming out. + Center Stage, Jan. 17 - Feb. 24, CenterStage.org
Mamma Mia! – ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. The storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. + Charm City Players, March 9-24, CharmCityPlayers.com
George Lopez – George Lopez’s multi-faceted career encompasses television, film, stand-up comedy and late-night television. In 2006, George received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In addition, Time magazine named him one of the 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America, and the Harris Poll named him one of the Top Ten Favorite Television Personalities. + The Modell Lyric, March 2, Modell-Lyric.com CONTINUED >
February 2019 | Towson Lifestyle
13
CITY SCENE
(CON TI N U ED)
Mozart 5th Concerto, Copland, Schubert - With strains of jazz and pop songs, Aaron Copland’s Music for the Theatre opens this concert featuring
MUSIC
Karen Johnson, the second of our concertmaster candidates. Along with Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, the so-called Turkish concerto, we close with one of the most stunningly simple yet beautiful gems in our repertoire. + Baltimore Chamber Orchestra at Goucher College, Feb. 10, Events.Goucher.edu
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert – CineConcerts presents Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix like it’s never been seen before. Let the wizarding world enchant you all over again as the film is projected onto a giant screen and a live symphonic orchestra performs the score. + Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, March 22-24, BSOMusic.org
Exhibition | Form.Print – National and International artists’ digital designs are brought to life by students via 3D printers in this curated exhibition. + Towson University Center for the Arts Gallery, Feb. 1 – April 18, Events.Towson.edu
Monsters & Myths: Surrealism and War in the 1930s and 1940s – Nearly 90 surrealist masterworks of the 1930s and 1940s by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst and André Masson are presented through a timely lens—that of war, violence and exile. + Baltimore Museum of Art, Feb. 24 – May 26, ArtBMA.org
14
Towson Lifestyle | February 2019
ART
EVERYTHING IS WONDERFUL, From left: Deborah Hazlett*, Bruce Randolph Nelson*, Tony Nam, Copyright Everyman Theatre, *denotes Resident Company Member
February 2019 | Towson Lifestyle
15
EVERYMAN
THEATRE
SUMMER CAMPS GRADES K-12
Start your creative journey today. Full-week, Full-day camps Youth Creative Childcare available Save $ with 25 code EMAN LIFE expire s Marc h3
everymantheatre.org/summer
0
February 2019 | Towson Lifestyle
17
ARTICLE JEB COOK | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
18
Towson Lifestyle | February 2019
UTSIDE-THE-BO UMMER CAMPS
NICHE OFFERINGS FOR THE HARDEST-TO-PLEASE YOUNG CAMP-GOER
1
SPACE ROCKETS AND ROBOTS
STAR Academy 2032 Greenspring Drive, Lutherville-Timonium STAR Academy’s technology camps draw children interested in science, technology, engineering and math, offering projects and activities in such cutting-edge technologies as robotics, drones, virtual reality, 3D printing and coding. Their expert coaches lead campers through deeper-level understanding, critical thinking and collaboration, and students leave each week with completed projects to share with friends and family. For more information on Space Rockets and Robots and more themed camps for ages 6 to 12-plus, email info@STAR-Academy.com.
CONTINUED >
February 2019 | Towson Lifestyle
19
SUMMER CAMPS
(CON TI N U ED)
3
IMPROV CAMP
Baltimore Improv Group 1727 N. Charles St. At the improv skills camp for kids and teens hosted by Baltimore Improv Group in Station North, participants learn the basics of improv, from the intriguing to the silly, through scene and character work, as well as games. Through it all, the students will “gain self-confidence while exploring their own creativity and experiencing how group trust and teamwork make for amazing and
Pony Camp at Garrison Forest
hilarious improvisational theater.” Contact Michael Hartwell at michael.hartwell@bigimprov.org for dates and more information.
2
PONY CLINICS Garrison Forest School 300 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills Garrison Forest’s Pony Clinics are perfect for new or experienced riders interested in fun and friendship at the barn while they learn riding skills and aspects of safe horsemanship. In addition to riding, favorite activities include giving the ponies a bath and braiding their manes. Participation promotes self-esteem and confidence and reinforces learning through creative craft projects related to horses. For ages 7 to 12. Contact tararosenbaum@gfs.org for more information on this and other niche camps at GFS. 20
Towson Lifestyle | February 2019
Improv Camp
All-American Doll Camp
4
ALL-AMERICAN DOLL CAMP Bryn Mawr School 109 W. Melrose Ave. Bryn Mawr Lower School teacher Christine Rogers invites campers to construct and decorate treasures for their American Girl Dolls or other dolls, such as furniture, tents, charcoal grills, purses, picnic baskets, beach towels, birthday hats and more. Campers wrap up the week by making a “cozy” sleeping bag and pillow for their dolls. For girls entering grades 1 through 6. Contact Leslie Feinberg at FeinbergL@brynmawrschool.org for dates and more information. (Bryn Mawr School is not affiliated with American Girl, LLC.) CONTINUED >
February 2019 | Towson Lifestyle
21
SUMMER CAMPS
(CON TI N U ED)
Chopped! Cooking Camp
TRIED AND TRUE For kids who prefer a more traditional summer camp experience, consider these popular favorites: SUMMER AT FRIENDS Kindercamp, junior, intermediate and senior camp programs offer a mix of swimming, arts and crafts, outdoor play and more at the Friends School of Baltimore. + 5114 N. Charles St., FSCamp.org/page PARK CAMPS: THE PARK SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE Kids from 3 1/2 to 12, grouped into “dens,” can enjoy a summer of adventure, including stream walks with critter identification. + 2425 Old Court Road, ParkSchool.net/camps SUMMER AT BLAKEFIELD Choose from a variety of options, including academic, creative, cultural and physical pursuits, for kids of all ages and interests. + 500 Chestnut Ave., LoyolaBlakefield.org/summer IRVINE NATURE CAMPS Kids can climb trees, race through meadows, catch frogs and explore the Caves Valley woodlands, having fun as they learn lessons in nature and ecology. + 11201 Garrison Forest Road, ExploreNature.org/camp CAMP BMORE KIDS Swimming lessons, arts and crafts, and science and STEM programming are all on the agenda for kids ages 3 1/2 through 8th grade. + 1145 Concordia Drive, CampBMoreKids.com ESF AT GILMAN Day camp includes activities such as archery, fencing and innovation lab and more, for ages 4 through 8. Plus additional options for all ages.
CHOPPED! COOKING CAMP St. Paul’s Schools 11152 Falls Road, Brooklandville
+ 5407 Roland Ave., ESFCamps.com/gilman Chopped! is like the reality TV show, with the twist that each CHARM CITY PLAYERS: IMAGINATION 101
day camper chef receives a basket with ingredients reflecting a dif-
Kids become a part of the musical theater world
ferent cuisine, such as French or Mexican. Using these ingredients,
through classes taught by outstanding performers and
campers challenge themselves to make mouthwatering specialties
arts educators in a two-week summer theater session.
and traditional favorites and explore new ingredients, tastes and com-
+ Mercy High School, 1300 E. Northern Parkway,
binations. Campers take leftovers home every night and get a recipe
CharmCityPlayers.com/
book at the end of the week with everything they have cooked. Ages
imagination-101-summer-camp.html
9 through 12. For more information on Chopped! and other camps for ages 5 to 8 and 8 to 12, contact sduckett@spsfg.org.
22
Towson Lifestyle | February 2019
5 February 2019 | Towson Lifestyle
23
creativity unleashed at carver
TOWSON'S ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY HIGH SCHOOL IS A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED TREASURE ARTICLE SUE DE PASQUALE PHOTOGRAPHY JENNA MACE
IT’S EARLY AFTERNOON IN MID-DECEMBER, AND THINGS ARE BUZZING AT THE GEORGE WASHINGTON
CENTER
FOR
ARTS
AND
TECHNOLOGY. In a sun-strewn dance studio, two Karen Steele has been principal at the Carver Center since 2006.
dozen teens rehearse a series of challenging ballet moves to piano accompaniment, while around the corner, the muffled pound of a hammer emanates from a carpentry studio. In a darkened classroom closer to the entrance, a young author stands in front of a mic, reading an excerpt from her latest work. In the hallway outside, a trio of young artists with paintbrushes in hand walks past and into a shared art studio.
“I can’t image a more fulfilling place to be an educator,” says Principal Karen Steele, as she stands in a hallway flanked by life-sized oil paintings—award-winning student works on permanent display. The Carver Center, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, is a magnet school that draws talented students from all over Baltimore County. Each year, some 2,000 applicants audition for one of 254 coveted slots in programs including acting, carpentry, cosmetology, culinary arts, dance, design and production, information technology/ interactive media production, literary arts, visual arts and music (vocal and digital instrumental). While students at the Carver Center are clearly passionate about their art, spending several hours each school day (and many more at night and on weekends) perfecting their craft, they are also held to a rigorous academic standard: All must meet the full academic course-load required of high school students across the county. “At our very essence,” Karen says, “we are a liberal arts school for the arts.” 24
Towson Lifestyle | February 2019
Senior Tida Crippen has set her sights high: She’s applied to study modern dance at two top dance schools in California and one in New York City.
Dance Students in the dance program at the Carver Center take coursework in both ballet and modern dance. “And our program is the only one in the state that covers lab notation—which essentially involves translating dance into ‘notes’ in order to compose and choreograph,” Karen says. Thanks to a collaboration with ClancyWorks Dance Company, student dancers regularly have master classes with artists-in-residence, who offer critiques and valuable insights into what it takes to thrive in the world of professional dance. Performance opportunities abound (both at Carver and with local arts organizations) and senior year culminates in a trip to New York City to observe Broadway shows and take classes at leading studios. Carver dance grads go on to top programs across the country, and many now fill spots in renowned professional dance troupes, including the Martha Graham Dance Company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Royal Danish Ballet.
CONTINUED >
February 2019 | Towson Lifestyle
25
CREATIVITY UNLEASHED
(CON TI N U ED)
Senior Katia Vanlandingham puts the finishing touches on her painting, titled "Pianist."
Visual Arts Students in the Visual Arts program at the Carver Center spend their first two years getting a comprehensive grounding in various genres, with courses in foundations of art, drawing, sculpture, photography, and digital film and digital fine arts (ninth grade), and Painting 2 and Drawing 2 (10th grade). As juniors and seniors, they have the freedom to specialize. “The teachers here are incredible,” says senior Katia Vanlandingham, who finds herself drawn to both sculpture and painting. “The program is definitely rigorous, but we end up producing such good work that it’s worth it.” Indeed, the Carver Center has been honored by the College Board with having the Top AP Studio Art course in the world and by the National Foundation for Advancement of the Arts for having one of the top visual arts program in the country. Importantly, these young artists don’t spend all of their time in the classroom and studio. Field trips to New York studios of professional artists and to prominent art museums are frequent—and inspiring. And these same professional artists— and many more—visit the Carver Center regularly to critique the work of sophomores and juniors, who ultimately go on to preeminent art programs across the country and around the world.
26
Towson Lifestyle | February 2019
The Carver library houses published works by every Literary Arts graduating senior.
Writing isn’t a solitary pursuit at the Carver Center.
Literary Arts Few teens can boast of being a published author, but at the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, every senior in the Literary Arts program can add that accomplishment to their resume. Students write books in a range of genre—fiction, poetry, short stories, nonfiction, memoir—and collaborate with local bookstore owners for signings and reading. Their books are even available for purchase on Amazon. Throughout their four years at the Carver Center, young writers meet regularly with professional writers of every stripe—playwrights, historians, authors, journalists and poets—and produce both a newspaper and a literary magazine. Senior playwrights even get to see their works performed, thanks to an ongoing collaboration with Vagabond Theatre in Baltimore. Carver Center student authors are frequent winners in the national Scholastic high school arts competitions, and last year the school’s students took first and second place in the national Jack London Foundation Writing Contest—the first time in the contest’s history that both top winners came from the same school.
February 2019 | Towson Lifestyle
27
RSomanatnortiinc i
TRAVEL DESTINATION
PLAN YOUR ROMANTIC GETAWAY TO THE HISTORIC ISLAND IN THE AEGEAN SEA
ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN
28
Towson Lifestyle | February 2019
Did You Know?
Photo by Artiom Vallat on Unsplash
A caldera is a large volcanic crater typically formed by a major eruption leading to the collapse of the mouth of a volcano. Forming the southernmost member of the Cyclades island group, Santorini is the remains of the Minoan eruption that, 3,600 years ago, destroyed a formerly single island and created the current caldera.
stay SUN ROCKS BOUTIQUE HOTEL Sun Rocks Boutique Hotel is considered one of Santorini’s most romantic hotels. The elegant couples-only cliffside hideaway—named a Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice 2018 award winner— features luxe, minimalist rooms and suites carved into the side of a volcanic cliff featuring amazing caldera and sea views. SunRocks.gr
dine CASA DI TE
Just a short stroll from the Sun Rocks Boutique hotel is this restaurant dedicated to creating the perfect combination of flavors and atmosphere to create unique moments in Santorini. Ranked on Trip
Traveling Foodie There are so many flavors to explore in Santorini! Some must-try Greek foods include tomato kefthedes (tomato fritters), saganaki (fried cheese in phyllo topped with honey, Santorini salad, baklava (phyllo filled with honey and chopped nuts), spanakopita (Greek spinach pie) and Greek fava.
Advisor’s top 10 romantic restaurants in Santorini, Casa di Te is inspired by Greek modern cuisine, Mediterranean cuisine and a touch of local flavor. Start with steamed mussels with saffron and Assyrtiko wine, followed by sea bass fillet fricassee with greens and lemon sauce, and finish it off with Semolina halva in a kadaifi nest with
Photo by George Desipris on Unsplash
vanilla ice cream and caramel syrup. CasaDiTeSantorini.com February 2019 | Towson Lifestyle
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TRAVEL DESTINATION
(CON TI N U ED)
experience SUNSET VIEWS
About 25 minutes up the coast is where you can catch sights of what people often refer to as arguably the best sunsets you’ll ever see. Catch some of the best panoramic views of Santorini from 15th-century Byzantine castle ruins. Situated on the side of caldera cliffs, Oia village offers tons of breathtaking viewing spots. Be sure to get there well before sunset—because of the area’s sundown popularity, you’ll find crowds of people gathered on streets, rooftops and stairs anticipating the one-of-akind experience.
Photo by Tom Grimbert on Unsplash
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Towson Lifestyle | February 2019
Maternity|Newborn|Family|Commercial
WWW.JENNAMACEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM|410-227-0792
"I WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD BY DOING BIG THINGS" -Leah, Grade 5
Girls on the Run is a youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade that uses running to teach girls life skills and build selfconfidence.
Sign up, volunteer, or donate at
www.gotrchesapeake.org February 2019 | Towson Lifestyle
31
FEBRUARY
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
9
17
WEED WARRIORS
BALTIMORE SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS CONCERT
Lake Roland Nature Center
Volunteer with the Habitat and Trails team—the
"Weed
Warriors"—to
George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Towson
beautify Lake Roland. Volunteers
Launched in 2012, the BSYO com-
under 18 years of age must be
prises three orchestral ensembles of
accompanied by a parent/guardian.
more than 250 of the region's most
Meet at the Ranger Station with
talented musicians, with Nicholas
gloves, boots and water. Registration
Hersh as artistic director. The Cello
required. LakeRoland.org/event
Choir, String and Concert Orchestras present their programs at 2:30 p.m.;
10
the Youth Orchestra at 5:30 p.m.
LOVE CLASSICALLY VOCAL RECITAL
23
St. Joseph Parish
Hear Tate Tiemann, baritone (Towson University graduate, QUORUS member and St. Joseph music minister) perform a collection of art songs and arias about love. SJPMD.org
BSOMusic.org/calendar
MUSIC AT EVERGREEN CONCERT SERIES: NATHAN LEE, PIANO Evergreen Museum
Nathan Lee, first-prize winner in the 2016 Young Concert Artists
15
International Auditions, performs in
FULL MAPLE MOON NIGHT HIKE
museum
Cromwell Valley Park
the intimate setting of the Evergreen Museum. Ticket includes guided tour
and
post-concert
reception. Museums.JHU.edu
Join a naturalist to hike to the sugar bush and then head back to the center for maple-flavored hot chocolate. From 6 to 7:30 p.m.; ages 5 and up. CromwellValleyPark.org
16 MAPLE SUGAR WEEKENDS
24 MERIDIAN DANCE COMPANY— BELLY DANCE SHOW Towson Nights
Enjoy a fun fusion belly dance show featuring the dancers of Meridian Dance
Company
and
monthly
Oregon Ridge Nature Center
guest performers. The show is
Come on down to the Sugar Shack
free, and the whole family is wel-
any time between 11 a.m. and 4
come. MeridianDance.com
p.m. to learn the magic behind the fascinating process of making maple syrup! Take an invigorating
32
one-hour hike to the sugar bush to
We are always accepting submissions
tap a tree for sap. Then taste maple
for events you'd like to see included
syrup and sugar. Sugar on the
in our Calendar section. Submissions
snow demos at 12:30 and 3:45 p.m.
are accepted via the Contact Us tab at
OregonRidgeNatureCenter.org
TowsonLifestyle.com.
Towson Lifestyle | February 2019
PARTING THOUGHTS
ARTICLE SUE DE PASQUALE PHOTOGRAPHY KEITH SCHNEIDER
what are you working on?
Artist Bess Lumsden at Make Studio
With Bess Lumsden at Make Studio
TWO DAYS EACH WEEK, TOWSON ARTIST BESS LUMSDEN SPENDS A GOOD PORTION OF HER DAY CREATING NEW WORKS AT MAKE STUDIO ON KESWICK AVENUE IN HAMDEN. Established in 2010 and now home to a thriving community of 30 artists, Make Studio was launched with the belief “that providing avenues for communication, connection and empowerment to artists with disabilities equally benefits individuals and their communities.” Bess, who works primarily with acrylics, watercolors and/or colored pencil, has long been drawn to the style of Japanese anime— though she takes an approach “that is a little bit darker, a bit more mystical and mysterious than you might expect,” she says. She’s proud to have sold a number of her works. “In high school, they told me, ‘Anime-style stuff isn’t art. You’ll never get anywhere with that,’” she says. “Well, I guess I fooled them all!” Learn more about Make Studio and its mission at Make-Studio.org. 34
Towson Lifestyle | February 2019