Innovate Love Brings Love to Baltimore – 1st Annual Silent Art Auction Party Adds Value to the Cause

Above: Artwork by Bonnie Schupp. Photo credit: Bonnie Schupp. More than 43 top artists in the U.S. submitted their artwork based on the abstract theme of "Innovate Love" for the first Annual Art Auction Party. Report, interviews, and photos by Ibrahim Dabo. — Above: Artwork (Joy) by Bonnie Schupp. Photo credit: Bonnie Schupp. More than 43 top artists in the U.S. submitted their artwork based on the abstract theme of "Innovate Love" for the first Annual Art Auction Party. Report, interviews, and photos by Ibrahim Dabo.

It was neither just a night for party, nor was it just a Silent Art Auction and fundraiser. It was a night to reflect on the positive side of a city that has over the years struggled to gain a positive reputation.

Innovate Love is on the forefront of bringing more love and inspiration, as well as showcasing the positive side of a city that has great potentials.

L-R: Michael Owen (founder of The Baltimore Love Project) & Ben Walsh (Co-founder of Innovate Baltimore)

Innovate Love, the fusion of two groups—Innovate Baltimore and The Baltimore Love Project—on May 22, 2010, hosted its first annual Silent Art Action party at the Penthouse at Silo Point Luxury Condominiums in Baltimore.

The event brought together professionals and artists from different walks of life — from Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, D.C., and beyond, to celebrate in an atmosphere of genuine friendship and love from a penthouse that overlooks the beautiful Baltimore skyline and the city’s renowned Inner Harbor.

The delicious food, including a special menu of savory hors d’oeuvres, was prepared by Chef “Mookie” Hicks, while DJ Terry Thompson was on hand to provide the music that kept guest rocking all throughout the evening, while browsing the art on display.

The Silent Art Auction comprised the work of 42 leading artists from around the U.S., and all of their submissions were based on the abstract theme of “Innovate Love.”

Michael Owen, the Innovate Love curator and founder of the Baltimore Love Project said: “We are trying to spread and inspire love.”

A key goal of the Baltimore Love Project is to complete 20 love-themed murals in Baltimore and Owen said the murals will remind people about the need to love.

Gillien E. Spencer said: “He [Owen] believes we can come together under one big umbrella and all love each other.”

Spencer said Baltimore has a bad reputation when it comes to a lot of things and catalysts as the Baltimore Love Project are instrumental in changing not only the city but the world.

L-R: Sandra Nicht and Whitney Sherman pose next to Sherman's artwork.

Whitney Sherman, who has been an artist for at least 30 years, worked on a feature piece for the Silent Art Auction.

Her artwork – a bird – quickly caught the attention of guests.

“I decided that a bird would be an appropriate symbol,” Sherman said, adding that it is a symbol that would be open to lots of people’s interpretation.

She said she also wanted the bird to have some kind of detail to it that took it beyond being a real bird.

“That’s when I started drawing the branches and the leaves; and the idea of growth, and hearts being connected to each other,” Sherman said. “It’s also an interesting contradiction that a tree can fly.”

“It’s just beautiful,” said an excited Sandra K. Nicht, who won Sherman’s artwork in a bid. She added that with all the details, it symbolizes love.

Talking about the event, Nicht said: “I think it’s incredible. The food was great, the music was great, the view was fantastic and I had a great time.”

L-R: Dorret Oosterhoff & Edwin Huizinga won a lovely artwork.

The excitements were far from being over.

Dorret Oosterhoff landed the painting she had been longing for.

“I looked it up on the website and that was the only one that caught my attention,” Oosterhoff said.

“We were sitting in the car heading to this event and I said, ‘that’s the only one I really like.’ And so we bid on it and we got it.”

“It’s been a well put together event and it’s been really nice to see all of the artwork about the skyline of Baltimore,” said Emma Sky Wolf.

A beautiful view of Baltimore from the penthouse

Talking about the location of the event, Michael Ziemke said, “It’s really impressive. It’s possibly the best view in Baltimore.”

“I live in Baltimore but I have never seen such a beautiful view, and I really like how the artwork is placed on the glass walls so that you can see the landscape and the artwork. It’s a really nice flow,” said Sofya Karsh.

As the sun set and the lights across the city became more apparent, the skies opened for almost an hour for some showers that poured its blessings on the Innovate Love cause.

Yet still, one guest who could not hold back on his fascination of the spectacular view of the city from the porch of the penthouse is Ernst Valery, president of Ernst Valery Investments Corp.

Ernst Valery catches a view of Baltimore City

“The location is magnificent. You’ve got views of all of Baltimore – every single neighborhood downtown – and the event was wonderful,” Valery said.

“Baltimore sort of needs a soul and these artists are providing soul for Baltimore. What else than love in a city that is full crime and has such a negative perception all over the world. It needs to have a positive image and artists have a special way of creating a soul for a community and a city.”

Ibrahim Dabo was inspired by other artists.

Ibrahim Dabo, a self-trained artist said: “It was truly inspiring to be among leading artists in the country and to see some of the beautiful pieces they have put together. The event was great, and I can’t help but resume working on my art pieces.”

For samples of Ibrahim’s artwork, click here.

“Our goal was to inspire and connect people in Baltimore while having fun; and we did it. From the breath-taking view, to the beautiful art, to the brilliant guests, Innovate Love was a triumph,” said Ben Walsh, co-founder of Innovate Baltimore.

Innovate Baltimore is a community for creative technology leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and enthusiasts in the region. Their mission includes providing individuals with networking and educational opportunities which will allow them to generate new ideas, foster entrepreneurship and strengthen the creative technology community in the region.

The Baltimore Love Project is a city-wide, public art project. Through love themed murals, The Baltimore Love Project expresses love by connecting people and communities across Baltimore City.