Defacement of Star-Spangled Banner Memorial

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The Friends of Patterson Park are working with the appropriate city agencies, including Baltimore Recreation and Parks, to address the defacement of the children's statue near the Pagoda. The pavement in front of the statue has been power-washed, and BCRP has already met with a conservator and a representative from the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) to ensure that the cleaning will be handled in such a way that is safe for the statue.  In the meantime, the statue may be covered or fenced off to prevent further damage. Police are investigating this incident.

Baltimore Recreation and Parks has stated, "Baltimore City Recreation and Parks is aware of the vandalism that took place in Patterson Park. As caretakers of the Park, our Parks Maintenance Division is working diligently with the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) to assess the damage. We understand the sensitivity of this matter and will work with City Hall and the Friends of Patterson Park to find a solution to this matter."
 
Mayor Catherine Pugh also released a statement yesterday, saying, "While literally hundreds of Baltimore's young people were demonstrating Dr. Martin Luther King's example of service today, marching and making a positive difference in our community, it's unfortunate that others decided it was more appropriate to vandalize the 103-year-old children's statue in Patterson Park. We will of course determine the best way to restore the statue and hold those who defaced it accountable. In the meantime, this isolated incident should in no way detract from the wonderful spirit of generosity that was so evident throughout our city on this very special day honoring Dr. King's enduring legacy."

This article in the Baltimore Sun explains more about the incident: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-statue-20180115-story.html 

Here is a link to learn more about the statue and its history: http://monumentcity.net/2009/04/0/star-spangled-banner-memorial-baltimore-md/

We will provide updates here as we have them. Thank you!

Updated 1/16/17, 4:15 p.m.

13th Annual Wine Tasting Soiree a Success

13th Annual Wine Tasting Soiree a Success

Our Wine Tasting at Sunset fundraiser on May 25th was a big success, despite some stormy weather that had us move the event indoors this year.  We say a huge thank you to the staff of Baltimore City Recreation and Parks and the Virginia Baker Recreation Center for letting us use their indoor space!

Thanks to our hosts Daniel and Michele Hartig Barnycz and Ron Howard for all their support, and to all the participants who brought such amazing wine, food, beer, mead, and cocktails! We heard rave reviews of so many items and we've got a list of places to visit very soon!

These sponsors included:
Su Casa (cool wine glass holding plates!), Key Brewing Co., Modern Cook Shop-Fells Point, Cask & Grain, Di Pasquale's Marketplace, Bistro Rx, Water for Chocolate, Charm City Meadworks Cafe Gia Ristorante, Remington Wine Company, Plates Poolside, Balti'Marons and Beth Merchant and B Scene Events & Promotions with a signature cocktail (and event management)!

Our silent auction raised more than $5000 thanks to the generosity of the donors and bidders, and the event overall brought in more than $26,000 to support park programming! Thanks so much to all who attended. Looking forward to next year!

Click on photo to advance slideshow.
Photos by Ivana Lalicki

2017 Photo Contest Winners Announced

2017 Photo Contest Winners Announced

Our 2nd annual photo contest is in the books! Nearly 300 gorgeous photos of our beloved park were submitted by amateurs and pros alike. Our panel of Photo Contest judges brought their own insight as talented artists, scholars, community-builders and park-lovers, and we were fortunate to have such knowledge to guide us! Our judging panel featured:

  • Kuo Pao Lian, architect and co-founder/principal of PI.KL Studio and Upper Fells Point resident
  • Charles Mason III, local artist and photographer 
  • Martha Simons, artist and resident of Butchers Hill 
  • Gary Vikan, scholar and former director of the Walters Art Museum
  • Mary Eve Von Berger, owner of The Cruise Lady in Canton and Highlandtown Exchange Club member 
  • Kim Wiggins, resident outreach manager for Live Baltimore and Patterson Park resident

The winning photos were printed and framed by The Frame Room and will be displayed at Bistro Rx until May 24th, when they will be removed to be auctioned at our Winetasting at Sunset Soiree.

Check out the winning photographs in the gallery below. Thanks to all who entered their work! And keep taking those photos...the contest will return next year!