Art, Culinary, Fashion, Philanthropy – Enter the HALL at LIVE! Maryland Casino &Hotel – Taking a Bite and Elevating the Culture of Charm City.
BALTIMORE (September 6, 2024) – “Adam & Eve: Enter the Garden,” the
2024 theme of the 3rd Annual Baltimore MET Gala (BMG), a multi-sensory,
sophisticated production designed to celebrate all the best parts of Charm City.
Introduced in 2022 and recognized by the Baltimore Times as the Best Live
Performance event in 2023, the BMG features a collection of experiences (Art, Culinary, Fashion, and Philanthropy), wrapped in artistic expression and impact, working inconcert to deliver a best-in-class evening of entertainment at The HALL – LIVE! Casino & Hotel Maryland (Saturday, September 14).
Executive producers and culture creators, LaRian Finney and Derrick Chase, have
been the driving force behind the BMG since the inaugural brand activation at theBaltimore Museum of Art (BMA), building and elevating local businesses and
entrepreneurs through this dynamic production that embraces the city’s commitment toart and culture.
“The Finn Group has led major activations around the country, with Baltimore being our home base since 2000,” says Finney. “Our focus is to provide strategy and solutions to further develop businesses that have a mission for inclusion and economic impact, by being culturally sensitive, relevant, and tying directly to the vitality of the community.”
The impact of the BMG spans beyond Charm City, with featured experiences drawing the attention of creatives from across industries to the region. In July, the model auditions welcomed over 500 hopefuls, including some from San Diego, St. Louis, New York, DC, and even Ohio, to walk for the eleven BMG designers, including Fashion Commission leads Jody Davis and Earle Bannister, who selected the final cut, 150 models, for the Fashion Experience, produced by Lana Rae.
“We know the rich pool of talent is here in the city, and that’s through all genres, particularly the arts, fashion and culinary scenes,” said Chase. “Drawing talent to the city to be part of the Baltimore Story, through this unique production, is a testament to the value we’ve created in the three short years of executing at a high-level of excellence.”
Not to be outdone by Fashion – the Art Experience, “Statement 2024”, curated by Ernest Shaw, Ainsley Burrows, and Laurielle Noel, confirmed 20 diverse artists from a record 90 applicants vying for a coveted spot in the exclusive BMG avant-gardeArt Exhibition. “This exhibition showcases compelling artworks that challenge, provoke, and captivate – featuring a curated selection of pieces based on the event’s theme – Adam & Eve: Enter the Garden.” – BMG Art Experience Curators.
The theme, through the eyes of designer, Shajuan Finney, is the key component of theguest experience at the BMG. “From the moment you step onto the Green Carpet, guests will be met with scents of florals, beauty of visual stories, and feelings of nature – transforming the space into an epic garden of entertainment for creatives and fashionistas,” described Shajuan.
The Culinary Experience, curated by Black Owned Restaurant Tour (BORT) creator, Azikiwe “Zik” DeVeaux, spotlights the Art in the cuisine of the nine restaurants and concepts selected to develop luxurious sweet and savory bites for guests to indulge, and enjoy ‘A Taste of the MET.’
Embedded in the Experiences of the BMG, is the power of community and impact, exemplified by the Community Impact and ICON Award recipients, will be recognized throughout the evening, for their intentional efforts to empower and strengthen Baltimore’s image and mission to be the best city in America. 2024 awardees include:
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS
● P. David Bramble, Managing Partner/Co-Founder | MCB Real Estate
● Edward “Ed” Evans, Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion | Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
● Linzy Jackson, III, Director of External Partnerships | Office of the Mayor
● Susan J. Lee, Vice President of Diversity Partnerships | MOI
● Detra Neal, Sales Manager, Market, Mid-Atlantic | Kimball International
● Nykidra “Nyki” Robinson, Founder and CEO | Black Girls Vote
● Shelonda Stokes, President | Downtown Partnership of Baltimore
ICON AWARDS
● Jerry Prettyman, Prettyman Gallery Global | Artist ICON Award
● Dr. Lance London, Chairman and CEO, Carolina Kitchen Bar & Grill, and
NéVetica | Culinary ICON Award
● Toni James, Katwalk Boutique Corporation | Fashion ICON Award
● Travis Winkey, Travis Winkey Studios | Fashion ICON Award
A portion of the proceeds from the 2024 Baltimore MET Gala will benefit Black Girls Vote (BGV), a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring Black Girls to use the political process to improve the quality of life for their families and the collective community.
For more information, including partners and sponsors, visit baltimoremetgala.com. Follow on social media, @baltimoremedgala, to join the conversation about the BMG Experience.
