Two Baltimore artists have found inspiration in Federal Hill.Abstract artist Mark Cottman will open a namesake gallery June 3 at 1014 S. Charles Street. Cottman follows Crystal Moll who opened a gallery at 1030 S. Charles Street in February. Moll is known for her brushstrokes of Federal Hill rowhomes.
Cottman says he chose Federal Hill because it is a short walk from the Inner Harbor and residents in the neighborhood are familiar with his work.
"It's always been receptive to art," Cottman says of Federal Hill. The neighborhood hosted one of his very first shows. The 1,000-square-foot Mark Cottman Gallery will replace Artists & Framers Inc., which moved to Columbia.
Cottman couldn't say how much he will invest in the new store since he is not finished with the build out.
"I'm very much looking forward to it, he says of the store. "It's good to have a place where people can come in and get a feeling of the work."
He describes is art as "conscious art for a conscious mind." One piece is titled "Can't we all just swim along?," a painting that depicts colorful faces and stands for world peace.
Moll says the 500-square-foot store in the Federal Hill neighborhood suits her since she paints urban landscapes.
"My work is down in Federal Hill," Moll says. "It's the ideal location."
Sources: Mark Cottman, Mark Cottman Gallery; Crystal Moll, Crystal Moll Gallery
Writer:Julekha Dash