Now that the first phase of the Pikesville Armory redevelopment is complete, the historic campus will hold its inaugural public art exhibition, PopUp! Inflatable Art Festival, from Sept. 11–28.
Hosted by the Pikesville Armory Foundation (PAF), the three-week long public art festival is free to the public and family-friendly. At PopUp!, anyone can enjoy larger-than-life inflatable sculptures, multidisciplinary programs, block parties, live music, meditative coloring sessions, yoga classes amidst the artwork, and more at no cost.
The foundation envisioned the armory as a hub for art, recreation, sports, and community, and this festival embodies that vision. Transforming the armory will take years and multiple phases, but along the way PAF is including the community by bringing them together for events like PopUp!, Taste of Northwest, and summer jazz concerts.
This exhibition will include newly-commissioned monumental sculptures by Baltimore-based artists Becky Borlan, Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez, Katie Pumphrey, and Sky Macklay. Expect a new installation of Graham Coreil-Allen’s “Dancing Forest” as well. PAF worked closely with artist Bruce Willen of Public Mechanics to bring PopUp! to the armory.
Interactive options abound for visitors, too, like a community art workshop and Air-Powered Parade, an inflatable demo and history presentation, and a Kids Extravaganza Day. Throughout the festival there will be children’s activities and health classes led by community members.
Visitors can interact with Sky Macklay’s “The Harmonicake” sculpture if they’re into weird noise! “The Harmonicake” is a Willy Wonka-esque sound sculpture consisting of a giant five-layer “cake” woven through with harmonicas that create drone soundscapes. The artist will lead two public performances with “The Harmonicake” on Sept. 27 and 28. Visitors can meet all the artists during Artists Day on Sept. 27.
There will be a special celebration on Sept. 14, when PopUp! honors Pikesvillian Sam Barsky’s 25 years of knitting! Meet this talented and renowned artist and even get to touch some of his knitted sweaters.
During most PopUp! Events, visitors can choose from a variety of on-site food trucks when their stomachs start to growl.
PAF recently marked the completion of the first phase with the grand opening of the renovated NCO Club building, a celebration of the effort to create an intergenerational community destination for sports, recreation, and the arts. The grand opening saw leaders, partners, and residents united in their vision to foster community and make the Pikesville Armory a welcoming place for all. For more information on the transformation project, visit the Transform Pikesville Armory website.
To learn more about the PopUp! Inflatable Art Festival, see their website.
