Getting Creative in Canton with Heather Keating
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Creative Alliance is a multi-faceted arts organization that hosts performances, exhibitions, artists in residence, festivals, education programs, and more! When people think of the Creative Alliance, they often think of Highlandtown and Patterson Park, but we want our members to know that this valuable resource is very much a part of Canton, too. This month we’re chatting with CA Marketing and Communications Director Heather Keating to share how our community can engage, support, and enjoy this amazing Arts-driven non-profit.
Hi Heather, thanks for talking with us today.
What is the Creative Alliance?
A feast of creativity! Creative Alliance has been around since 1995 (in several locations from Fells Point to Highlandtown) but our home base is now in the renovated The Patterson Theater on Eastern Avenue. We host live music and performance in our theater, exhibitions in our galleries, workshops for all ages, and we house 8 resident artists in live/work studios. We also organize large and small community and cultural events like The Great Halloween Lantern Parade in Patterson Park, Día de los Muertos, our new Tianquiztli outdoor markets featuring Latin American artisans and food, and many more experiences for the wonderfully diverse communities of Baltimore.
What are some of your favorite programs/events at CA?
I love anything that brings people together for something that surprises them! I’ve REALLY missed live music over the last couple years, so every live show is a treat at the moment. Pick any event here and you’ll find incredible performers that are masters of their craft/instrument/artistic voice – you can’t help but get sucked in. [Upcoming concerts: https://www.creativealliance.org/2021/person-theater-concerts-return]
A real ‘do not miss’ is the Baltimore Crankie Fest (happening in January). It’s probably something you’ve never heard of but if you love storytellers and music you will get lost in this evening of visual stories on panoramic scrolls. It’s a magical evening that always sells out so grab tickets early!
I’m a bit biased (since I’m a host) but I LOVE the Interactive Movie Nights. They are inspired by classic Rocky Horror shows and basically you get to let loose and get silly (tipsy?) watching your favorite movies and playing games. Die Hard is coming up on December 10th! And yes…it’s a Christmas movie. [https://www.creativealliance.org/events/2021/interactive-movie-night-die-hard]
And last but definitely not least – the Lantern Parade is absolutely my favorite event – mainly because it happens in the park at night and brings light and art into a space you wouldn’t expect to find it. It brings all parts of Baltimore together for a night of joy and creative expression and it’s really wonderful!
Tell us about the new Creativity Center coming to 3137 Eastern Avenue.
We are thrilled that we have officially broken ground on a new building directly across from The Patterson! It will house a new professional dance studio for movement classes, two multi-use arts and music classrooms, and a teaching kitchen for exploring cultural cooking, teaching youth and families healthy eating habits, and maybe even date night dinner before a show.
We are closing in on our Capital Campaign goal of $6 million and we anticipate the space to open in 2022! Our talented staff is hard at work behind the scenes making connections and plans for the space as we speak. If you’d like to find out more or get involved check out our Creativity Center website:
[https://www.creativitycenterbaltimore.org]
What do you like most about working with the CCA, the Canton Community and our neighbors in SE Baltimore?
The people! I have lived and worked in Southeast Baltimore for over 20 years and consider it home. Baltimore is a city where one person can absolutely make a difference - put a lot of people who devote time to making their chosen city a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and creative place, and you can make a LOT happen! The community organizations and neighbors here (new and old) are incredible, and I am constantly impressed by what we can accomplish together.
How can people get involved? (Participate, donate, volunteer, etc.)
Creative Alliance is always looking for help and support! Whether that’s a donation big or small, becoming a member, volunteering to scan tickets at the door, helping set up a festival, purchasing a work of art, or just spreading the word about events and programs - every little bit counts. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the support of the community!
Tell us more about you. How did you come to be a part of the Creative Alliance team and when you’re not working, what do you do for fun?
I actually lived around the corner from Creative Alliance for years before I ever walked in the door! It wasn’t until my very good friend and fellow MICA alum Alessandra Torres moved in as Resident Artist that I realized what I was missing out on. She convinced me to meet her at the bar for a drink next thing you know I was dressed up and volunteering at my first Marquee Ball gala, and then applying for the Marketing position. That was 8 years ago!
I’m a pretty social creature so I’m usually bouncing around events or throwing my own. I love Baltimore Bike Party, volleyball on the Baltimore Beach courts, and sitting outside for brunch with friends. Patterson Park definitely saved my sanity over the last year and a half - I am so thankful for the space and the people that keep it beautiful! Being able to gather with friends and family outside for games and picnics, concerts on Observatory hill, or just getting out for a walk has had a huge impact on my mental health. Over the last year, my husband and I renovated a home next to the park and while it wasn’t always “fun” it was definitely an adventure!
What else would you like the community to know?
Here’s a few more great ways to experience Creative Alliance:
• Stop by, explore the galleries, and make some art! We are currently open on Saturdays from noon to 5:-00 pm so you can view the artwork AND make some of your own at Kerplunk! Our FREE Family Art Drop-in.
• Check out the Small Works | BIG Cause Virtual Fundraiser Exhibition:
The exhibition features over 75 small-scale works in a variety of mediums by 40+ artists. Proceeds from art sales support the astounding variety of multicultural arts and educational events Creative Alliance presents. Visit www.creativealliance-onview.org through January 17.
• Mark Your Calendar for the Marquee Ball: The Golden Ticket - our fabulous, costumed fundraiser gala - on April 23, 2022!
• Volunteer! https://www.creativealliance.org/get-involved/volunteer
• Become a Member: https://creativealliance.org/25th-anniversary/
To learn more about the Creative Alliance, located at 3134 Eastern Avenue, visit the website at www.creativealliance.org, follow them on Facebook @CreativeAlliance or Instagram @CreativeAllianceBaltimore. For questions/feedback email Heather@creativealliance.org.