Free Art Exhibits at UMBC Near Arbutus This Fall

Two free art exhibitions are on view right now at UMBC, just up the hill from Arbutus. "Lewis Hine in Maryland" runs through December 18 in the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery, and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow of Row Homes, We Fly" runs through November 24 at the Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture, with free evening talks in November.

What art exhibits are at UMBC right now?

Both are on the UMBC campus at 1000 Hilltop Circle.

What is the Lewis Hine exhibit about?

Lewis Hine was a documentary photographer who traveled the country from 1908 to 1924 photographing child labor for the National Child Labor Committee. In July 1909 he came to Maryland, photographing child workers at berry farms in Anne Arundel County and at a packing company in Baltimore. According to the UMBC event listing, the exhibition draws on UMBC's own Photography Collections and shows how his pictures helped shape labor laws.

It is a powerful piece of Maryland history, and it is a great one for older kids and teens studying American history. A free closing reception is planned for Thursday, December 3 at 6 p.m.

What is "Somewhere Over the Rainbow of Row Homes, We Fly"?

This group exhibition, organized by curator Angela N. Carroll, features artists based in or connected to Baltimore, exploring home, memory and community through photography, installations and film. The CADVC exhibition page lists two more free programs:

• Thursday, November 5, 6 to 8 p.m.: an artist roundtable on experimental practice
• Thursday, November 19, 6 p.m.: an artist talk on memory, family photo archives and land sovereignty

Where do I park at UMBC to see the exhibits?

UMBC's venue pages give these tips:

• For the Library Gallery: paid visitor parking is on the top floor of the Walker Avenue Garage for $2.00 an hour, enforced Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• For the CADVC: on weekday daytime visits, park in the Administration Drive Garage for $2.00 an hour and walk about 10 minutes. Evening (after 5 p.m.) and weekend visitors can park free in Lot 8, next to the Fine Arts Building.

From Arbutus, the quickest way in is usually Wilkens Avenue to Hilltop Road. Check the Library Gallery and CADVC visitor pages for full directions.

What does having UMBC next door mean for Arbutus homeowners?

This is one of my favorite things about living near Arbutus. A big university next door brings free exhibits, lectures and performances most people would drive into the city for. It also keeps the area lively and gives neighbors easy access to jobs and classes. If you are curious which streets sit closest to campus, take a look at our Neighborhoods page, and check out the Thomas Viaduct for another easy local outing.

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