Art enthusiasts all over Baltimore flocked to the Dave Herman Art Studio/Gallery last Saturday for the Word on the Street Art Auction. Word on the Street, a Baltimore newspaper that is managed by those who are either currently experiencing or have experienced homelessness, has been auctioning off art as a means of fundraising for two years now. This most recent auction was a rousing success. The auction took place at the Dave Herman Art Studio/Gallery on 1601 Guilford Avenue in downtown Baltimore. The studio is the home and work place of Dave Herman who was generous enough to donate his time and space to Word on the Street.
The auction began in the evening and went late into the early hours of the morning. Guests perused the many pieces of art with free Maryland wine, Brewers Art and Peabody Brewing Co beers and Joe Squared pizza in hand. The artwork ranged from photographs to sculptures to jewelry. Two pieces that stood out were the fully functional cigar box guitar and stainless steel wine rack which included three bottles of top -of -the- line local wine. There was a lot of excitement about the art submitted by those experiencing homelessness and the art by children, especially Cy and his “The Future of Awsome.” Bowls fashioned out of old, scratched up vinyl records also stood out from the crowd and sold like hot cakes. As the bidding began, guests were serenaded by local artists Claire Anthony and Caleb Stine. These two local artists were accompanied by the talented, Tennessee based band, Humming House. In fact, later on in the night, Caleb Stine performed Amazing Grace using the cigar box guitar that was being auctioned.
Both Towson University and Loyola University have been invested in this program, with WLOY Loyola Radio as the co-founder of the project back in Spring of 2012. The event was very successful and will keep the influencial and important paper, Word on the Street, in working order this year.