with West Baltimore Girl: Black in Empty Spaces Half Full
Exclusive art installation on display October 25 – November 17
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Corey Frier
cfrier@everymantheatre.org
(Baltimore, MD 10/21/24) Everyman Theatre is excited to unveil the reimagined Everyman Theatre Visual Arts Gallery. The Gallery is being moved from the downstairs lower lobby to the Martha and Stan Weiman Mezzanine, named in honor of Martha and Stan Weiman. Stan is a longtime Resident Company Member, and Martha, his spouse, is also a longtime supporter of Everyman. This new location will continue to welcome theatregoers, art enthusiasts, students, and the public to experience art in a fresh way. The mezzanine is an ideal showcase area, frequently hosting small receptions, serving as a comfortable waiting space for patrons, and providing a cozy spot to relax with food and drinks. Now, as part of Everyman’s ongoing education programs and community engagement initiatives, this space can become an integral part of strengthening community ties and giving back through art.
“Our gallery space is an exciting way to continue to engage beyond the stage and offer patrons even more opportunities to connect with the Baltimore arts community,” states Director of Education, Joseph Ritsch. “Throughout the season we will be curating different local artists whose work will be in conversation with the shows on stage.”
By partnering with local artists, Everyman Theatre brings the themes of its plays to life and
to create meaningful connections with the community. This collaboration enriches the cultural fabric of the city, showcasing local talent and often addressing important social issues through art. It’s a way to make theatre more accessible and impactful for everyone involved. The first installation in the new space will feature the work of interdisciplinary artist CHEYANNE ZADIA, whose installation “West Baltimore Girl: Black in Empty Spaces Half Full” aligns with many of the same themes as the current play onstage (QUEENS GIRL: BLACK IN THE GREEN MOUNTAINS is running at Everyman Oct. 20 – Nov. 17)
ABOUT THE ART
West Baltimore Girl: Black in Empty Spaces Half Full
An exploration of how we honor and occupy despite decaying surroundings and the disappearance of recipes. Identity and the transforming of. What does it mean to feel whole in incomplete environments? A sub-focus on how we keep our brothers, fathers, sons and how we keep ourselves as women under the guise of show-runners. How we congregate, celebrate, and initiate sanctification of Blackness. A take on perspective from a West Baltimore Girl who has been privileged to see the world and create her own but remembers home most vividly.
-CHEYANNE ZADIA
ABOUT THE ARTIST
CHEYANNE ZADIA is an interdisciplinary creator, musician and director from West Baltimore, Maryland. Her works include visual and performance art, poetry, composing, filmmaking, conceptual design, and curatorial practice. The basis of her work speaks to perspective, memorials of black culture, social relativity, spirituality, and the merging of sub-cultures.
Her performances range from large festivals, museums, and sidewalks to singing the National Anthem at the Baltimore Orioles Opening Game. Following the release of her debut album ‘Vacants’ her work has received widespread support as she has been featured in various publications including BmoreArt, City Paper, The Afro, True Laurels, The New York Times, Baltimore Banner and ID Magazine. Zadia was named Best New Artist by Baltimore Magazine (2020), was awarded Johns Hopkins University’s Saul Zaentz Fellowship in 2022, and Ruby’s Artist Grant Fellow in 2023. She is also the director of The Alpha Female Festival, Baltimore’s first all-female ran festival which serves as a celebration of women artists, creators, and professionals.
ABOUT EVERYMAN THEATRE
Everyman Theatre, a professional Equity Theatre company in Baltimore’s Bromo Arts District. Founded in 1990 by Vincent M. Lancisi, a Resident Company of artists, its mission is to offer transformative, accessible theatre experiences. Led by Lancisi and Managing Director Marissa LaRose, Everyman values people, community, and excellence, fostering meaningful connections and supporting local artists through diverse and inclusive storytelling.
Everyman Theatre is supported in part by grants from Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Baltimore City, and The Mayor’s Office of Recovery, The Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org), The Citizens of Baltimore County, The Shubert Foundation, and the Paul M. Angell Foundation.