This week, the announcement of thirty-six finalists for the 2025 Baker Artist Awards has highlighted exceptional talent across various artistic disciplines. An anonymous jury meticulously reviewed over 800 portfolios, narrowing down to six finalists in each of the six categories: visual, literary, interdisciplinary, film/video, performance, and music arts. The president of the William G. Baker Jr. Memorial Fund, Connie Imboden, expressed admiration for the creativity showcased by this year's finalists, particularly noting that all visual arts finalists are women—a first in the awards' seventeen-year history. One artist from each category will receive a $10,000 prize, while one additional awardee will be honored with an extra $30,000, bringing their total to $40,000. Since its inception in 2009, the Baker Artist Awards have recognized over 156 artists with more than $1.4 million.
The Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance's Executive Director, Jeannie Howe, emphasized the dynamic nature of Baltimore’s creative community through the diverse range of new and returning participants among the finalists. Finalists’ works can be explored both online and via public events scheduled for April and May, offering a rich tapestry of performances, exhibitions, and screenings.
In the visual arts category, finalists include Sanah Brown-Bowers, Suzanne Coley, Andrea Sherrill Evans, Monica Ikegwu, Ann Margaret Morris, and Bria Sterling. For interdisciplinary work, Lynn Cazabon, Collis Donadio, Jim Doran, Phylicia Ghee, Dave Greber, and Bruce Willen were selected. Film/video nominees comprise Cathy C. Cook, Marnie Ellen Hertzler, Chung-Wei Huang, Corey Hughes, Daniela Mileykovsky, and Lynn Tomlinson. Literary arts contenders are Kathy Flann, Bry Reed, Timmy Reed, Kate Reed Petty, Lysley Tenorio, and Jeannie Vanasco. In the music category, Evan Nicole Bell, Lavena Johanson, Delandria Mills, Outcalls band, Mark Navarro, and Daniel Ryan made the list. Lastly, Ruth MarGraff, Nicole A Martinell, Lola B Pierson, Juanita Rockwell, Unique Robinson, and Vincent Thomas represent the performance arts.
Finalists' achievements will culminate in the announcement of the awardees in May. Their contributions promise to continue elevating Baltimore's reputation as a hub for innovative and boundary-pushing artistry. This selection process not only celebrates individual excellence but also reflects the vibrant cultural landscape of the region.