OPEN Call for Artists for Eastern Shore HBCU!

The Maryland State Arts Council’s Maryland Public Art Initiative is proud to announce two open Calls for Artists for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) School of Pharmacy & Health Professions, and the Coppin State University College of Business. The projects are the first Maryland Public Art Initiative public artworks on Maryland HBCU campuses. 

Both Calls to Artists are open to any artist or artist team living in the United States. 

Artists with a connection to HBCUs and/or residents of Maryland are especially encouraged to apply. Information on each project and how to apply below. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, November 24, 2020, 3:00 PM ET.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy & Health Professions

UMES is a land grant, historically black college (HBCU) located in Princess Anne, Maryland. This new building will include two separate, site-specific public art commissions: 

•  Interior Atrium & Lobby Wall ($175,000)

•  Entrance Plazas & Sidewalks ($85,000)

Click here to read the UMES School of Pharmacy & Health Professions Request for Qualifications

Click here to view and download an additional set of renderings and scaled plans

For each commission, three to four semi-finalist artists or artist teams will be selected to develop proposals and receive a $2500 honorarium.

For more information: https://www.msac.org/programs/public-art-programs

How Other People View You

It’s just something you have no control over.

Often, we as humans find ourselves concerned about what other people think of us. I find myself guilty of this regularly, even though I know I shouldn't be. Caring about what others think will put a stop to a lot of things that you may want to do because you will get so hung up in caring about the image you are putting off. 

When you find yourself worrying about how other people view you, I want you to remember that you have no control over how they view you.

What this means is that no matter what you do some people will judge you. It's just something that you have no control over, so why would you stress about it. 

Live your best life no matter what people think. It's your life, not theirs. The only person whose opinion matters about your life, is yours. 

T. Neal | Cambridge, MD

Disclaimer: Fenix Youth Project Inc. supports young writers and their voices and providing them with a platform to submit think pieces, poetry, short stories, and also reflect on experiences and program events. All blog posts are reviewed by the Executive Director, Amber Green. Blog posts are the opinions and reflections of writers and do not represent the organization as a whole. Questions and comments can be emailed to ambergreen@fenixyouthproject.org. 

To Be Great

To Be A Great- 

Finish the sentence with whatever you would like to be great in. 

I have heard time and time again that "to be a great writer, I must-read." Initially hearing that I wanted to associate that with studying, and like some, I'm not a big fan of studying. Now that I think about it, I shouldn't have felt that way.

Why, because it wasn't supposed to feel like studying. It should have been me understanding that I need to build on my craft and to build on my craft I need to understand those who have come before me in the writing industry. 

Another misconception on that saying is that you should only read the classics. I mean they are classics for a reason, right? But don't just read the classics, read current, read history, read poetry, read movie scripts. All in all, read whatever you can get your hands on. 

This doesn't just pertain to being a great writer. To be a great artist in any medium you have to understand the past and the present, while also anticipating the future. By grasping a greater understanding, you can shape your work a little differently while finding a stronger voice for yourself within your chosen industry.  

T. Neal | Cambridge, MD 

Disclaimer: Fenix Youth Project Inc. supports young writers and their voices and providing them with a platform to submit think pieces, poetry, short stories, and also reflect on experiences and program events. All blog posts are reviewed by the Executive Director, Amber Green. Blog posts are the opinions and reflections of writers and do not represent the organization as a whole. Questions and comments can be emailed to ambergreen@fenixyouthproject.org.