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PRESS & EVENTS

BALTIMORE, I'M IN LOVE 

by Laurielle Noel

January 20, 2025

In honor of MLK Day and upcoming Black History Month

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Baltimore, I’m in Love

January 20th, 2025

Three years ago this month, I moved to Baltimore. Before that, all I really knew of the city was the electric energy of its audiences at The Sweet Spot Burlesque. We performed here every three months since 2010, and the warmth of the people always stayed with me.

During the pandemic, when Ainsley suggested moving here, I didn’t hesitate—I said yes immediately. It wasn’t something I had to think through; it just felt right. And now, I know why.

I come from a proud family of Haitian immigrants—Haiti is the first Black republic, whose triumph over slavery parallels Baltimore’s legacy as a beacon for Black freedom and culture. Both have faced relentless systemic forces—Haiti through economic exploitation, Baltimore through redlining and disinvestment. Yet, both embody Black resilience: triumph and struggle, creativity born from adversity.

 

I must have felt this connection in my bones.

When I arrived, Baltimore felt welcoming, like a place I could truly settle into. Coming from Brooklyn NY, the slower pace and open spaces were a refreshing change. Walking from our live/work space on Greenmount Avenue to the harbor, I quickly grew to appreciate the city’s charm—the unique row houses, the old Victorian mansions, and the history they carry. Even the blight didn’t push me away; it reminded me that home isn’t about being perfect. It’s about where you feel connected, where your family can grow, and where your purpose feels clear. Baltimore has all of that for me.

As creators and community builders, Ainsley and I were hungry for connection—and Baltimore delivered. When we opened our home to creatives, something magical happened. The energy that filled the space was electric, unforgettable, and deeply affirming. If you’ve ever attended the Art Soiree, you’ve felt it—that spark that’s reminiscent of the Harlem Renaissance, a transformative time of Black cultural, artistic, and intellectual expression. Like the Harlem Renaissance, the Art Soiree is born from belief: the belief in progress, creativity, and the power of community to drive change. As our circle grew, so did our understanding of Baltimore’s rich creative legacy.

This city has been a center of Black brilliance for generations, but its legacy is layered—equal parts triumph and struggle. From icons like Billie Holiday and Thurgood Marshall to the vibrant history of Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore has always been a place where Black excellence has thrived despite the odds. Today, that legacy continues through a grassroots arts scene where creatives are carving out space to experiment, collaborate, and build something meaningful. It’s not perfect, but there’s real magic in the way this city nurtures creativity and resilience.

When we first moved to Greenmount, people raised their eyebrows and asked how we were surviving in such a “bad” area. But three years later, those conversations have shifted. Greenmount is buzzing with life. Businesses like Toki Underground, Red Emma’s, and Jinji Chocolate are reshaping the avenue, and the energy is inspiring. It feels like there’s a cultural and artistic rebirth happening all around us, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of it.

On this MLK Day and anticipating the upcoming Black History Month, I want to take a moment to celebrate just a few of the people and organizations shaping Baltimore’s creative rebirth:

Last week, Le Figaro, the longest-running newspaper in France, highlighted the beauty and magic of Baltimore in an exposé about the city’s renaissance—a moment that felt extra special to me as someone who once lived in Paris. To see this city’s story resonate on such a global scale is thrilling.

On this MLK Day, I feel so lucky to live in this city and witness this rebirth. To all my fellow Black creatives: keep going. Keep building. Keep being Black and magnificent.

Baltimore, what can I say, I’m in love...
Thank you for yesterday, today and tomorrow. Happy MLK Day!

- Laurielle

 

Baltimore, I'm In Love

FREEFORM-2

Ainsley Burrows

3-Day Live Painting

@ Baltimore Museum of Art: Lexington Market

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Experience a live art creation by Ainsley Burrows as he produces a large-scale work over three days at Baltimore Museum of Art's Lexington Market outpost. Watch the process, engage with his artistic practice, and embark on a raw, unfiltered journey into the heart of Burrows' artistic expression. The artwork that Ainsley produces over this 3-day period will be donated to the winner of a free raffle on December 14th.

ENTER THE RAFFLE HERE

 

A Magnetic Cluster of Suns

Ainsley Burrows

Solo Exhibition

@ Indigo Hotel

24 West Franklin St, Baltimore

November 14 - January 16, 2025

reception: Dec 4, 5-7pm

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The Third Future: A Self-Portrait

Ainsley Burrows

Solo Exhibition

@ Gallery In The Sky

(27th Flr, World Trade Center, Baltimore)

 

September 12 - November 18, 2024

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Please join us Thursday, September 12th, 2024 for a solo exhibition by Ainsley Burrows, entitled The Third Future: A Self Portrait. This special evening will be hosted by Lisane Basquiat, followed by an after party for the ages!

This exhibition is brought to you by The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) and the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC); and will take place at the distinguished Gallery In The Sky, located at the Top Of The World Observation Level in the World Trade Center, Baltimore.

With this exhibition, Burrows reveals the fabric of his identity, inviting viewers to experience their own self-portraiture in a new light. Through this exploration, he aims to create a new language for self-portraiture that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

 

Baltimore MET Gala

Interview by Ritza Yana

Video produced by Lee & Wesley Creatives

 

Published September 26, 2023

Art Soiree

Artscape:B23 Pre-Launch Gathering

Hosted by Laurielle Noel & Ainsley Burrows

Video produced by Retji Dakum

September 21, 2023

WBAL-TV 11 

by Megan Rivers 

 

Published September 19, 2023

Baltimore artist shows what to expect from this weekend's Artscape festival

 

BALTIMORE — With only days away from the beginning of Artscape, 11 News met one of the festival's featured artists to preview this year's free arts festival.

"Art is just this conduit that we use to inspire each other around the planet, or as human beings, to either fall in love, to create a business, or to get in shape, or to do anything," artist Ainsley Burrows said.

Paint-splattered floors begin to tell a story of the art created in the space curated by Burrows and his wife, Laurielle Noel. Burrows has been painting since 2009, and it represents a much-needed outlet to express his true self.

"The artist, and the art we create, is kind of the childlike wonder that's in everybody, and over growing up, a lot of people lose that," Burrows said.

He's one of many artists whose work will be on display during Artscape at the B-23 Art Exhibit.

"On a surface level, I'm hoping somebody sees something that's reflected in themselves and feel a connection. At a deeper level, I hope somebody sees something different or unconventional that it establishes a different pathway in their brain so now they've found a new way to think about themselves and the world," Burrows said.

With each stroke of the brush, he hopes to create a connection with every eye.

"To have that many people come to Baltimore, to see, and possibly see my work, it's amazing because I never did art to do shows. I did it (because) I wanted to do it and to be in this position, I'm very grateful," Burrows said.

read more...

The Washington Post

review by Mark Jenkins 

 

Published April 7, 2023

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Jamaica Gleaner 

by Krista Henry 

 

Published November 23, 2008

Guinness poet 'burrows' into the word

 

Poet, musician and writer Ainsley Burrows has come too far in his career to be considered anything less than great.

Born and raised in Jamaica up to his teenage years, Burrows has gone through many journeys to find his way to passion for the spoken word. Recently, Burrows has added to his international fame as the face of a revolutionary new Guinness commercial, the theme of which is the 'Sounds of Greatness'.

But while Burrows has accomplished much through his creativity and ability to convey emotions through words, as a child, poetry was never a primary interest.

In a telephone interview the poet told The Sunday Gleaner "in high school I was more interested in writing songs; poetry was just something I had to take in school. I got involved when I went to school in the States, where I hung around a bunch of people who were interested in poetry".

read more...

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