Alissa Attman first took paintbrush to canvas to create a special and meaningful birthday present.
“During the pandemic, and ensuing quarantine, I found art as a peaceful and passionate expression of myself,” says Attman, 37. “My children promoted this creativity and were excited to explore new projects and techniques with me. It became a daily ritual and something we truly enjoyed doing together.
“During this time, my first large piece was imagined and brought to life to celebrate my husband’s 40th birthday in a very special and personal way.”
Now, Attman is introducing her art to the world as a featured artist in a month-long exhibition at Highlandtown Gallery, 248 S. Conkling St., titled “Into the Night.”
“My collection is inspired by the title of the exhibition,” says Attman, who is a physician’s assistant by trade. The exhibition — which displays the work of six local artists — opens Oct. 1 with a meet-and-greet. Every Saturday of the month, a different artist will be at the gallery to discuss their work with guests.
Attman will be appear the gallery on Oct. 16 from 2-4 p.m.
“I’m excited to be a part of this presentation and look forward to meeting other artists and art enthusiasts. I am hoping to see many there,” says Attman, who belongs to Pikesville’s Chizuk Amuno Congregation. “Art is very personal; a gut feeling when you see it. It can evoke a feeling within you or just be eye-candy. You need to go with what you like and what feels good to you.”
Owned by Felicia Zannino-Baker, Highlandtown Gallery is in the heart of the arts and entertainment district of East Baltimore. A Highlandtown native, Zannino-Baker says art always played a large role in her life.
In 2013, Zannino-Baker renovated a historic building across the street from her family’s business to make a destination location with three different artistic perspectives.
“Since the age of 10 through adulthood, I have been involved in the performing arts, dancing, singing, modeling, stage and on camera. This was then coupled with my passion and education of visual and fine arts,” says Zannino-Baker, who is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. “Opening the gallery was a way to be engaged in my hometown community, share my passions and to be a vessel to celebrate the diverse and amazing talents of our local artists and artisans.”
Through her galleries, Zannino-Baker is able introduce local artists to the community, giving the city exposure to all types of art forms.
“When Alissa sent images of her collection, I felt the abstract compositions conveyed the emotion of the theme and would complement the show,” says Zannino-Baker. “Our gallery exhibits both emerging and established artists, and we are pleased to be the first gallery to debut an exhibit of Alissa’s work.”
And for Attman, this exhibition is the opportunity of a lifetime.
“While I have always loved works of art in general, I have grown in appreciation and understanding of any artist’s creative process and in their individual representations of their subject or unique concept,” she says. “How wonderful and amazing that one artist’s rendition of the concept of ’night’ can be so different from another’s, and yet all so magical. I am excited to express and share my interpretation and hope that others find the same joy in observing that I did in creating.”
For information about the exhibition, visit highlandtowngallery.com.
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