This spring offers the chance to explore new exhibits at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Jewish Museum of Maryland, and more.
Museums
“Fratino and Matisse: To See This Light Again”
Mar. 11-Sept. 6
Baltimore Museum of Art
10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore
artbma.org
Born in Annapolis and educated at the Maryland Institute College of Art, Louis Fratino draws inspiration from years spent studying the Baltimore Museum of Art’s renowned Matisse collection. This new exhibition places Fratino’s figure studies, interiors, and self-portraits in conversation with works by Henri Matisse, highlighting each artist’s individual perspective on the human form. Featuring works from the BMA’s Cone Collection, loans, and new paintings by Fratino, the exhibition reveals Matisse’s enduring influence on artists working today.
“Rachel Lee Hovnanian presents the Nature Deficit Disorder”
Apr. 1-May 31
Baltimore Museum of Art
10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore
artbma.org
Step into the BMA’s historic Spring House to experience “Nature Deficit Disorder,” an immersive installation by conceptual artist Rachel Lee Hovnanian. Inspired by Richard Louv’s idea of our growing disconnection from nature, the space becomes a nighttime forest with trees, soft light, and natural sounds. Visitors are invited to unplug, slow down, and reflect on what’s lost when screens replace real-world presence.
“The Jews of Maryland: Crossroads of Identification”
Opening Apr. 12
Jewish Museum of Maryland
15 Lloyd St., Baltimore
jewishmuseummd.org
The JMM’s newest exhibition explores more than 250 years of Jewish life in the state. Centered on Maryland’s groundbreaking 1826 “Jew Bill,” which allowed Jewish residents to hold public office, the exhibition traces how Jewish identity has evolved within the broader American story. Through artifacts, films, photographs and interactive programs, “Crossroads” invites visitors of all backgrounds to reflect on heritage, belonging, and the forces that shape community and citizenship.
“Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture”
Apr. 18-Aug.9
The Walters Art Museum
600 N. Charles St., Baltimore
thewalters.org
This new exhibition celebrates the work of self-taught artist Douriean Fletcher, presenting more than 100 pieces that trace her career across art, film, and design. Organized by the Museum of Arts and Design, the exhibition explores jewelry as a means to understanding ancestral traditions and Afrofuturist imagination through materials ranging from natural elements to brass and gold. Highlights include iconic designs from “Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” shown alongside costumes by Ruth E. Carter who collaborated with Spike Lee and John Singleton.
Film
Baltimore Jewish Film Festival
Apr. 14-July 28
Gordon Center for Performing Arts
3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills
gordoncenter.com
The 38th annual William and Irene Weinberg Family Baltimore Jewish Film Festival returns with four compelling selections — “The Ring,” “Soda,” “31 Candles” and “The Blond Boy from the Casbah” — screening from April through July. Together, these films offer thoughtful, moving perspectives on Jewish history, heritage, and identity across generations.
Filmmaker Justin Schein looks at wealth and inequality through the very real story of his late father.
For 35 years, the late Deborah Brodie, aka Bubbie Cookie, amassed a collection of over 200 Jewish ritual objects, which she used to teach her Hebrew school students with special needs.
Conceived by Columbia resident Benjamin Kintisch, "Life Review: The Hospice Musical" offers a thought-provoking and occasionally amusing perspective on mortality.
Steve Hofstetter, who will perform at Soundstage next week, recently made headlines for his social media post ridiculing some fans' warnings about Charm City's safety.