Celebrating Youth Artists Through Courting Art Baltimore

Arts Every Day and the District Court in Baltimore City recently celebrated the incredible creativity of Baltimore youth through the 11th annual Courting Art Baltimore program and finalist reception.

This year’s juried exhibit featured 169 works of art submitted by students from 17 Baltimore City public high schools. The exhibit was on public display from the Opening Reception on February 18 through March 31, showcasing paintings, drawings, and other two-dimensional artwork created around themes chosen by the students themselves.

Courting Art Baltimore highlights the artistic talent of Baltimore City students while helping to create more welcoming and inspiring courthouse spaces for visitors and staff. The program also connects young artists with scholarship opportunities and recognition for their work.

At the finalist reception held on May 11 at the Eastside District Courthouse, Arts Every Day celebrated 20 student finalists whose artwork will remain on permanent display alongside finalists from previous years. Together, the finalists received more than $25,000 in scholarships and awards supporting their artistic and educational futures.

Among the honorees was top finalist Kaitlin Davis of Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School (MERVO), who received a $7,500 scholarship for her piece, The Gathering. McKenzie Egerton of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School received a $5,000 scholarship for American Flag, while Bree Paschall of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute earned third place and a $4,000 scholarship for Portrait of Strength. You can see the full list of finalists below!

Mayor Brandon Scott and First Lady Hana Scott joined students, educators, families, and community members to celebrate the young artists and their achievements.

A special thank you goes to AED Board Member and Courting Art Baltimore co-founder Brian Katzenberg for his years of leadership, advocacy, and commitment to supporting Baltimore’s young artists through this meaningful program.