After many long hours spent in the lab or the clinic, it’s healthy to take a break from work and put your mind on something else. Fortunately for us living here in Baltimore, there is an array of affordable (often free) options to engage in hobbies outside of work. Like many scientists, I often find myself drawn toward the arts as a way to unwind. Here are a few affordable ways to engage with the arts right here in Charm City!
Music:
One does not have to travel far to experience a live concert in Baltimore. Hopkins Symphony Orchestra hosts several events throughout the year, usually at The Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood campus. The Concert Orchestra events are free, while Symphony Orchestra events are free for those with a student ID (from Johns Hopkins or elsewhere), $12 for other Johns Hopkins affiliates and senior citizens and $14 for general admission.
The Peabody Institute in Mount Vernon also offers an array of music recitals that are often free to attend. Be sure to check out their events page for the latest information on their upcoming concerts.
Visual arts:
Interested in participating in the art yourself? Free adult art classes are offered at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Community Engagement Center every Wednesday evening. UMB also offers many other free programs like candle-making, yoga and family science nights!
Whether you like to express yourself through painting, crocheting or even the art of cooking, the Enoch Pratt Library also offers a host of adult art programs free to the public. Free art classes can also be found at the Walters Art Museum every first Thursday of the month through their Make and Mingle program. Even if you aren’t ready to pick up art-making yourself, you can still enjoy free admission to the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art to peruse their collection of works.
Dance:
This one is for the multitaskers looking to kill two birds with one stone. Want to participate in art that’s also a workout? Look no further than dance! Latin social dance is a fun and affordable way to engage with a beautiful, movement-based art form. Salsa and Bachata classes can be found through SalsaNow and Salsa Addicts. Classes are followed by open dance sessions so you can practice your skills and dance the night away! Both groups have multiple events per week, which are often free. Give them a follow on social media to stay up to date.
Whatever your hobby of choice, I hope you find time to take a mental break and enjoy yourself — perhaps by taking advantage of some of these free art programs that Baltimore has to offer!
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