Home > Grants and Programs > More Programs > James Backas Gallery

James Backas Gallery

Gallery Opening:

Maryland Masters: Edwin Remsberg’s Portraits of Maryland Traditions

And a reception honoring folklorist Elaine Eff’s contributions to Maryland folklife

Tuesday, September 27

5pm-8pm

Remsberg Gallery Talk: 6:30pm

Elaine Eff Recognition and Remarks to follow.

Join us for the opening of “Maryland Masters: Edwin Remsberg’s Portraits of Maryland Traditions,” a gallery of stunning photographs depicting Maryland folklife from across the state. Edwin Remsberg’s work captures vibrant and personal portraits of some of the state’s oldest living traditions – like foxhunting, Smith Island Cakes, boatbuilding, Native American beadwork, and African-American gospel quartet singing – as well as some of its newest – like Colombian vallenato accordion and South Indian bharathanatyam dance. Since 2008, Remsberg – a former Baltimore Sun photographer and Harford County native – has documented Maryland Traditions’ master artists as they have passed their skills on to their apprentices. The “Maryland Masters” exhibit is part of a year-long series of events marking the 10^th Anniversary of the founding of Maryland Traditions, the folklife program of the Maryland State Arts Council.

Maryland Traditions was co-founded by folklorist Elaine Eff who co-directed the program until June of 2011. Dr. Eff left Maryland Traditions in July to write a book documenting the community that has produced Baltimore’s iconic Painted Screens tradition. Her contributions to Maryland Traditions and to the study and documentation of Maryland folklife will be celebrated at a reception following Edwin Remsberg’s gallery talk.