The Pratt Contemporaries have a lot to celebrate. Membership has tripled. They’ve raised a million dollars to support Library programs. And, they’ve got a brand new Anniversary logo designed by member, Priscilla Korompis. Take a look back at all they’ve accomplished in a decade in this video:
Artists for Truth is a newly formed fundraising and educational platform to support information literacy and freedoms, and to explore the artist’s role in amplifying, reflecting, and addressing societal concerns.
The Enoch Pratt Free Library is one of four beneficiaries of Artists for Truth’s Inaugural Exhibition and Silent Auction on Friday, June 2. “The Enoch Pratt Free Library is thrilled to be a part of the Artists for Truth benefit,” says Ellen Riordan, Director of Planning, Programs & Partnerships. “Each day librarians across our 22 branches help the people of Baltimore do research and find facts. This benefit will help us expand our media literacy programs.”
The show will feature work by more than a hundred artists, including two Pratt Library staff members.
“Providing a wealth of free and trustworthy information as Pratt Library does is so important to our city and our society. I imagined this exhibit having lots of serious political pieces on display, so I decided to balance that with some humor and levity. I choose two photos, each taken in Baltimore when something random I saw made me smile and brightened my day. If someone chooses to buy them, I hope they inspire the same in their new owner.” — Teresa Duggan, Web Developer
“I’m excited to participate in the Artists for Truth show with my photographs. I like to leave interpretations to the viewer but both of these works are part of my ongoing engagement with the world around me. The diverse selection of artwork in this show beautifully reflect a basic need for truth, which is also fundamental to what we do here at Pratt. I’m proud that my work both as a librarian and as an artist can come together in this important effort.” — Patrick Joust, Information Services Librarian
See more of Teresa and Patrick’s work, in addition to 250+ artworks, at the Opening Event and Silent Auction on Friday, June 2, 6pm-10pm at SpaceCamp Gallery, 16 West North Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.
Also catch Ryan O’Grady, librarian with the Enoch Pratt Free Library/Maryland State Library Resource Center providing free lectures on how to spot fake news. Check out the schedule for all Artists for Truth events here.