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DANGEROUSLY DEDICATED: CELEBRATING 45 YEARS

MARYLAND ART PLACE (MAP) MARKS 45 YEARS, HONORS OUTGOING BOARD PRESIDENT & CHAIR, AND ANNOUNCES REINVIGORATED BOARD LEADERSHIP

BALTIMORE [DATE]:  Since opening in 1981, Maryland Art Place (MAP) has served as a critical resource for contemporary art in the Mid-Atlantic region, directly supporting hundreds of artists annually through exhibitions, affordable studio space, art sales, mentorship, fiscal sponsorship, and more.

What makes 45 years meaningful is not just the number. MAP is a testament of time and commitment to service in the Arts over decades. Contemporary art spaces have often opened, thrived, and closed; important galleries and organizations that shaped the city and state that MAP has believed in. Thankfully MAP is  still here,  still growing, and still a critical foundation for the Arts in Maryland, and in Baltimore City where its building is an active hub for the arts in the Bromo Arts District. But it hasn’t been easy. People make MAP work!

Dangerously Dedicated is a celebration of those very people that have made MAP possible; the artists, staff, board members, donors, and community members who made staying possible. As MAP marks this milestone, the organization announces a significant moment in leadership transition: the retirement of longtime Board President Liz S. Courtemanche and the (re)introduction of a reinvigorated Board of Trustees, bringing new energy, expertise, and voices to MAP’s next chapter.

“Liz came to MAP in a time of great need. Her work in the arts and expertise in the fundraising + non profit sector positioned her well for the many challenges that laid ahead of her 2015 - 2025 tenure. It is because of people like Liz, that arts organizations, and MAP specifically, have stayed afloat. Caring for our cultural organizations and facilities is more than a volunteer role - it involves a tremendous amount of understanding about how culture plays a role in the vitality of our communities, and just how important art really is in our daily lives. Liz embodied this completely,” said Amy Cavanaugh, Executive Director of Maryland Art Place. 

“For four and a half decades, MAP has been a cornerstone of Baltimore’s artistic community, helping launch both artistic careers and local collections. It was such an honor to serve on the Board of Trustees these last ten years and be part of MAP’s history. I am beyond touched to be part of this celebration.”

HONORING LIZ S. COURTEMANCHE

As MAP celebrates more than four decades, the organization extends its deepest gratitude to outgoing Board President Liz S. Courtemanche who has been a steadfast advocate for the arts and the artists MAP serves. In 2021, as MAP marked its 40th anniversary, she reflected on the pride she felt in the meaningful impact the organization had on the local arts community. The subsequent years have only deepened that legacy, and it is a fitting close to her tenure as MAP steps into this next milestone with renewed leadership and forward momentum to include new Board President, Amanda Moore.

I’m eager for the city of Baltimore and those across Maryland to see where MAP is headed,” shares  Moore, a long-time Maryland resident and CCS Fundraising Senior Vice President. In 2025 our leadership team engaged in a thoughtful strategic planning process that has resulted in a roadmap re-centered on our vision and reaffirming our mission. We have a strong sense of direction while staying grounded in who we are at our core, celebrating our history and honoring the vibrancy and beauty created by artists across our state. MAP has also welcomed five new board members in the last year alone, and I have tremendous confidence in this organization and the people behind it. Our best days are ahead.”

A REINVIGORATED BOARD

Looking ahead, MAP is pleased to (re)introduce its Board of Trustees, composed of both longstanding members and newer voices from across Maryland’s rich cultural, civic, and commercial fields. Together, this board brings expertise in arts administration, finance, law, marketing, broadcast media, design and architecture, and community engagement. 

MAP would also like to acknowledge the significant contributions, Kathy O’Dell, Retired - Assoc.. Professor Visual Arts + Special Asst. to the Dean for Education and Partnerships, UMBC, and Kathleen Hamill, Director of Art at Alex Cooper Auctioneers for their many years of service, support and contributionship for MAP.

The 2026 Maryland Art Place Board of Trustees includes:

Amanda Moore, Board President (Senior Vice President, CCS Fundraising) 

Doug Koschalk, Vice President (Founder/Owner, Elemental Metalworks) 

Theodore W. Atkinson (Trial Attorney, US Department of Justice) 

Hope Chang (Product Designer, EcoMap Technologies) 

Katie FitzPatrick (Assistant Vice President, CCS Fundraising)

Hon. Stephan W. Fogleman (Retired Judge, Baltimore City Liquor Board) 

David R. Lopez (AIA, LEED AP, Principal, Twopoint Studio) 

Terrence Nelson (Producer, C-Span) 

Tobore Sefia (Senior Network Tech, Eurovision Services) 

Kirsten Walsh (Marketing Manager, Twopoint Studio) 

Amie Ward (President, Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild)

Ritza Yana (Chief Content Producer/Managing Partner, R.Y.Ink!) 

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ABOUT MARYLAND ART PLACE

Maryland Art Place (MAP) inspires people throughout the region by championing creatives and cultivating engagement between artists and the public. MAP envisions a world where the arts are universally respected, freely expressed, and culturally fundamental. MAP has served as a critical resource for contemporary art in the Mid-Atlantic since 1981. mdartplace.org