BALTIMORE — This week, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) will showcase more than 3,000 unique one-of-a-kind artworks by nearly 400 of the nation’s most talented emerging artists on its campus, an event that is the official opening of its Commencement Exhibition.

ARTWALK:
The 11th annual ArtWalk — which takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 17 in multiple buildings on MICA’s campus —  is the kick-off event for the annual Commencement Exhibition. On Friday, MICA will welcome the Baltimore community and beyond to campus for a chance to see the incredible work of students for the one of biggest displays of visual art in the city. For more information about MICA ArtWalk, visit: https://testing.mica.edu/annual-events-series/artwalk/about/.

This year, for the first time, the event is paired with The LAUNCH Exhibition, a showcase of curated works from the graduating students of MICA’s MFA, MA and Post-Baccalaureate programs. LAUNCH will be set up a short walk away across the Howard Street Bridge in ICA Baltimore, 6 W. North Ave. Shuttle service will also be provided. For more information about LAUNCH, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/468729600534765/.

Several food trucks will be on site during Friday's event for food purchases in the Bunting East parking lot, including Dooby’s, BMore Greek, The Greenbowl, Kooper’s Chowhound, Mexican on the Run, Miss Twist Pasta La Vista, Baby! and PLANTBAR. Cafe Doris, located in MICA’s Fox Building, will offer a limited-service menu. Three cash bars will be provided by Dooby's in the East Bunting Lot, Cohen Plaza and and at Station. They will sell beer, wine and kombucha for $5.

COMMENCEMENT:
ArtWalk is a celebration of MICA’s undergraduate Class of 2019, who are set to graduate on Monday.

Abbi Jacobson ’06 (General Fine Arts B.F.A.), co-creator of the hit Comedy Central series "Broad City," will be the keynote speaker at the college’s 170th undergraduate commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. Monday, May 20 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore. 

Graduate commencement is scheduled for 5 p.m. that Monday also at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, where Cuban installation and performance artist Tania Bruguera will be the keynote speaker. Jane Golden, founder and director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, will also make remarks.

Commencement will also be streamed live on MICA's Facebook page.

For more information on commencement, including the full list of honorees, visit: https://testing.mica.edu/annual-events-series/commencement/speakers-and-honorary-degree-winners/.

Note: Free parking is available in the Mosher and Station parking lots during ArtWalk, though parking will be limited. The church lot will be closed during ArtWalk. Additional paid parking is available at The Fitzgerald Garage (across from Mount Royal Station), and will cost $15. Due to a number of events Friday evening, traffic will also likely be impacted. Event goers are encouraged to walk, take public transportation or use rideshare to get to MICA’s campus.