By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com
Baltimore welcomed the Sowebo Arts and Music Festival in the historic Hollins Market neighborhood on May 25. Local vendors had the opportunity to showcase their fashion, food and art at the event, now in its 42nd year.
Artists and attendees gathered during the Memorial Day weekend to enjoy local vendors, performances and art installations that reflect the diversity and richness of Baltimore. For many, the annual festival offers something more intimate and authentic than the city’s larger festivals. Skye Janae, a Baltimore native, grew up attending the festival.
“It’s very authentic, more personal work, more variety,” said Janae. “We always went because our school was connected to it. We just kept the tradition going.”
Desiree Wingo, a repeat visitor, said the community energy sets Sowebo apart.
“I didn’t have a question about coming back out,” Wingo said. “I had a great time last year– got some great pieces…a lot of people don’t know about this little gem of the city,” Wingo added.
“I hope folks will come out and give this festival as much of a chance as they do Artscape,” she said, referring to the decision to move Baltimore’s Artscape festival to the same weekend as Sowebo, traditionally held over the Memorial Day holiday.
Vendor Devon Hall said he decided to sell his work at the Sowebo Festival instead of Artscape partly because the latter is often rained out— but also because of what it means to him as a local.
“This was another chance for me to do something for the hometown. I’m working on a Baltimore Hometown Heroes series…trying to honor some of the people that we look up to in the city,” said Hall, standing next to a tribute of Keith Boissier, known locally as the “Baltimore Running Man.”
Hall shared advice for other emerging creatives who may be considering a vendor’s table at next year’s Sowebo Festival.
“Take chances,” he said. “It’s a grind, but the satisfaction you’ll get in the end is unmatched.”
For older residents, the festival represents decades of tradition and cultural connection. Charles Lowder, a longtime attendee and collector of African art spoke with the AFRO about why he attends Sowebo each year.
Credit: AFRO Photos / Alexis Taylor
“I collect African art,” he said, while looking through African jewelry and hats on display. “There’s lots of culture in this neighborhood…a mix of African art and Hispanic art and all other kinds of art.”
Now 80, Lowder has been attending the event for decades. He said the mix of cultures on display is part of what makes Sowebo special and hopes that it will remain as special for future generations.
“I’m hoping that my grandchildren and their children will know this and feel it when they see it,” he said.
As Sowebo continues to grow, it remains a beacon of Baltimore pride, cultural heritage and artistic expression — celebrating not just where the community has been, but where it’s going.
