Bringing artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds together.
We support, develop, promote and advocate for cultural and educational programming in the visual and performing arts.
Exhibitions
Browse through our curated exhibits
What Had Happened Was…
Prepare to embark on a daring expedition through the corridors of time, where the heartbeat of Black Baltimore resonates in vivid hues and untold stories. Welcome to 'What Had Happened Was...' – an audacious odyssey that unfurls the rich tapestry of a community's history, as seen through the unfiltered lens of the Eubie Blake Cultural Center's private art collection spanning 1990 to 2023. Here, every canvas, every photograph conceals whispers of resilience, each brushstroke immortalizing the pulse of a people's journey.
As the doors swing open, a symphony of voices rise to greet you – voices that have been silenced, amplified, and steadfastly endured. This exhibition transcends the role of mere observer; it invites you to become a part of the narrative, an active participant in the unfolding tableau of history. 'What Had Happened Was...' peels back layers of time, revealing stories that have shaped the past and continue to mold the present.
In the shadows and light, the art reflects lives lived and battles fought, the joy and sorrow that define a community's identity. This is a confrontation with raw truths and triumphant narratives, an intimate conversation that transcends canvas and pigment. As you traverse the galleries, remember that you are engaging with a living, breathing chronicle – a mosaic of stories that paints a portrait of Black Baltimore in all its complexity and magnificence.
So, step closer, and let the whispers of history envelop you. 'What Had Happened Was...' is an invitation to immerse yourself, to question, to learn, and to honor the vibrant spirit of a community that has left an indelible mark on the tapestry of time.
about us
About the Eubie Blake Center
The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center brings artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds together. We support, develop, promote and advocate for cultural and educational programming in the visual and performing arts.
Our Impact
Artistic,
Cultural & Scientific
Significance
“Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.”
By housing a wealth of exhibits, educational programs, and interactive experiences, the center offers a unique lens into Eubie's life, his transformative influence on American music, and his role as a catalyst for cultural and social changes of his time.
