The Guardians of Baltimore
The Guardians is a photo documentary and storytelling project that celebrates the unrecognized community work of Black female leaders from Baltimore City neighborhoods. By uplifting their stories and experiences through recorded interviews and large-scale photographs, we demonstrate how art and activism can make real, lasting change. The Guardians is a platform honoring women who spend their lives fighting for better, healthier communities.
“The Guardians project is so important for me because it's my chance to say, hey, I was here, I did try my best to contribute, I left my mark, I left something behind to say I was a part of trying to make that change."
- Tayler Mugar, Harlem Park West
Five of the Guardians on the facade of Baltimore City Hall
The Guardians is more than the exhibit of photos and stories—it is a movement, an organizing effort, and a piece of history founded on the work of women who spend their lives fighting for a better Baltimore. It is also the ongoing exploration of how art can make real, lasting change that can help us see realities and (re)shape culture. It can shift the narrative, bringing people together across generations and boundaries. It helps us heal.
Ms. Sharon Snow, Cylburn
The process of The Guardians project begins with interviewing the community leaders involved in the project about their experiences as Baltimoreans, the work they have done for the city, and changes they would like to see. The Guardians are then photographed by Baltimore-based, self-taught photographer, Kirby Griffin, in their communities at locations they have selected. The Guardians are engaged in all aspects of the planning of this project through monthly meetings where they can share resources with each other and decide what questions should be asked of future Guardians in their interviews. An annual event showcases their portraits and stories; in 2021 they received Mayoral citations at a culminating event presented by the Peale at nearby Carroll Mansion. In addition to an exhibition, The Guardians' portraits hang on the front of City Hall, and are displayed along with their recorded stories on digital kiosks around the city. By repeating this process, The Guardians cohort becomes larger, stronger, and more visible every year.
We now have 23 Guardians representing all corners of Baltimore City
Originally funded by The Ruby’s Artist Grant awarded in 2020, The Guardians project scope has grown; including five banners to be installed on Baltimore’s City Hall, digital archives of thirteen Guardians stories and an interactive exhibit. In 2022-2023, the Guardians are planning to have a traveling exhibit around Baltimore and beyond, a podcast, artist/Guardian talks in schools and community centers, and a second cohort of Guardians. My goal is to continue to provide a forum for the current cohort to collaborate and implement ideas as well as work on a sustainability plan with partner organizations. While we have raised added funds through Maryland State Arts Council, Ruby’s Alumni Grants and individual funders to support the fall exhibit, support from each of you will enable me to continue to dedicate my time and resources to sustain and grow this meaningful project. I believe The Guardians will bring positive, national attention to Baltimore and continue to bring together leaders from all corners of the city to work together for a better, brighter future. I look forward to working with other fellows to exchange ideas and improve the quality of life for all Baltimoreans.
Glendora Brothers // Randi Wood //Art of Healthcare // Paige Orpin // Darin Crew // Jacopo Agrimi // Robbyn Lewis // New Solid Rock Fellowship Church, Inc. // Requity Foundation, Inc. // Thomas Frazier // Ang Robinson // Jane Shelton // Michael Rosenband // Terrye Ashby // Whitney Frazier // Lottie Sneed // Paula Phillips // Kristina Berdan // Roderick Durant // Genie Arnot // Michael S Martin // Thea Canlas // Nicole Gudzowsky // Brent Laytham // Theresa Keil // Antoinette Mugar // Jan Sutcliffe // William Wierzalis // Megan Lovely // Carol Reckling // Lee Boot // Nzings Mack // Erin Johnson // Jessica Cook-Thomas // Patti Flowers-Coulson // Cheryl Malone // Scott Greatorex // Anthony Tosheff // Perter Vega // Lucy & Paul Gibney // Joy Ross // Sandee and Phil Rosenband // Melissa Briskman // Andrea Roberson