As the nation prepares to mark America’s 250th anniversary, Pride of Baltimore, Inc. is proud to partner with the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House on a collaborative project that will help make possible a special artist exhibit exploring Maryland’s vital role in shaping the American story. Participating artists include Larry “Poncho” Brown, Lenett Partlow-Myrick, Adrianna Hwang, Jessica Devilbliss, Jasmine Hall, Ray Baylor, Louis Marshall, and Helen Yuen. The exhibit’s jurors are Dr. Schroeder Cherry and Gina Pierleoni.
On November 4, Pride of Baltimore II, America’s Star-Spangled Ambassador, welcomed these artists aboard for an afternoon sail unlike any other, a journey that brought together art, history, and the living spirit of the Chesapeake Bay.
During the sail, artists experienced firsthand what it means to work and move aboard a traditional Baltimore clipper while historian Scott Sheads shared insight into the War of 1812 and how Maryland’s waters shaped the fight for American identity. From the decks of Pride II, the same harbor that once inspired Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner” came alive in new ways—not through cannon fire, but through conversation, creativity, and connection.
The Flag House team will return in April 2026 for a second sail, coinciding with the start of Pride II’s 2026 sailing season and the official kickoff of the America250 commemorations. That voyage will bring the artists back to the waters off Fort McHenry, offering a powerful moment of reflection as the flag rises once more above the birthplace of our national anthem.
In the months ahead, each artist will spend time exploring Maryland’s museums, landscapes, and communities, drawing inspiration from the people and places that define our shared past and present. Their finished works, due in May 2026, will interpret the evolution of American democracy and Maryland’s enduring contributions across 250 years of history and identity.
Pride of Baltimore, Inc. is honored to serve as both a platform and a partner in this collaborative project. Our thanks go out to the Flag House for their vision, to Dr. Cherry and Ms. Pierleoni for their participation, and to the artists for bringing their voices and perspectives aboard.
In 2026, the nation will mark 250 years of independence—and Pride of Baltimore II will sail at the heart of the celebration. During the War of 1812, Baltimore Clippers and privateers defended independence, safeguarded sailors’ rights, and helped secure our nation’s place on the world stage. Today, Pride of Baltimore II carries that legacy forward as America’s Star-Spangled Ambassador, a living monument to Maryland’s maritime heritage and the nation’s enduring spirit of independence.
