May 20 Wednesday
When was the last time you unplugged?
Disconnect, slow down, and rediscover what it means to be present inside the BMA’s historic Spring House, where acclaimed American conceptual artist Rachel Lee Hovnanian presents the Nature Deficit Disorder immersion room this spring. The powerful installation challenges our digital dependence and rekindles our connection to the natural world.
Inspired by journalist Richard Louv’s term “nature deficit disorder,” described as a growing disconnection from nature, often linked to diminished focus and negative moods, Hovnanian transforms the Spring House into a simulated nighttime forest.
“My work has long explored how technology shapes attention, mental health, and human connection. This installation emerged from my observations of society’s growing digital dependence, alongside my own experience of it.” –Rachel Lee HovnanianAway from the constant ping of notifications and endless scrolling, surrender your phone, surround yourself with fir trees, and let lantern light guide you. Hear the crunch of leaves beneath your feet and watch the flicker of a campfire casting shadows across the room.
In a world where we check our phones every other minute, Hovnanian invites you to linger for at least five minutes in the immersion room and consider what is lost when we give our attention to apps and devices rather than real-life experiences.
“What do we lose when our lives are constantly mediated by screens? I hope to offer a pause—an invitation to rediscover how it feels to be fully present.” –Rachel Lee Hovnanian
May 21 Thursday
Rarer than a natural blue diamond, national recording artist Corinthia Cromwell is known professionally as The First Lady of Sax. Corinthia has been known to astound audiences with her skillful and passionate performances as a gospel, jazz, and R&B saxophonist, vocalist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and band leader.
Cromwell has performed on stage and in concert with some of the music industry’s most notable artists to include Kirk Whalum, Wayman Tisdale, Wynton Marsalis, Cyrus Chestnut, Marion Meadows, Maysa Leak, Maurette Brown-Clark, The Clark Sisters, Tramaine Hawkins, and Richard Smallwood, just to name a few. As a producer, she has written and produced all her music, as well as music for other artists in the genre of gospel, jazz, and R&B.
A YGC Production
May 22 Friday
The Rotunda Welcomes Back Popular Family-Friendly Concert Series this May 3rd Annual Rotunda Rocks Begins Friday, May 2 and Runs Every Friday through Friday, October 3
Grab a blanket or dust off your favorite portable chair and head on over to Hampden this spring for the return of the popular family-friendly concert series, the 3rd Annual Rotunda Rocks. This FREE weekly concert series, presented by MCB Real Estate, features live music on the Plaza and a street festival atmosphere with delicious local food and drinks, fun games and local vendors and will take place Fridays, 6-9 p.m. beginning May 2 and running until October 3. (711 West 40th Street). Whether you like rock n ’roll, folk, bluegrass, Indie, Latin, Celtic or reggae music, there is something for everyone and the event is open to the public. Pets are welcome and a portion of proceeds from beverage sales benefits the Maryland SPCA. For more information, log onto Rotunda Rocks | The Rotunda (rotundabaltimore.com) or call 410-662-0104.