Street & Woodland - Our Shared Impressions: Urban Exploration

Join us for a creative city walking tour that invites you to slow down, look closely, and rediscover the textures that shape our daily lives in Baltimore. Starting at Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Central Branch, we’ll explore the surrounding Mt. Vernon neighborhood, treating the city itself as our muse and art studio.

As we walk, we’ll practice mindful observation, noticing the tiny moments and patterns we usually pass by. The tour encourages a deeper awareness of Baltimore’s built environment—its infrastructure, history, and hidden beauty.

Participants will learn simple techniques for creating texture impressions. They will press clay onto surfaces to make temporary stamps and ink them to reveal small details, and create rubbings by placing paper over textured objects and burnishing with graphite, charcoal, or crayon. From manhole covers and brick walls to plaques, fencing, and other often-overlooked surfaces, we’ll use these everyday materials to create lasting impressions of our urban landscape.

And be sure to join us in June as we continue this creative journey from the city to the woods, exploring the textures, patterns, and quiet details of our natural landscapes in a companion program. You do not need to attend the city program to participate in the nature program—everyone is welcome to join either or both experiences.

Note: This program includes a leisurely walk of roughly 1 to 2 miles. Please be sure to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear.

All supplies and materials will be provided.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Enoch Pratt Free Library