The Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance and the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund are pleased to announce the finalists for the 2026 Baker Artist Awards. From over 1000 portfolios on the website, these 36 Baltimore-area artists were selected by a pool of 12 regional jurors for demonstrating excellence in three areas: mastery of craft, depth of artistic exploration, and unique vision. Baker Artist Award Finalists are divided equally amongst the website’s six artistic disciplines. 

All artists who have received a cumulative total of less than $20,000 in previous prizes remain eligible for a Baker Artist Award.

You can experience the work of many of these artists through the 2026 Baker Artist Finalist Showcases, taking place throughout April and May. These free, public events include screenings, readings, and an exhibition. Participation is optional for finalists and does not influence award selection.

Click here to view the full press release!

The Finalists for the 2026 Baker Artist Awards are:

Visual Arts – 2D: Schroeder Cherry, Joan Cox, Erin Fostel, Lusmerlin, Tony Shore, James Williams II

Visual Arts – 3D: Thea Canlas, David Friedheim, Stephanie Garmey, David Hess, McCormack and Figg, Mary Deacon Opasik

Interdisciplinary: Collis Donadio, Phylicia Ghee, Kei Ito, Soledad Salame, Wickerham & Lomax, Lite Zhang

Film & Photography: Albert Birney, Alaina Lurry, Amy Oden, Be Steadwell, Lendl Tellington, Lynn Tomlinson

Literary Arts: Michael Downs, Ashley Elizabeth, Edgar Kunz, Don Lee, Bry Reed, Justin Sirois

Performance: Alex and Olmsted, Carly J. Bales, Alex Lacquement, MESHELLE "The Indie Mom of Comedy", Jamal Moore, Mark Navarro

Click here to explore the Finalists' portfolios

Finalist Events & Exhibition Schedule

Throughout April and May, these free public events—including screenings, readings, and an exhibition—give Baltimore-area audiences the opportunity to experience the amazing work of many 2026 Finalists.