Maryland State Wire

The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA), Joshua Johnson Council (JJC), and the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) have announced the selection of Murjoni Merriweather and Rodney Jermaine Elliott, also known as Qrcky, for the 2025 Summer Artist-in-Residence program at MICA. This program, which began in 2022, is a collaborative effort by the three organizations to provide artists with an opportunity to work in MICA’s Fred Lazarus IV Studio Center Studio for eight weeks during June and July. The residency allows artists to expand their work while integrating into the college community.

Both Merriweather and Qrcky are artists based in Baltimore. Their selection was made by a five-member jury that included Tracey Beale, Benjamin Kelley, Gwendolyn Statham from each organization, and last year’s JJC Artists-in-Residence Ainsley Burrows and Vetiver (Vonne Napper).

Rose McNeill, President of JJC, stated: “Now in its fourth year, the JJC summer residency is an established program for supporting the careers of Baltimore-area artists and connecting them to the MICA community. We have been excited each year to witness the growth that occurs through these relationships. The artists tell us how rare it is to have a studio space, welcoming community, and financial resources to develop their practice.”

The BMA was founded in 1914 with a mission to inspire people through diverse exhibitions and collections. It houses over 97,000 objects spanning various eras and cultures. The museum features works by Henri Matisse and contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds. Located near Johns Hopkins University, it offers free general admission.