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District advances two naming proposals: Augusta Fellsavage gallery names and a district art-space naming initiative
Summary
The board heard two naming proposals: creating a shared identity (Augusta Fellsavage Institute for Visual Arts) for a combined school community and a district-wide art-space naming initiative that invites public voting on a list of artists; staff will bring final recommendations to the board for votes in May.
Baltimore City Public Schools presented two naming proposals at the March 11 meeting: (1) proposed naming of internal spaces at the merged Augusta Fellsavage/Paul Laurence Dunbar/related campus to honor figures associated with the Blueford/Jemison STEM legacy, and (2) a District Art Space Naming Initiative to name a district gallery space after a Baltimore-area artist.
Staff said Augusta Fellsavage has merged with the Blueford/Jemison STEM academy programs and is proposing to preserve the legacy of the prior names by naming internal spaces after individuals such as Charles Drew, Guion Bluford and Mae Jemison. Staff said the school is forming a naming committee, will engage its Student Government Association and schedule a naming forum this month. The school community will vote on final names in April and staff will present the board with the school’s recommendation in May.
The district art-space proposal seeks to name a gallery space in a district building after an influential Baltimore artist or arts educator. Staff listed several nominees to start public consideration: Ernest Shaw, Valerie Maynard, James E. Lewis and Joyce J. Scott. The district opened voting for staff and community members in January; staff said the voting period will be extended through April 25 and the recommendation will be presented to the board for a vote on May 27.
Staff emphasized that the naming process follows board policy FFA, which requires formation of a naming committee, community engagement, and a final board vote. Staff said the gallery naming initiative is intended to honor Baltimore artists who advanced arts education and representation in the district.
Ending
Staff asked community members to review biographies and vote through district channels; final naming recommendations for both items will come to the board in May for a formal vote.
