In a neighborhood just five minutes from MICA, a solitary tree grows from a once ornate rowhome standing as a stark reminder of a neighborhood scarred by redlining and eminent domain. Previously a thriving Black community, the neighborhood fell into disrepair. This scene encapsulates the struggle of a once thriving Black neighborhood in Baltimore, now marked by more than 16,000 vacant homes — a symptom of deep-seated racial injustices in urban planning and development.
In an inspiring collaboration, Sarah Doherty, a professor of Interdisciplinary Sculpture at MICA, along with Black Women Build — a local nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding homes and lives — and MICA sculpture students have embarked on a transformative project through “Dwellings: Restoration and Renewal.” The course is designed as an integrative, experiential learning opportunity that explores the themes of home, place, and displacement through the dual lenses of art and community engagement.
Doherty’s passion for the intersection of design, community, and space has shaped this course into both creative coursework and communal initiative. The students delve into the concepts of place and displacement through academic readings and hands-on experiences, learning about Baltimore’s urban planning history and gaining practical skills in woodworking, painting, templating, and digital fabrication.
The coursework involves visiting these neighborhoods to study their decaying elements and to understand the historical context behind their decline. MICA students engage in both the reproduction of historic architectural elements and the exploration of broader themes like home and displacement, which serve as inspiration for their studio work. This approach not only enhances their academic understanding but also fosters a practical engagement with the community.
Shelley Halstead, founder of Black Women Build, enriches the students’ experience by sharing the history of the affected neighborhoods, offering them a direct perspective on the racial injustices that once thriving Black communities faced. In practical sessions, students recreate architectural elements — such as cornices, vent covers, and other fixtures — that once adorned the 1920s-era rowhomes. These crafted pieces are destined to replace decaying elements on actual homes in West Baltimore, contributing directly to the community’s revitalization.
The collaboration between MICA students and Black Women Build resulted in the renovation of eight properties, symbolizing a significant step toward the revitalization of the community. The project transcends traditional academic boundaries, allowing students to witness the real-time impact of their work and become active participants in the community’s rebuilding efforts.
This initiative is a vivid example of how academic institutions can play a crucial role in community development by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. It highlights the importance of understanding and addressing historical injustices through collaborative efforts that not only restore buildings but also rebuild the fabric of communities affected by systemic discrimination.
