Where’s Marty? Thanks to Rebecca Hoffberger, outgoing director of the American Visionary Art Museum – CBS Baltimore

Hello everybody!

Today we took you to the American Visionary Art Museum, AVAM, here in Baltimore. Founded 27 years ago by curator and chair Rebecca Hoffberger, AVAM has been listed as the #1 cultural attraction in the state of Maryland by nine major publications. The New York Times, CNN, USA Today and National Geographic have all commended her showcase of the work of visionary artists around the world. And all because of this lady. A true hero for the Baltimore cultural world and a giant in recognizing the good, the beauty and the potential that art can have for society.

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When she steps down, we stopped by to say “THANK YOU” and give her the spotlight she normally avoids. But we also asked Rebecca to give us a tour of one of the very impressive permanent exhibits, the work of Gerald Hawkes of Turner Station.

PLEASE watch the video from Rebecca’s show and the story of a man who was physically ruined after a violent attack but only found beauty afterwards. And that’s the key to being a “visionary artist” – they’re not formally trained. They have found deep meaning in their own experiences and emotions and brought them to light as art, their very personal expression.

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The website is avam.org. You can long click each button and read all about these extraordinary artists. It might just be a reason for you to venture south of the Inner Harbor to the converted old building on the Key Highway that has grown to more than 100,000 square feet of delight inside and out.

And it’s all because of Hoffberger, who entertained Archbishop Desmond Tutu, poet Maya Angelou, and maybe one of your own neighbors at this museum. Rebecca we love you and THANK YOU!

Martin B!

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