BmoreArt’s Picks: July 14-20 This Week: ICON13 Illustration Conference at MICA, Voyages: Chapter 8 at The National Aquarium, Block Party! at The Walters, Frederick Arts Council Celebrating 50 Years of Creative Community reception, Manor Mill’s Represented Artists Takeover reception, and  Homage to Baltimore + Mirror Mirror closing reception + artist talks at Current — PLUS North Avenue Market Request for Proposals and more featured opportunities! BmoreArt’s Picks presents the best weekly art openings, events, and performances happening in Baltimore and surrounding areas. For a more comprehensive perspective, check the BmoreArt Calendar page, which includes ongoing exhibits and performances, and is updated on a daily basis. To submit your calendar event, email us at [email protected]! ICON The Illustration Conference Wednesday, July 15 – Saturday, July 18@ Maryland Institute College of Art Recognized as one of the premier international events for illustrators, educators, students, art directors, and creative professionals, ICON brings together a wide range of voices across editorial, publishing, animation, design, fine art, and commercial practice. Now in its thirteenth edition, ICON13 continues this tradition with four days of programming that celebrates the past, present, and future of visual storytelling.  Programming will be hosted primarily at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), a nationally recognized leader in art and design education. Additional events will take place at partner venues, the Parkway Theater and the American Visionary Art Museum.  ICON13 reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to provide a space “of, by, and for” the illustration community—where established professionals and emerging voices come together to share work, ideas, and process in an open, collaborative environment. Voyages: Chapter 8 Thursday, July 16 :: 6-11pm@ The National Aquarium You are cordially invited to the wedding of the National Aquarium and Baltimore. Join us for Voyages: Chapter 8 and explore Aquarium exhibits through a deconstructed wedding reception inspired by sustainable food from the mind of local food personality and creator Tim “Chyno” Chin (also known as @boywiththebluebeard and @thebaltimorefoodie). Inspired by months of research at the Aquarium and insights from Ben Halpern, a scientific leadership member of the Blue Food Assessment, Chyno created “A Celebration of Baltimore, Water, and the Meals That Connect Us All.” This immersive dining experience encourages guests to rethink their relationship with food. It promises to serve up a menu you won’t soon forget, featuring local culinary superstars Chef Amanda Mack, Chef Cia Carter, Chef Samara Greene-Scott, and Chef Kiara Young. After exploring the exhibits, close out the night with your fellow voyagers at a wedding dance party performed by USVNI and the Bloom Orchestra with special guest vocalist Black Assets. This is where art and science meet. This is a one-of-a-kind celebration of all things Baltimore and the connection we share with the natural world. This is the Aquarium like you’ve never experienced it before. This is Voyages. Are you ready to embark on a journey into the deep? Block Party! Saturday, July 18 :: 11am-4pm@ The Walters Art Museum The Walters Art Museum’s inaugural summer block party celebrates Baltimore’s boundless creativity through art, music, and community. During this fun-filled day of festivities, neighbors of all ages can come together inside and outside of the museum to enjoy a local music showcase featuring CIELO of Creative Alliance, Grupo ETNIA, Drum Dr. Dot, Gyzelle Garcia Band, and Daoure Jazz Band; artmaking activities and workshops; local food vendors; and more. Block Party performances have been curated by the event’s community advisors John Tyler, Viridiana Colosio-Martinez, and Alexis Tyson. Read more of this week’s picks at BmoreArt. ...read more read less