The atmosphere is jubilant when 3700 Art Educators converge in historic Baltimore for four days and nights of vendor exhibits (with free samples!), hosted receptions, workshops and presentations.
Most K-12 Art Teachers are the sole artist at their school. When they get together, the enthusiasm of this crowd is infectious. The demographic is mostly female–”art ladies” as far as the eye can see, with a brave minority of “art guys” and a some enthusiastic “Art Teachers in training”.
It seems quite easy to get around downtown Baltimore without a car. There is a free shuttle circulating around the central area and well designed bike paths with sturdy dividers separating them from traffic.
Downtown is wrapped around Chesapeake Bay, creating a maritime atmosphere. Tall ships and Coast Guard cutters are moored just yards from walking paths and restaurant seating.