BmoreArt’s Picks: January 7-13This Week: Baltimore Clayworks’ artist walk with curator Leigh Taylor Mickelson and opening reception for Garden Reverie, ImprovScape with Erin Barry-Dutro at Peabody Heights Brewery, opening reception at BCS’s Indigenous Art Gallery, Iron Crow Theatre’s ‘Act of God,’ Kelly Hall opening reception at Zo Gallery, and Tea with Myrtis featuring Devin Allen — PLUS apply for a residency at Baltimore Jewelry Center 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]!Virtual Artist Talk with Leigh Taylor MickelsonTueday, January 7 :: 12:30-1:30pmpresented by Baltimore ClayworksCeramic artists are at the heart of Baltimore Clayworks. Artists are at the center of the mission of Baltimore Clayworks, and provide the organization with talent and innovation to inspire our community and to enliven the artistic impact of ceramics in our region. Their professional and personal networks provide a kaleidoscope of interactions with peers, galleries, and academic institutions, which keep the organization at the forefront of contemporary ceramic art.Artist BioLeigh Taylor Mickelson, a resident of Ossining, NY, is an artist and independent consultant with 24 years of experience in nonprofit arts management and program development. Her ceramic sculpture is inspired by forms from nature, especially ones found in plant life, as a means of expressing narratives about life. Being full of dichotomy, the elements of natural forms act as a metaphor for the spiritual, emotional and physical extremes that exist within ourselves, our love relationships and our family units. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and English Literature from Hamilton College, and received her MFA in Ceramic Sculpture from Rochester Institute of Technology’s School for American Crafts.  Mickelson has had several articles published in various publications and catalogs, has taught ceramics and workshops across the east coast and exhibits her own work widely across the nation.  She started her consulting business LTM Arts Consulting in 2019 after 22 years of experience in program development and nonprofit arts management with two arts nonprofits. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring her perspective and skills to other businesses and nonprofits who are looking to increase their impact and vibrancy in the community.:: Other Events ::Garden Reverie / Where the Wild Things Are / Community Arts Winter Showcase | Opening ReceptionsSaturday, January 11 :: 6-8pm@ Baltimore ClayworksGarden Reverie Juried by Leigh Taylor MickelsonThis national juried exhibition showcases ceramic artists who draw inspiration from the ubiquitous garden. Wild and tame, exotic and sweet, foreign and familiar, resilient and vulnerable, the garden is a sacred space of botanical dreams, natural beauty, and the cycle of life, producing abundant metaphors for all kinds of thoughts, feelings, and narratives, human or otherwise.Where the Wild Things AreInspired by the renowned children’s book, “Where The Wild Things Are,” this is a group show with five contemporary ceramic artists who create curious sculptures on the theme of mythical and whimsical creatures. Invited artists include Brad Blair, Rebekah Bogard, Annie Boyer, Taylor Robenalt, Molly Uravitch.Community Arts Winter ShowcaseCelebrate the creativity and talent of Baltimore Clayworks’ Community Arts at our Community Arts Winter Showcase! This inspiring event features a diverse collection of artwork across our community arts programs.ImprovScape with Erin Barry-DutroThursday, January 9 :: 7-9pm@ Peabody Heights BreweryImprovScape brings improv to the arts communities of Baltimore! Each show, a specially designed cast of HIghwire’s improvisers meet with a local artist. We interview them, see their work, and turn their art and inspirations into hilarious improv!For this show at Peabody Heights it’s a full community experience. You’ll get to meet the artist, see some of their work, watch an improv show, and if you’d like, jump into an improv jam! Plus great food and drink at Peabody Height Brewery!These shows have Pay What You Want pricing – enter your desired amount when reserving your ticket.Erin Barry-Dutro (she/her) is a printmaker, installation artist, and designer living and working in Baltimore, Maryland. She received her BFA in Painting and Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University and a post baccalaureate certificate in Interactive Media and Design from Towson University, where she is now working on her MFA. She is a founding member of the activist art projection group Luminous Intervention and the owner of Shinyfresh Press. She and her partner create LED-based installations under the name Radiance. Her art centers on addressing “difficult” topics via colorful, spiritual, and comforting experiences, including issues around LGBTQIA+ or neurodivergent identity, self acceptance, community, safety, and change.Learn more at https://shinyfresh.com/ and follow Erin on Instagram: @erinbarrydutroRead more of this week’s picks at BmoreArt.