Alexis Tyson using a tape measure to align paintings on a wall. Behind her is a painting already hung.

Mission

As a Curator my goal is to bring artist of all mediums and backgrounds into the gaze of viewers to share experiences and emotions. Art is the bridge between the self and other, a solitary act of seeing and perceiving met by the deeply intimate experience of creating art from your own thoughts. I want the spaces I curate to feel like walks through another's life.

Curator History | MAXgallery, Highlandtown MD | Fall 2023

The Awakening: Afro-Surrealism

“Absurdity fuels surrealism. The Awakening is centered around Black artists' experiences and lived truths navigating their artistic practice and place in the world. What do you think of when you hear ‘Afro-Surrealism’? An art style, a way of thought or life? We believe that by simply existing and going into each day with the intention to create the world we want - we fuel the collective need to break the restraints imposed on us.

Everyone goes through the profound experience of understanding yourself and your place in the world. We are individuals learning ourselves across countless dynamics; where we stand in our families and friends, and where society places us. This exhibition is an acknowledgment to our unique views of the world and its manifestations through art. Nothing about our existence in this world is meant to follow a template, the uncertainty is both terrifying and liberating. These artists have invited you into their inner dialogue. As you view their art - take into consideration their individual expression. Their freedom in exploration is an open invitation to begin your own critical thought of the world around and within you- however, it may appear...”

-Alexis Tyson, Co-Curator Fall 2023

Community Movie Night | Viewing and Discussion of Sorry To Bother You

Who We See: Reflections of Self

“Discover a captivating collection of artwork, photography, and installations that reflect the essence of the people we encounter in our daily lives. From thought-provoking portraits to vibrant landscapes, this exhibition celebrates the power of visual storytelling especially as we examine it’s influence on ourselves.

Engage with fellow art enthusiasts, exchange ideas, and gain new insights into the world around us. Whether you’re an artist, a friend, a collector, or simply curious, this opening is to give you a space to explore and meet other creatives.”

-Alexis Tyson, Curator Winter 2024

Curator History - Art Dire | Love Groove Festival, Baltimore MD

Love Groove Festival

Each year, I get to work with Artists across Baltimore City to put together the Art Gallery for the Love Groove Festival. Focusing on uplifting and highlighting the talent within the city - each year we expand our reach. Learn more below.

Curator History - Fellowship | The Peale, Baltimore MD | Winter 2022

A Feast In The Desert

Food Insecurity In Baltimore

“Food is sacred. A way to nurture and heal oneself and the community. Being able to cook a favorite meal after a bad day, sit down to a homemade meal, and try new things in the name of living and eating better, become secondary priorities when food becomes a problem to be solved instead of a given. No one should wonder where their next meal comes from but unfortunately, that’s not the world we live in. Our survival shouldn’t be a struggle.

Through our efforts at the Peale, we hope to inspire others to take a more active role in supporting their communities, whether through direct involvement in easily accessible food spaces (Pantries, Community farms, etc.) and opportunities like donating to or volunteering with a food bank, there’s no one way to help and all that matters is that we’re intentional in our efforts.”

-Alexis Tyson, Curator

Hear from the artists! “A Feast In The Desert, ” curated by Alexis Tyson, shares the artists’ voices in appreciating the role food plays in strengthening our bonds and educating our community on food disparity in Baltimore. An intimate exhibition that showcases four artists across Baltimore – each offering a story of how food affects them and their lifestyles. Along with educating our community on the food deserts that exist around Baltimore, the exhibition also accepts canned goods donations that will, in turn, be shared with our three partners: The Maryland Food Bank, The Baltimore Hunger Project, and Outcast Food Network, to help disrupt the effects of food insecurity in Baltimore.

Curator History - Guest Curator | Motor House Baltimore MD | June 2022

“Learning To Love As I Do”

As a Black queer woman, often representation is reduced to a buzz. As a kid I found myself alienated from the images of queer love being it felt like a spectacle; something to stare and gawk at. Not the natural and everyday feeling that I found in myself. I found myself trying to label and categorize every instance of love I came across. Thankfully, I've found peace in knowing that there is no “ideal” or “perfect match”, only what feels right. In today’s age, that way of thought is expanding to all parts of our world and I want to celebrate that through spotlighting artists who’ve shared their own interpretations of love. There is an unspoken importance to showing love of all forms in ways that aren’t what we’re used to. The unconventional is love because love isn’t a single look or person.

It just is. 

-Alexis Tyson, Curator Statement

BAP by Destiny Branay

“Motor House is a creative crossroads rooted in the culture of Baltimore. We are a non-profit arts hub, gallery, and performance space that encourages new visions, bold experiments, and emerging voices to celebrate the artistry of our city.”

Curator History - Arts Coordinator and Curator | OCA Mocha, Arbutus MD | 21’ - 22’

“Where Coffee Meets Community”

“OCA Mocha is a shared, multi-purpose space that fosters ongoing engagement between UMBC and its neighboring communities and promotes economic development in southwestern Baltimore County. By fostering social opportunities and economic development, OCA Mocha will be a catalyst to create genuine symbiotic relationships between UMBC and its surrounding communities.”