About ArtsFest

Overlea ArtsFest began in 2016 as the cherished dream of a few board members from the Overlea Community Association, with the goal to bring positive attention to the small Northeast Baltimore neighborhood of Overlea. With a small grant from Baltimore County, the first ArtsFest committee designed the blueprint for an inclusive art event that would be respectful to the artists and enjoyable for the community. They reached out to local artist and experienced arts event organizer Mark S. Sanders to direct the focus of ArtsFest and act as its head curator. Thus, ArtsFest 2016 made its debut with a polish not often seen in first-time events.

The scope and professionalism of the festival was recognized with a special resolution award by Councilwoman Cathy Bevins in that first year. ArtsFest grew quickly and had to move to a larger venue in 2018. In early 2020 it became a stand-alone 501c3 non-profit organization. During the pandemic when no other festivals were taking place, ArtsFest staged a week-long virtual art, music & film event that gained international following. In 2021 it moved to a new home at Holt Park & Center for the Arts. In 2023 it held the first Youth Art Show for kids & teens aged 6 to 17, and in Fall of 2025 the Short Films Festival will break off into its own event, in partnership with the CCBC Essex Digital Media Department. 

A very “pro-artist” organization, ArtsFest is dedicated to supporting new & emerging visual artists and filmmakers of all ages with low-to-no-cost juried exhibitions, free workshops, business education, and opportunities to grow and thrive. Attendance to all events is FREE, as are the art and nature activities offered for kids and families. 

Overlea ArtsFest, Inc. is run by a committed board (see gray box) of volunteers. We welcome participation from schools, students, art galleries, community leaders, artists and art lovers alike. Join us in making Overlea and Northeast Baltimore a supportive place for the entire arts community!