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“We've always considered ourselves creatives and we certainly consider this company was really driven by that kind of creative energy," said Max Lents, the co-founder and CEO of Baltimore Spirits Company.
The distillery was in the process of opening a new tasting room when Covid-19 hit.
He envisioned a gallery to host full-service events backed by the distillery’s tasty booze, and showcase art. Particularly, students' art.
“We wanted it to really kind of link us to a broader part of the creative community in Baltimore,” he said.
That's when Lents and the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) came together, and "Launch Artists in Baltimore Award (LAB) was born."
“What I really wanted to do…was give real actual money because that is the most flexible thing for the artist,” Lents explained.
While the award does come with a $10,000 prize, the larger purpose of the award is to give graduating art students a platform to launch into and contribute to Baltimore’s cultural life.
“LAB recipients will show exceptional promise in painting, sculpture, film, video, mixed media or performing art and is engaging in studio practice, projects and initiatives that launch artists in Baltimore,” MICA wrote on their website.
The award is being funded by the Baltimore Spirits’ Art Series Whiskey, which is set to be released next week. The single malt rye, which Lents said will cater to whiskey nerds and enthusiasts, is a first-time endeavor for the distillery as well.
The whiskey bottles also feature a label designed by a MICA graduate. With all these debuts in the works, Lents said he is most excited to meet the lucky winner.
“I'm excited to meet the artist and figure out who gets the grant and kind of learn more about what's going on and with the youths.”
Eligible students have until April 18 to enter and the winner will be announced on June 1. Both Lents and MICA are hoping this award will become a recurring event every year.
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