John Waters and Costas Grimaldis at the opening, 1/20/10 (Photo by Elizabeth Suman)

By ELIZABETH SUMAN

In a new photography exhibit at Grimaldis Gallery (his first art show in Baltimore since 2002), John Waters juxtaposes images of the Palace of  Versailles with shots of the Versailles apartment complex in Towson, comparing the real deal in France with its suburban counterpart. Why? One reason, he told the Brew, is because the building makes him laugh.

The exhibit features a smorgasbord of photographs and sculptures Waters began creating as early as 1992, many of which comment on what Waters knows best: film.  A conversation with Waters opens up new layers of meaning in a show that can appear completely random without context.  One piece has a chillingly ironic connection to terrorism. Another elicits what is probably, it’s safe to say, one of the most exuberant and profound soliloquies  ever triggered by the title of an anal porn movie.

Here’s our Q & A. . . . . .

Read the rest of this entry »

Daniel Sanchez, 7, graduated from the Baltimore County Infants & Toddlers Program.

Story and photos by JENNIFER BISHOP

     Amid widespread budget cuts, Maryland has done well by one program – the Maryland Infants & Toddlers Program (MITP). The program provides early intervention services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapies to infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays, as well as counseling and training for their families.

     Last night, a reception was held by the State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC) at Loew’s Hotel in Annapolis to thank many state officials for supporting MITP. Read the rest of this entry »

essay and photos by JENNIFER BISHOP

Every two years, I attend a conference for people affected by my son’s genetic syndrome. Doctors and scientists participate, joining families with affected children of all ages and abilities. Some can walk and talk or use sign language, others can’t. Many suffer from seizures, heart disease, and full body skin rashes, and depend on g-tubes or wheelchairs. Almost all of them laugh or smile.

Friends ask me, “Why do you go?” Read the rest of this entry »

by JENNIFER BISHOP

On August 26, the Maryland Board of Public Works voted to approve a 24 million dollar budget cut for services for people with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Yet, the zoo was spared. Read the rest of this entry »

BY JENNIFER BISHOP
Rachel Simon, author of the bestselling “Riding the Bus with my Sister,” will be speaking about her new book, “Building a Home with my Husband,” in Towson on Wednesday, July 8th, at 7:00 pm at the Maryland Presbyterian Church. Get directions here. Read the rest of this entry »