• Read more about Bomani Armah

Bomani Armah is a Hip Hop artist, writer, educator, and family man. Born in Washington D.C. and raised in Prince George's County, Maryland, Bomani's goal is to "Honor the Ancestors, Prepare the Descendants and Love Right Now." Bomani has released four Hip Hop albums, including "Bomani Armah is the Watermelon Man." He is best known for his 2007 viral crunk hit "Read a Book," which aired on BET's 106th & Park.

• Read more about Mariah Bonner

Mariah is a recording artist, singer and all around performer.  She was born in Baltimore, Maryland and moved with her family to France at the age of ten.  She attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Upon graduating, Mariah moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as an actress. She appeared in television shows such as CSI, Rules of Engagement, and Scorpion and landed film roles alongside Justin Timberlake, Jean Claude Van Damme, and Dolph Lundgren. 

• Read more about Formstone Castle

Formstone Castle is a small team based out of Upper Fells Point, Baltimore, bringing together the enthusiasm and diverse skillsets of many different communities to make art for festivals and events, as well as simply for the joy of creation.

• Read more about Marc Marcel

Marc Marcel has been declared, “One of the most controversial and consciously aware spoken word artists ever,” by radio host Palmetto Star.  Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, Marcel was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 10.  “It took me over a decade into my profession for me to realize poetry isn’t my gift,” Marc reveals, “Poetry is just a tool I’ve been using, to spread my gift through.”  With his many artistic outlets, it is difficult to restrict himself to the labels of the art form.  If one were to categorize his efforts, a philosopher would be more fitting.

• Read more about Masih Amadi

I am a seasoned photographer, graphic designer, and videographer with over a decade of experience.  I currently work for Baltimore City as their graphic designer, photographer and videographer.  I received my BA in fine arts from University of Tehran in 2002.  I specialize in taking pictures of scenery, sites and people in Maryland.  You can see more of my work on https://www.instagram.com/masih_amadi/.

• Read more about Eric Cotten

Eric Cotten- He/Him. Consumed with the desire to help others I began my professional life as a critical nurse (1978- 2016). That career was parleyed into building a successful real estate business (1988-2016) focused on providing affordable housing in Baltimore. Thanks to the real estate business, I came in contact with the production company for the HBO show THE WIRE (2002- 2008) and became part of their location team. The association with these positive encouraging creative people revived my long dormant creative writing side.