JOCK'N BLUES

BLIFTD ART STVDIOS proudly presents JOCK’N BLUES, an unveiling ceremony and reception spotlighting a new work by acclaimed Baltimore-based artist Jeffrey Kent. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at BLIFTD ART STVDIOS.

The centerpiece of the evening is Kent’s powerful painting, Jock’n Blues: Love Me, Love Me Not, inspired by the story of George ‘Spider’ Anderson, the first African American jockey to win the inaugural Preakness Stakes. A native Baltimorean, Anderson’s remarkable and underrecognized legacy takes center stage through Kent’s evocative, historically rich artwork.

Joining Kent in conversation is curator, real estate developer, and cultural advocate Dana Henson, whose recent art commissions in Park Heights pay tribute to Anderson and further her community-driven efforts in the neighborhood “beyond the racetracks.” Their discussion will explore the intersections of art, legacy, and place-making in Baltimore.

To further honor the heritage of the Preakness Stakes and its local significance, the evening will also feature a presentation of Let the Horses Run, a dynamic series by Michael Haskins Jr., founder of Currency Studio. Haskins’ work anchors the Visiting Artists Collection No. 2 at BLIFTD, continuing the studio’s mission to amplify Baltimore’s vibrant creative voices.

JOCK’N BLUES is free and open to the public. Attendees will enjoy art, conversation, and community as we pay homage to a hidden hero of Baltimore's history and those who carry his story forward.

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