Block Party!

The Walters Art Museum’s inaugural summer block party celebrates Baltimore’s boundless creativity through art, music, and community. During this fun-filled day of festivities, neighbors of all ages can come together inside and outside of the museum to enjoy a local music showcase featuring CIELO of Creative Alliance, Grupo ETNIA, Drum Dr. Dot, Gyzelle Garcia Band, and Daoure Jazz Band; art-making activities and workshops; local food vendors; and more.

Block Party performances have been curated by the event’s community advisors Viridiana Colosio-Martinez, John Tyler, and Alexis Tyson.

About the Advisors

Viridiana Colosio-Martinez is an interdisciplinary scholar, storyteller, and educator based in Baltimore. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Language, Literacy, and Culture at UMBC, focusing on the experiences of Baltimore’s Latinx communities, including immigration stories, cultural identity, and resilience. She collaborates with Yesenia Mejia-Herrera and Artesanas at Creative Alliance to support the community in celebrating and passing down the Latinx traditions to younger generations while sharing them with Baltimore’s diverse communities. Additionally, she serves as an adjunct in the Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics, and Intercultural Communication at UMBC, where she teaches Spanish and Spanish Heritage classes.

John Tyler (JXHN TYLXR) is a 26-year-old powerhouse: an Emmy Award-winning film composer, visionary artist, and dynamic music and event producer who is reshaping the creative landscape. As the founder of the groundbreaking Love Groove Festival, Tyler has established himself as a leading force in the industry and Baltimore culture.

Alexis Tyson, also known as TWZ, is a Baltimore-born curator, muralist, and multi-disciplinary artist. Their work explores the intersection of public art, social impact, and historical storytelling, often engaging directly with communities to reclaim and reimagine shared spaces. Through murals, exhibitions, and interactive curriculum, they highlight Black history, explore forms of cultural documentation, and the power of critical discussions of our social landscape. Passionate about making history more accessible and engaging for all, Tyson creates spaces where people can see themselves reflected, honored, and nurtured.