What Weekly readers are familiar with Philip Laubner as one of our regular photographers, capturing amazing photos of Baltimore’s weird and wonderful! Together with Lauren Barnhart, Philip is also the producer behind Instant Gratification– a semi-regular art happening that has taken place every 4 months over the last 4 years.
Previous incarnations of this wonderful event took place Gallery 788 in Pigtown, but since its closing earlier this year, 788’s owner Eduardo Rodriquez has teamed up with La Caja Estudios in Sowebo to serve as a temporary home while he searches for a new location.
Amidst a group art show curated by 788, Laubner and Barnhart assembled a collection of strange and diverse folk to fill out a five hour marathon of live shows, including performances by Justin Allen, Rebecca Nagel, Dr. Finius J. Nodnol III, Esq., James Taylor, Victoria Vox, Robin Gunkel, Nancy Murray, Bagoas, among others, which made for a well-rounded Instant Gratification #8!
This is the second Instant Gratification I have attended, and they stick out from most other events I have ever been to. Aside from the art and artists these events feature, what contributes to their continued success is the feeling of community that they foster. Many attendees stay for the whole 5 hours, splitting their time between looking at art, watching performances, and talking with other visitors in a low-key environment.
A big congratulations to both Philip and Lauren for another successful event!
Please enjoy these photos by Theres Keil!
