Fish Out of Water: Baltimore's Fin-Tastic Voyage

by Fish Out of Water (Exhibition) (2001 Baltimore), Leslie Landsman, Patricia Venturino

The multi-hued and wildly diverse fish that defied nature and tradition by swimming through the highways and byways of Baltimore during the summer of 2001 belonged to Fish Out of Water, an urban art exhibit on a grand scale. The fin-tastic project fired the imagination of local residents and tourists alike. When people discovered their first fish, the quest was on! Not wanting to miss a single ichthyaerius Baltimoris (the scientific name bestowed on the fish), groups organized walks to discover—and often to photograph—every one of the 180 finned creatures that graced the Inner Harbor and other city neighborhoods. ‘Twas whispered that the fish were they had the power to make people—even grumpy ones—break out in smiles; they caused total strangers to chat and joke with each other; they seemed to beget good will and to set children to skipping from fish to fish. Folks who went "fishing" discovered a "chicken of the sea," a "fish tank," a "clown" fish, a "plane ol’ fish" complete with propellers, a "monk" fish with robe and tonsure, an "armored fish" and a multiplicity of other surprises that are displayed in this official book of the Fish Out of Water exhibit. Incredible talent and imagination produced fish covered by feathers and formstone, pennies and spoons, flora and fauna, and assorted other unusual items in a display of artistic splendor. Gallons of paint brought intricate and inventive designs to life. This book provides a permanent record and a sou-fin-ir of Baltimore’s wonderful Fish Out of Water summer. Even better, readers will discover that the magic still exists. If they need a smile, if they want to feel lighthearted, if they want to re-live the sheer delight of Fish Out of Water, they need only open the pages of this book and enjoy!

136 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001