One of the best parts of Harford County is the variety of activities available for community involvement. I recently sat down with Angela Robertson, the Bel Air Arts & Entertainment District Manager, to discuss all that the Town of Bel Air offers.
“The Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission and the Bel Air Arts & Entertainment District have been instrumental in bringing art to life in Bel Air,” stated Angela. The Public Art Tour is a two-mile self-guided walk in downtown Bel Air that allows community members to see murals, sculptures, and other works of art that have brought much joy to the town. Created in 2019, it started as a paper map showcasing 20 pieces of public art. In 2021, an expanded tour was created that is GIS (Geographic Information System) based where you can read more in-depth about 40 pieces of public art that are accessible in a walk and a short drive around town. Using the GIS map on your smartphone, the map updates as you walk and guides you from piece to piece.
“Public art is really important. It provides a sense of community, contributes to the quality of life, relieves stress, and the tour allows people to get out and get exercise,” Angela exclaimed. These murals and sculptures give the Town of Bel Air a unique and vibrant feel.
There are plenty of amazing things to see and do within our community. Not only is the Bel Air Public Art Tour available to us year-round, but Visit Harford also offers a Barn Quilt Tour and a County Wide Mural Trail that are available on their website.
In addition to public art, there are always events going on in the Bel Air Arts & Entertainment District that are open to the community. Visit their website and be sure to follow Harford Lifestyle and the Bel Air Arts & Entertianment District on Instagram for updated information and events!
Get out and support our community today! If you prefer a hardcopy map of the Bel Air Public Art Tour, visit the Bel Air Visitors Center located in Armory Marketplace in the Harford Artists Gallery.