1. What are your responsibilities as Director of Facilities?
The position oversees all Facilities Staff and provides day-to-day operational, logistical and maintenance to all BOPA facility operations, which includes Top of the World Observation Level, Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, The Cloisters and School 33 Art Center. I am charged with creating and maintaining high quality, visitor friendly attractions that run smoothly, and to fulfill its directive of raising revenues.
2. Tell us about the attractions you manage.
The Cloisters is a historic home on 60 acres of property with charming gardens in Lutherville, Maryland. We have hosted multiple private events including the wedding of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett. We have also been a site for extensive film projects including Cry Baby, Absolute Power and most recently House of Cards.
The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower is an iconic landmark in the Baltimore Skyline. The four-sided clock tower is one foot larger than the clock at Westminster, or Big Ben as it is known throughout the world. We host artists, writers and designers, and are home to the largest collection of blue glass in the world. The museum collection is on loan through the generosity of Ernie Dimler.
School 33 Art Center has been a bridge between contemporary artists and the public. Through exhibitions, studios for artists, classes for adults and children, as well as special events and workshops, the center works to insure a vibrant future for contemporary art and artists in Baltimore. The three gallery spaces, multi-use classrooms, permanent, on-site collaborative installations, and an environmentally-friendly outdoor garden fed by a rainwater collection system are examples of School 33’s commitment to maintaining and expanding the potential of our historic building.
Top of the World Observation Level has a spectacular and unforgettable view of Baltimore from the top of the world’s tallest pentagonal building. New exhibits about local landmarks, famous people and “firsts,” and historic events will engage and inspire you to explore more of Charm City.
3. Do you have something that helps your workday? If so, what?
I couldn’t do my job without the Facilities Staff; their enthusiasm, dedication and creativity are what inspire me every day.
4. How does the facilities department create a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors?
Each Facilities Staff member brings their love and appreciation of Baltimore, the arts and history to the experience at each facility. Our visitors experience is the upmost importance to the Facilities Team.
5. How can people rent a facility or an artist studios?
Email me at aapplegarth@promotionandarts.org, or Sarah Wilson at swilson@promotionandarts.org. We gotcha covered.
6. What must-attend events happen this spring?
- Bromo Museum – a new exhibit All Things Emerson opens on Saturday, April 27, 2019
- The Cloisters – Open House Plus on Saturday, March 9 and Wednesday, April 24, 2019
- Top of The World – always and every day the views are remarkable
- School 33- the exhibitions are always fascinating
7. What work did you do before BOPA?
I worked (and still work on occasion) as a production manager in the music business setting up tours, concerts and festivals all over the world. My clients include Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Dave Mathews and the Rolling Stones. I also worked regionally as a location manager in the film industry. I worked as the assistant location manager on John Waters’ Cecil B. Demented … and my boss was none other than Debbie Donaldson Dorsey, BOPA’s director of Baltimore Film Office.
8. What do you do in your time outside of work?
I swim, teach swimming and raise money for cancer research through swimming through the Swim Across America – Baltimore event. I knit and teach kitting, and in return the new knitters knit scarves, mitten and hats for the DGS mitten tree. I love live music and theatre and attend as many live events as possible …
