Baltimore has an impressive amount of significant museums and institutions. There’s no doubt of the importance of big philanthropy in this historic and creative city. A great place to see art and philanthropy in tandem is at the American Visionary Art Museum. I met up with Rebecca Hoffberger, the director, curator and one of the founders of the AVA. Visionary art is defined by the museum as art created by those without formal training. However, it goes deeper than that. Pieces here are made by those looking to express something they can’t fully articulate with words, and thus, communicate through artistic expression.

At the AVA, you’re surrounded by art created by outsiders. A great example of this is the stunning mirror mosaic that covered the building’s exterior. This projected was completed by the largest apprenticeship program for incarcerated youth in the USA. It took 14 years to complete due to funding, but the result is much more than a beautiful art piece—it served as a way to teach incarcerated kids a trade that they can use for the rest of their lives.