The best way to escape the claustrophobia-inducing crowds on First Fridays, not to mention the hot dog vendors, the beer gardens and the Mix 93.3 Summer Concert Series, is to head a few blocks east of Baltimore. The MoMo Studio and Zone Gallery at 19th and Locust; the Farm, the Next Space and the Pi Gallery on 18th near Locust; and the Late Show and McGraw Gallery, at 16th and Cherry and 16th and Locust, respectively, feel more intimate and genuine. People not only actually see the artwork but also hang around to talk about it. Plus, with the smaller crowds, the food and booze last a whole lot longer.
