Skip to Main Content

The Johns Hopkins Hospital

Windows

Inside the Snow Globe: Magical Frit

Imagine walking inside a snow globe. This is the effect of the ceramic ‘frit’ brushstrokes that artist Spencer Finch embedded into the windows and glass walls. The frit makes tiny shadows that sparkle and move with the sun, creating a lantern-effect at night and symbolizing the constant activity and ‘magic’ that happens in the buildings every day. The multi-colored brushstrokes, drawn by hand, refract and reflect light throughout the day without obstructing the panoramic views of Baltimore.

a seating area with a patterned window behind it
Image of installed windows with speckled grey colors.
Image of installed windows with speckled grey colors.
Image of installed windows with speckled grey colors.

  • Artist: Spencer Finch, Brooklyn, NY.
    Location: A waiting room enclosed in fritted glass.
    Photo Credits: Paul Warchol, Keith Weller

  • Artist: Spencer Finch, Brooklyn, NY.
    Location: Orleans Street Parking Garage Bridge.
    Photo Credits: Paul Warchol, Keith Weller

  • Artist: Spencer Finch, Brooklyn, NY.
    Location: View of the Ground Floor canopy
    Photo Credits: Paul Warchol, Keith Weller

  • Artist: Spencer Finch, Brooklyn, NY.
    Location: View of the green roof
    Photo Credits: Paul Warchol, Keith Weller

Artful Window Shades

Painted window screens are an old Baltimore tradition that inspired artist Jim Boyd to create unique window shades for patient rooms in the Bloomberg Children’s Center. Some shades depict Baltimore landmarks like Camden Yards and the Bromo-Seltzer Tower, while others feature flash cards and child-friendly objects named in more than 30 languages. The shades are designed for viewing either from a distance or up close.

Detail of Sampler showing animals in a park with Baltimore attractions surrounding.
Image showing the installed window artwork in a patient's room.

  • Title: Detail of Sampler, 2011
    Artist: Jim Boyd, New York, NY.
    Locations: Sheikh Zayed Tower and Bloomberg Children’s Center, all patient rooms. Inspired by Baltimore's tradition of painted window screens.
    Photo Credit: Jim Boyd

  • Title: Chesapeake Bay, 2011
    Artist: Jim Boyd, New York, NY.
    Locations: Sheikh Zayed Tower and Bloomberg Children’s Center, all patient rooms. Inspired by Baltimore's tradition of painted window screens.
    Photo Credit: Keith Weller