Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Station North Arts and Entertainment, Inc. today kicked off Open Walls Baltimore, a $100,000 community art project curated by street artist Gaia that will bring widely-recognized artists from around the world to Baltimore to create an outdoor exhibition of murals throughout Station North. The first works--including the mural pictured above by Gaia at the corner of North Ave. and Charles St. as well as another across form the Charles Theatre by street artist Maya Hayuk--started popping up recently and were officially "unveiled" today at a launch celebration at the Windup Space that was attended by the mayor, with plans to add more than 20 additional murals by the end of May.

Gaia previously took part in similar programs in Atlanta and Miami and told Urbanite that bringing the project to Baltimore was "the natural next step." The current lineup of artists includes Interesni Kazki, Swoon, Specter, Doodles, Jaz, Ever, Freddy Sam, Mata Ruda, Nanook, MOMO, Vhils, Sten and Lex, Chris Stain, Jetsonorama, and Overunder. A map of painted walls will be maintained for the duration of the project, allowing Baltimore residents and visitors to keep track of the progress. A lecture series is also in the works, but details have yet to be confirmed.

Photo of Gaia's artwork--the first mural in the Open Walls Baltimore project--by Libby Zay.

Joe Squared was featured on last night's episode of the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" starring celebrity chef Guy Fieri. Duff Goldman, the local baker from "Ace of Cakes," made a guest appearance on the episode, which was titled "Outside of the Box."

On Friday, Joe Squared's Power Plant Live location will host a follow-up celebration with live music, food, merchandise giveaways, and a screening of the episode. The event begins at 9 p.m. with the re-broadcast of the show at 10 p.m. on an outdoor screen. If you're looking to watch from home, the episode will air again on March 16 at 9 p.m.

The Food Network seems to have a bit of a love affair with the hip pizza joint. Back in August, Food Network Magazine named Joe Squared's "Flag Pizza" one of the top 50 pizzas in America.

MORE: Best Pizza in Baltimore

Photo by Libby Zay.

The Hampden neighborhood will hold First Fridays tonight, when shops along The Avenue (the neighborhood's main drag also known as 36th Street), and surrounding streets stay open late. Here are some of the things to see and do:

HeARTwares (623 W. 34th St.), Art with a Heart's new art shop and learning venue, will serve refreshments and have a live performance by local musicians Audrey Hamilton, Jeremy Durkin, and Josh Barnett from 6-8 p.m.

Doubledutch Boutique (3616 Falls Rd.) will offer 20% off the entire store all day long. From 6-9 p.m. they will have a "Shopper's Social" with free food and cocktails.

Urban Baby (3608 Falls Rd.) is discounting everything in the store 20% off from 5-7 p.m. Drinks and snacks will also be served.

Earth Alley (3602 Elm Ave.) is reducing purses by 10% and jewelry by 30%. There will also be a happy hour from 6-8 p.m.

9th Life (833 W. 36th St.) will serve wine and snacks, plus offer 15% off the entire store and BOGO on all vintage clothing.

Ma Petite Shoe (832 W. 36th St.) will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day early with a "Get Lucky" party that includes specialty cocktails dubbed The Erin go Burr and The ma Petite Leprechaun. The store will also be giving away gold coins from 6-9 p.m. that can be used toward shoe purchases.

Avenue Antiques (901 W. 36th St.) will welcome new merchant Cooper's Collectibles and plans to have a "first friday flea" table outside (weather permitting). Many merchants re-stock their sections and reduce prices specially for First Fridays.

Charlotte Elliot and the Bookstore Next Door (837 W. 36th St.) will stay open until 9 p.m. and offer 40% off fall/winter vintage clothing. Stonewall Kitchen Comestible will be sampling.

Minás Gallery & Boutique (815 W. 36th St.) will serve wine and screen short films by Rahne Alexander and Kristin Anchor. Host Sarah Jennings will also be showing off some puppetry.

Studio C Jewelry & Gifts (822 W. 36th St.) will offer 20% off tin belt buckles.

Image courtesy Art with a Heart.

Believe it or not, Baltimore's Inner Harbor will have a new attraction this June. Ripley's Believe It or Not! just finalized plans to bring an "odditorium" to Harborplace, writes The Baltimore Sun. Marking the 32nd museum for Ripley's, the new museum's facade will feature a green sea serpent-appropriately dubbed "Chessie"-wrapped around the building's upper level. Inside will be more than 500 of Ripley's trademark "oddities," as well as a 3-D movie theater and a mirror maze.

The introduction of Ripley's isn't the only planned change for Harborplace. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., McCormick World of Flavors, and Johnny Rockets have all announced plans to open restaurants in time for the busy summer season. Additionally, three options will expand the selection in the food court: Subway, Chicken Now, and China Max.

In Photos: Inner Harbor Guide
More: Inner Harbor and Harbor East Restaurants
More: Inner Harbor Attractions

Artist's rendering courtesy Ripley's Entertainment Inc.