May 3, 2012
The Perelman Building welcomes a new craft exhibition this Saturday, May 5; and heads up: Sunday is pay what you wish! (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)
Presenting the work of 39 craft artists from 11 countries, the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, Craft Spoken Here, explores the significance of craft as a form of visual expression.
On view May 5 through August 12 at the Perelman Building, the works in Craft Spoken Here range from 1960 to the present in a variety of media, including bronze, glass, wood, ceramic, silver, silk and natural fibers, highlighting the distinctive approaches taken by each artists.
Representing Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia, the artworks highlight formal qualities that cross cultures, time and media.
While international in scope, the show also pays homage to four crafters hailing from Philadelphia: Rebecca Medel, Doug Bucci, Jessica Julius and Rudolf Staffel.
A fun bonus for visitors: CraftLAB, a collaborative space within the exhibition gallery dedicated to demonstrating and exploring craft techniques, will offer patrons an opportunity to enjoy some hands-on craft-making activities.
Check out a schedule of workshop and other interactive events at the exhibition right here.
Craft Spoken Here at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
When: May 5-August 12
Where: Exhibition Gallery, Perelman Building, Fairmount and Pennsylvania Avenues
Cost: Adults $8, Seniors (ages 65 & over) $7, Students $6, Children ages 13-18 $6, ages 12 & under Free
More info: www.philamuseum.org
May 2, 2012
Get a taste of the Art Star Craft Bazaar at the Race Street Pier on First Friday, May 4. For the real deal, head south along the waterfront to Penn's Landing, May 12-13. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)
One of Philly’s best outdoor craft bazaars is back, just in time for Mother’s Day.
With more than 150 local and national artists selected to set up shop at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, May 12-13, the 9th Annual Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar won’t disappoint.
Shoppers can expect high-quality handmade goods that stay true to Art Star’s popular, quirky aesthetic, with items ranging from prints and sculptures to housewares, clothing, paper goods, toys, accessories and tons of one-of-a-kind curiosities.
The event will include live music by local bands presented by Philebrity, as well as food by various vendors including vegan/vegetarian fare by local favorites A Full Plate Café, Soy Café and Sweetbox Cupcakes.
Check out the Philebrity playlist here.
Kids in tow? Swing by the family-friendly, interactive art and crafts demos by the Philadelphia Sculpture Gym, The Clay Studio and the Candy Coated Center.
And if you’re heading out for First Friday on May 4, be sure to stop by a free Sneak Peek of the Bazaar at the Race Street Pier on First Friday from 6-9 p.m. featuring live music, 20 Philly-based vendors, craft demos and more good stuff.
9th Annual Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar
When: May 12-13, 11 a.m.-6 p.m; Sneak Preview, May 4, 6-9 p.m.
Where: The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard between Walnut and Chestnut Streets
Cost: Free
More info: www.artstarcraftbazaar.com
May 2, 2012
Take part in one of the city's most epic dance events, set to take place on the Art Museum Plaza this fall. Learn the moves next weekend. (Photo by Robert Etcheverry courtesy Live Arts Festival)
Got moves? The Philadelphia Live Arts Festival is putting out a call to all Philadelphians who love to dance to be part of the biggest performance in the 16-year history of the fest to kick off the 2012 Live Arts Festival on September 8-9.
During this one-of-a-kind performance presented at the Art Museum Plaza, more than 200 Philly residents will dance in a 30-minute, outdoor contemporary live show titled “Le Grand Continental” that displays the talent, charisma and lively personality that characterizes the City of Brotherly Love.
Working with internationally renowned Montreal-based choreoprapher Sylvain Emard, who has presented the piece in Montreal and Mexico City, the Philly version of “Le Grand Continental” will include a mix of rhythms and styles, ranging from R&B to country, techno, disco and even waltzes, all representing the diverse Philadelphia sound.
All are invited to register, regardless of dance experience, age or background. Click here to get started. Recruitment sessions will be held May 15 and 16, 7-9 p.m. each day at the Live Arts Studio.
Recruitment Sessions for Le Grand Continental dance performance
When: May 15-16, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Live Arts Studio, 919 N. 5th Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.livearts-fringe.org
May 2, 2012
Time to get meta: this famous work by Georges Seurat at the Barnes Foundation depicts a painting within a painting.
Image Credit: 'Models (Poseuses),' 1886–1888. Georges Seurat. Oil on canvas, 78 3/4 x 98 3/8 in. Courtesy The Barnes Foundation.
With the long-awaited grand opening of the new Philadelphia campus of the Barnes Foundation just around the corner — Saturday, May 19 is now less than three weeks away — we’re going to take this opportunity to spotlight a few select artworks from the unparalleled collection in the weeks leading up the Foundation’s grand opening.
First up is “Models” By Georges Seurat, shown above.
This is a large scale work by the famed French artist — the painting is more than six feet high and eight feet long. It is very impressive to view in person, especially at the Barnes where the galleries, when they open later this month, will all contain their original educational “ensembles” — wall compositions of artworks organized by Dr. Barnes according to the principles of light, line, color and space.
In this specific painting, Seurat depicts models in various states — disrobing, dressing, posing — in his studio after (or maybe before) they presumably modeled for him for another painting.
What’s very cool about “Models” is that it actually features a painting inside a painting; notice on the back left wall the presence of a partially visible painting. It’s actually the right side of “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” one of Seurat’s most famous works. (You may remember it from a particularly great scene from one of our all-time favorite 80s movies…)
What is the meaning of the presence of the painting within a painting?
One theory about “Models” is that the models depicted in it are actually supposed to be the models that Seurat used to paint “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” In which the models that appear in the “Models” painting are depicting a scene of the models from the “Sunday Afternoon” painting returning to the artist’s studio after an afternoon of modeling and the items strewn around the room — hats, shoes, parasols, basket of flowers — are actually things the models were wearing or holding in the famous “Sunday Afternoon” painting.
Is that meta enough for you?
It’s really just one interpretation but it’s pretty cool and we like it.
The painting is definitely something that you’re going to want to check out first-hand once the Barnes Foundation opens later this month. And remember, the Barnes is opening with a 10-day series of special events from May 19-28, culminating with 60 hours of round-the-clock access over Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28. You can reserve tickets and/or become a member online.
In the meantime, you can catch up on our previous Barnes coverage here. And stay tuned for a lot more about the Barnes in the days and weeks to come.
The Barnes Foundation – Opening May 19, 2012
2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
www.barnesfoundation.org
May 2, 2012
Peter Pan, the original play from Scottish novelist Sir James M. Barrie, comes to the Academy of Music in May with a series of captivating performances by the Pennsylvania Ballet.
Escape to Neverland with Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys as the company reinterprets the classic fairy tale with modern twists and punk fashions for today’s audiences.
And, sprinkle a little pixie dust on your experience with additional events for both children and adults to enjoy:
• Peter Pan & Tinkerbell’s Pirate Party: Saturday, May 12. Before heading to the ballet’s 2 p.m. performance, enjoy lunch, crafts, games and more for the whole family in the Rose Garden at the Hyatt Bellevue beginning at noon. RSVP by May 2 to Barbara Vogdes at bvogdes@paballet.org or (215) 587-6916.
• Pennsylvania Ballet Young Friends at Peter Pan: Saturday, May 12. After the 8 p.m. performance, head to a black tie optional after-party at The Orpheus Club with an open bar, food, music, mingle with the dancers, and more. Event sponsors include St-Germain, Yards Brewing Company and Magners Irish Cider. Proceeds from the event benefit Accent on Dance, the ballet’s outreach and education program. For more information contact Christina Freeman at cfreeman@paballet.org or (215) 587-6916.
Tickets are available at the Kimmel Center box office or online for each of the seven performances from May 3-13.
Pennsylvania Ballet’s Peter Pan
Where: Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets
When: Thursday, May 3 through Sunday, May 13
Cost: Tickets range from $20-$140
More info: www.paballet.org
May 1, 2012
Take the new tour of the Wyeth House and Studio, and see still life paintings by N.C. and his children Henriette, Carolyn and Andrew. (Photo by Carlos Alejandro courtesy Brandywine River Museum)
The Chadds Ford studio where Andrew Wyeth, one America’s most acclaimed artists, created many of his masterworks, will open for tours this summer.
Now part of the Brandywine River Museum, the studio has undergone careful restoration to to look just like it did when Wyeth worked there. His library, photos, fencing gear, military miniatures collection, costumes and props are among the many fascinating objects that offer insight into his life and work.
The artist painted in this studio from 1940 until 2008, including his most famous paintings that depict the farms and picturesque countryside of the Brandywine Valley.
Originally built as a schoolhouse in 1875, the building also served as Wyeth’s home for two decades, as well as being the first studio for Jamie Wyeth, Andrew’s son.
The tour can fill you in on all those details and more. It’s a fascinating look into the private life of a famous artist.
Tours officially begin on June 3; however, a few lucky folks can be among the first to enter the Andrew Wyeth Studio on special tours offered May 1, 5 and 10. The special tour lasts from 9:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. and costs $100 (Brandywine Conservancy members, $70).
Regular studio tours will cost $8 per person in addition to museum admission. Studio tours will be offered at scheduled times from Tuesday through Sunday, through November 18.
Brandywine River Museum Tours of Wyeth’s Studio
When: June 3; previews May 1, 5, 10
Where: 100 Creek Rd U.S. Route 1 and PA 100, Chadds Ford
Cost: $8 per person in addition to Brandywine River Museum admission (previews $100)
More info: www.brandywinemuseum.org
May 1, 2012
Artists are at work recreating an ancient Mayan sculpture out of sand outside 30th Street Station as a fun lead-up to the Penn Museum's Maya exhibition opening May 5. (Photo courtesy Penn Museum)
UPDATE: We just received word that the sculpture project has been halted. After the sand arrived, concerns developed because the sculpture was being created on a PennDOT bridge structure.
In honor of the world premiere opening of MAYA 2012: Lords of Time, the Penn Museum, in partnership with the University City District, has invited California sand sculpture artists Greg and Brandi Glenn to re-create a famous ancient Maya monument known as Altar Q at the new Porch at 30th Street Station.
The artists began working yesterday to complete the massive sculpture by May 5, as MAYA 2012 opens to the public at the Penn Museum. All are welcome to watch the artists at work.
This 25-ton recreation of the famous monument celebrates the spirit of friendship with Honduras. In fact, on Thursday, May 3 at 5 p.m. you can meet the Ambassador of Honduras, His Excellency Jorge Ramon Hernández-Alcerro, alongside several of his Attachés and museum curators.
Found at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Copan in Honduras, Altar Q was carved from stone during the reign of King Yax Pasaj Chan Yopaat in AD 776. The 16 Kings of Copan — the “Lords of Time” in the Penn Museum’s world premiere exhibition — are all depicted, four to a side. Each ruler is seated on a Maya hieroglyph that bears his name or title.
Read more about the exhibition in our previous post.
Maya.2012: Lords of Time at the Penn Museum
When: May 5-January 13
Where: 3260 South Street
Cost: Tickets start at $16.50
More info: www.penn.museum
April 30, 2012
This is your last week to see the acclaimed Van Gogh exhibition at the PMA. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Museum of Art)
The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s latest headlining exhibition, Van Gogh Up Close, closes this Sunday, May 6.
Make sure you check it out if you haven’t already. More than 200,000 visitors have seen the exhibition as of last week.
It has welcomed art lovers from 44 countries and 48 states plus Puerto Rico and D.C. Philadelphia is the only U.S. venue for the exhibition, so if you don’t see it here, chances are you won’t see it at all.
As the Philadelphia Inquirer observed, “[T]his exhibition…brings viewers closer to the essential van Gogh than anything that has come before.”
Van Gogh Up Close at The Philadelphia Museum Of Art
When: Through May 6
Where: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cost: Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, ages 13-18 $20, 5-12 $12, kids under 4 Free
More info: www.philamuseum.org
April 30, 2012
After successful runs in Boston and New York, OverKill Studio’s “Paint it Now” site-specific painting installations hit Philly, May 4-25.
Housed inside the long-standing arts hub Space 1026, the exhibition includes a roster of more than 20 local and international artists.
Uniquely fusing individual exhibition and creative collaboration, “Paint it Now” has artists paint solely in opaque black paint directly on the gallery’s white wall surfaces over the course of one week. The outcome is a completely unified, high contrast sharp edge style installation surrounding the viewer with an immense narrative of imagery.
By pairing up Philadelphia-based artists with others from outside the area, the exhibition fosters communication and collaboration to create a temporary exhibit pinpointing what it means to paint in the moment, or to, as the name so fittingly states, “Paint it Now.”
And sticking with the whole idea of the immediacy of the present, when the show closes, the gallery wall will return to white. In other words, don’t miss this! An open-to-the public opening reception will be held on First Friday, May 4 from 7-10 p.m.
“Paint it Now” at Space 1026
When: May 5-24; Opening Reception May 4, 7-10 p.m.
Where: 1026 Arch Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.space1026.com
Check out the video below to meet Harry Smith, starring in Inis Nua Theatre Company’s next show, and learn about what he wishes more people knew about in Philadelphia.
Translated from the Irish language, Inis Nua means “New Island.” The company’s mission is to produce contemporary, provocative plays from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales which reflect those cultures’ new identities in today’s world. See Harry, and other Inis Nua actors, in The Walworth Farce, on stage starting May 8.
Check out the video below to meet Harry Smith, starring in Inis Nua Theatre Company’s next show, and learn about what he wishes more people knew about in Philadelphia. Translated from the Irish language, Inis Nua means “New Island.” The company’s mission is to produce contemporary, provocative plays from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales which [...]
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