News

The Parkway has gigantic changes in the works, both physically and economically: a “window on Philadelphia” that promises 1500 new jobs. This week, Brian Roberts heralded the construction of the new $1 billion Comcast Innovation & Technology Center on the 1800 block of Arch Street in Center City. Not only are we looking at a $1.2 billion 59-story, 1,121-foot tower to house the Comcast Center, NBC 10/WCAU and Telemundo 62/WWSI, we’re also given to understand that this means ample space for local technology startups, businesses and, presumably, artistic innovation and increased traffic to the arts in the area.

LAMOCA’s had a vituperative couple of years, with , but that’s hopefully a bygone era. The LA Times reports that Philippe Vergne, director of the Dia Art Foundation in New York for the past five years, has succeeded Jeffrey Deitch. The news was met with approval, rather than resignation, from artists John Baldessari, Barbara Kruger, Catherine Opie and Ed Ruscha, who all stepped down from the Museum’s board in protest of Deitch’s policies. This time, though, Baldessari et al gave their stamp of approval to Vergne’s ascension as part of the search committee.

Opportunities

Whether you were part of the nineties avant-garde that grew up in Williamsburg or a young artist looking back for inspiration, an upcoming series of events at Art Assembly in London is likely to ignite your interest. From March 2014 onwards, William Basinski, Art Assembly and Sound and Music are co-curating a series of music and live art events in London, inspired by the legendary experimental space Arcadia that Basinski founded in 1989.  Their aim is for the Arcadia series to retain the eclectic, non-hierarchical ethos of the original Williamsburg space, and that’s why they’re calling for young artists to perform support slots at each of the concerts. Composers or ensembles already include Michael Gira (March 12) and a collaboration between Charlemagne Palestine and Rhys Chatham (March 20), and Basinski is performing at all of them. To learn how to apply, read the call documentation at Sound and Music. The deadline is noon on February 3, 2014.

Arch Enemy Arts has issued a reminder for their imminent fantasy-themed juried group exhibition, scheduled to hang February 21 – March 30, 2014. Open to all artists ages 18+, emerging or established, regardless of location, they’re taking drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media, digital painting and sculpture. Work must be “ready to hang”. The deadline is January 31 (all submissions must be received by this date). Accepted artwork is acknowledged on February 3; February 14 is the last day for accepted artwork drop off, and the opening reception is February 21 from 6-10pm.You may submit up to five pieces of available (for sale) current work fitting the show’s size and price requirements. Images must be in JPEG format and resized to 72 dpi with the shortest side measuring at least 500 pixels (images sized around 1000 pixels are best). Please make sure the image is clear. High res images are not needed at this time. Image files must be labeled as lastname.title.jpeg. Include each of the 4 required documents listed below. All documents should be formatted in .doc, PDF or Mac .pages format. Please make sure to include all requested information as incomplete submission packages are not reviewed or refunded. Required: a bio, your resume/CV, a piece description/statement, and an itemization of each piece submitted including title, medium, dimensions, date, frame/display size and retail price (must include AEA’s 40% commission). Also, please include each piece’s price & exhibition history (if it’s been shown before). There’s a $15 non-refundable curatorial fee due with your submission package. You have three options to pay: for credit card, call the gallery at 215.717.7774; for PayPal, send payment to noah@galleryml.com; for check, make it out to Arch Enemy Arts, Email your submission package to lawren@galleryml.com

Artist News

Nanci Hersh and her intricate collection of cross-media works on the sea are part of a February show at Project Space Gallery in Wilmington, DE. Catch and Release features paintings, drawings, and sculptures by Hersh, all concerning the mysteries of the ocean in some way. The exhibition opens February 2.

Romy Scheroder has been made the Lead Instructor for the newly Education Expansion Program at Socrates Sculpture Park, where she’s now working with High School Students from the Long Island School District. We’re psyched that Romy has landed at such a great space for contemporary sculpture – the only one of its kind in the New York area, in fact!

Unless you have a deep and abiding fear of sea creatures, Adam Wallacavage has just about the best house in Philadelphia/the US/the world. Hi-Fructose Magazine has no such reservations, because they took a tour of his West Philly home and found the riches contained – contemporary paintings, handcrafts, turn-of-the-century antiques — a fully-explanatory background for his studio and art.

In case you missed it….

• Jamie Alvarez got some good shots in.
• Roman braved the cold to chat with Fishtown’s Brian Cote.
• Katie explored the sobering works in Kara Walker’s first UK show.