Vox Populi, 319 galleries find temporary home at 990 Spring Garden, James Baldwin Celebration July 7-9 at Church of the Advocate, heartbreaking photos by Ada Trillo at Twenty-Two Gallery, Plus a couple great opportunities!

NEWS

Welcome news for the galleries of 319 N. 11th St. The official statement released today by Vox Populi about the recent fire at 319 N. 11th Street explains their way forward for the immediate future. Vox and the other galleries have found temporary space through the end of August at 990 Spring Garden St. to mount exhibitions and have programs/performances/meetings. Vox’s blockbuster annual juried show will debut July 14 in that building, and in an adjacent space, the other galleries will come together to show their works. Programming and public meetings at the space (to be announced soon) will welcome artists, interested art lovers, institutional and civic leaders and the public to come together to discuss the health, life and safety of the alternative galleries in Philadelphia. It’s a good step forward. I especially applaud the public meetings — with civic leaders in attendance — to discuss the future health and well-being of the community. Below is the statement. Read more at the Vox Populi website.

Annual Juried show details:
VOX XIII: Are ‘Friends’ Electric?
FRIDAY, JULY 14 — SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2017
990 SPRING GARDEN STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19123

Official Statement of Vox Populi

Last Tuesday, a fire occurred at our 319 N. 11th Street location. While we are grateful that no one was injured, the fire has prompted the temporary closure of Vox Populi, as well as the dozens of galleries, artist studios, small business, and artisan spaces housed within the building. A number of competing accounts and narratives have emerged in the media, and we’d like to set the record straight by briefly addressing the incident and our plans. We also want to emphasize that contrary to some reports, we do not own 319; we are only one tenant.

While we speak with authority and conviction about our own circumstance, Vox Populi cannot speak on behalf of the building’s owner, nor on behalf of the many other tenants who have helped to create the vibrant arts scene that defines the spirit of the 319 building.

We’d like to talk briefly about three points: the incident, our immediate response, and our further plans.

First, to the incident:

Sometime early morning on Tuesday, a fire broke out on an adjacent floor in a rear stairwell. Another tenant alerted the fire department, who showed up within minutes. Insofar as these emergencies go, everything worked as planned: the 319 building features sprinklers, fire rated doors, and a fully functioning fire alarm. The majority of the building suffered only water and smoke related damage, but because the rear stairwell was destroyed, the building has no means of secondary egress and is unsafe for occupancy of any kind. As per L+I orders, the building is closed until further notice.

We expect a more detailed account of the fire and the timeline for the re-opening from the Philadelphia Fire Department, L+I, and the building owner. Statements from any other entities claiming to know more about the cause or nature of the fire, or the timeline for the building’s repair or re-opening are neither authoritative nor fully informed. Above all else, Vox Populi is committed to the safety and well-being of its members, its neighbors, and its diverse audience. We are grateful that no injuries occurred, and will only resume our activities at a time and space when it is deemed safe and appropriate to do so.

Regarding our immediate plans:

Vox Populi remains committed to providing a crucial space in Philadelphia for presenting experimental, innovative, and critically acclaimed artwork. Over the past week, our exhibition and facilities teams have worked diligently to evaluate a number of locations throughout the city where we might immediately resume our activities. We are extremely pleased to announce that we will temporarily re-open on Friday, July 14th to present VOX XIII: Are ‘Friends’ Electric?, the thirteenth installment of our annual Juried Exhibition, at 990 Spring Garden Street. Additionally, an adjacent space will feature the work of the galleries and studios of the 319 building, including contributions by Marginal Utility, Practice Gallery, Napoleon, among others. Throughout July and August, these two spaces will include exhibitions, performances, and other special events. A detailed calendar and list of participants is forthcoming, but for now please note that along with the opening of Vox Populi’s juried exhibition, this programming will feature:

—a round of opening receptions on Friday, July 14th
—a major First Friday event on Friday, August 4th, and
—a special event in late August, at a date to be determined in the near future.

We’ll have more to share soon, but in the meantime, mark your calendars and come out for the kind of amazing programming you’ve come to know and love from Vox and its peers. We would especially like to thank Arts + Crafts Holdings for graciously making exhibition space available to Vox Populi and the occupants of the 319 Building during this transitional period.

Regarding broader circumstances and potentials:

In the hours after the fire, Vox Populi’s members gathered with many co-tenants from the rest of our building. We are, above all else, extremely circumspect at this moment. Anyone familiar with the nature of independent art spaces can appreciate that this incident could have been much worse. To that end, we’d like to use this moment—and our upcoming temporary exhibition—as a platform for convening a series of critical conversations about the safety and cultural significance of art spaces in Philadelphia and elsewhere.

While it will be several weeks before Vox Populi can speak to our next steps, we can say with conviction that we intend to re-establish and maintain a physical and discursive space in our city for experimental and innovative arts, and are moved by the sense of solidarity and togetherness that has accompanied these past days. We are working swiftly and diligently to re-establish our programming as quickly as possible and will share this news with you as soon as we can.

Finally, we are touched by the outpouring of support and goodwill that has blossomed in the recent days. To our many donors, collaborators, peers, civic partners, and fellow travelers: Thank You. We are grateful for the many gestures of empathy and support have been coming from every direction. When the time is right, we will reach out to discuss our next steps with you.

In the meantime, check in with each other, keep your own spaces safe and thriving, be sure to visit us at our temporary location this summer. We look forward to seeing you soon and will be sharing more information about our programming in the very near future.

For information, please see our extended statement below and visit www.voxpopuligallery.org For further inquiries, please contact communications@voxpopuligallery.org

-Vox Populi
July 5, 2017

Heartbreaking documentary photographs by Ada Trillo at Twenty-Two Gallery feature project with exploited and sex-trafficked women in Juarez, Mexico, brothels. Proceeds from sales benefit organizations seeking to end prostitution and human trafficking. More information about Ada Trillo at her website.

Twenty-Two Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of a new photography exhibition by Philadelphia-based artist Ada Trillo entitled “How Did I Get Here?” The dynamic portrait series documents the exploitation of women in the prostitution industry. The opening reception is Thursday, July 13, 2017, and the exhibition runs through August 6, 2017. Proceeds will benefit organizations helping to end prostitution and human trafficking.

Photographed in the brothels of Juarez, Mexico, Trillo captures the adversity these women must overcome in their daily lives, giving context and an identity to the prostitutes. With this exhibition, she is raising awareness about this global issue and inviting you to be part of the solution. Proceeds from the sale of these photographs will be donated to two organizations: The Coalition Against Trafficking Women, an international organization dedicated to protecting human rights, and the Mother Antonia Center of the Oblate Sisters of the Most Holy Redeemer, Mexico City, who support the dignification of women in prostitution who work in La Merced. On her experience, Trillo shared “This series and experience has greatly humbled me, and I hope it will have an impact, moving viewers to want to make a difference as well.”

Many artists deploy photography for commentary on a variety of issues in society. Its intent is to provoke a response and, frequently, its two most common subject matters are poverty and labor. Trillo’s exhibition does both. The subjects of her portraits are prostitutes working in Juarez, known for its violent drug cartel. “A majority of the women are not from Juarez. Instead, many were abducted into the sex trade while attempting to cross the border, or sold into the industry by family members,” stated Trillo.

Nearly all of the women are addicted to drugs—crack cocaine and heroin—and have neither healthcare nor access to rehabilitation. Those who cannot attract clients are deprived of food. Trillo braved the Juarez Valley for her series of photographs taken during multiple visits over three years.

The power of Trillo’s narrative creates an intersection of sympathy, dignity, and hope. This is Trillo’s first foray into photography. She is also a painter, whose paintings use “symbolism of transformation, impermanence, and power” and now, so does her photography. This summer’s exhibition at Twenty-Two Gallery, “How Did I Get Here?” will be an opportunity to introduce Trillo’s new genre to a broader audience and raise awareness about the trafficking and exploitation of women as an international issue.

Twenty-Two Gallery, 236 South 22nd Street Philadelphia, Pa 19103
Opening reception, Thursday, July 13, 2017, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Artist Talk, Wednesday, July 19th, 2017, 7 – 9PM
Exhibition Dates, July 14-August 6, 2017
Wednesdays through Sundays, 12:00pm – 6:00pm or by appointment

Ada Trillo is an artist who works in multiple media, including oil and acrylic painting, as well as photography. Her work is influenced by the rich cultural heritage of the American Southwest and Mexico and the symbols related to Latin culture. It is frequently characterized by her use of gold powder and gold leaf.

Born on the American/Mexican border, Trillo lives and works in Philadelphia and frequently travels to Mexico and Europe for inspiration while continuing to develop as an artist with classes in painting and photography at PAFA and the University of the Arts. She has been featured in solo, two-person and group exhibitions and is represented by RASCO Fine Arts and Twenty-Two Gallery in Philadelphia.

James Baldwin: God’s Revolutionary Voice
Come out for the film screenings, music, talks and more in this celebration of James Baldwin, hosted by Saturday Free School –
July 7-9, 2017
Church of the Advocate,
1801 W Diamond St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19121
Complete information and Daily Program for the Celebration of James Baldwin at the website.

OPPORTUNITY

Wind Challenge call for Artists – Due midnight, July 14, 2017

July 1 – July 15
Jul 1 at 5 PM to Jul 15 at 12:01 AM

The Fleisher Art Memorial is excited to announce the call for entries to the 41st season of the Annual Wind Challenge Exhibition Call for Entries. Established in 1978, the Wind Challenge Exhibition is an annual juried competition that is committed to enriching and expanding people’s lives through art. Nine artists will be selected to exhibit in one of three Wind Challenge Exhibitions that will take place between September 2018 through May 2019.

As the Wind Challenge enters its fortieth year, the call for entries is an opportunity to explore and test directions for the renowned program that reflect the evolution of the exhibition and artistic practices. Artists are welcome to, but are no longer required to define their work within a specific medium. Artists and curators are being invited from the Northeast Corridor to participate as jurors, and artists from the Northeast Corridor of the United States are welcome to apply, bringing attention to the local Philadelphia arts scene and local artists. This year’s jurors are curator Elizabeth Grady, Programs Director of A Blade of Grass, and artist Miguel Luciano.

The Wind Challenge has been an esteemed exhibition opportunity to artists in the Philadelphia region, serving as a critical breakthrough for many emerging creative voices. We are excited to continue building the legacy of the Wind Challenge.

The Wind Challenge Exhibition Series is made possible with thanks to generous support from the Wind Foundation and through Fleisher members.

Deadline: July 14, midnight. More details and to apply, visit their
website.

Via Phillip Scarpone…Carnegie Mellon University seeks Digital and Physical Computing Technician

…School of Art technicians have the opportunity to teach one course per semester in the School of Art at the discretion of the faculty, for which they are contracted separately.
Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in Art/Design preferred
Programming and creation of electromechanical systems
Experience with micro controllers such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi
Competent in computer aided design such as Rhino 3D and Rhino CAM
Operation of laser cutters/engravers,3D Printers and CNC router
Management of sculpture facilities and equipment
Prior teaching experience at the university level
Complete application and description found at this link

Via Flora Ward…Interactive Mechanics Fellowship – Deadline July 9

…The Interactive Mechanics Fellowship Program is a paid, part-time, low-residency program for entry level designers and developers. Now in its second year, this nine-month fellowship aims to build capacity for representation and inclusion in the technology field. Key features include one-on-one mentorship, a stipend, a part time and remote schedule to allow for other commitments, and facilitated conversations on soft skills and workplace culture issues.

The ideal candidate is interested in at least one of our areas of work (higher education, museums, or arts and culture) and has strong beginner or intermediate-level skills in front-end, back-end development, and/or digital design.

Learn about our 2017 fellows and their projects on our website and in this Technically Philly story. Deadline: July 9 – Apply now!

About Interactive Mechanics
Interactive Mechanics is a digital design firm that partners with cultural and educational organizations on design, development, user experience, and digital strategy. Our team builds beautiful, user-centered digital projects for web, mobile, and in-gallery exhibits that educate and empower your audiences. We’re a diverse, curious, and playful team, dedicated to learning from each of our projects and from one another. Learn more about us on our website.

Check out our recent projects!
The West Philadelphia History Map – an online public history tool for the community with People’s Emergency Center and the Islamic Cultural Preservation and Information Council.
Prisons Today – Muse-Award-winning digital interactives that encourage critical thinking and continued dialogue about mass incarceration at Eastern State Penitentiary

Via Tyler Summer Newsletter…Tacony project seeks portrait photographer for Fall, 2017 – Deadline July 10

Autumn Residency Tacony Portrait Project. The Tacony Library and Arts Building (LAB) invites photographers to apply for a 12-week residency beginning this September. This residency is a unique opportunity to combine personal practice, community engagement, and the creation of civically-focused public art. The resident artist will work with this historic and diverse community to develop a photo-based project that creates a “neighborhood portrait”. The project is intended to activate the LAB building, encouraging community involvement in the space, and must have a public visual component, such as a storefront display. More information.

The artist will receive a total stipend of $4,000, in addition to full funding for materials and supplies. The artist will be expected to spend approximately 15 hours per week on-site in the studio and the Tacony neighborhood.

DEADLINE Mon. July 10, 2017

Jonathan Levine Gallery seeks the next great artist – Due today, July 5, 2017