News
West Collection launches $300,000 art acquisition project–$100,000 set aside for Philly artists
It was all about money outside City Hall the other day as Occupy Phladelphia protested economic issues; and it was all about money inside, too, when Paige West, with Mayor Nutter by her side, announced plans for a $300,000 arts acquisition project on the part of the West Collection, with $100,000 earmarked for Philadelphia artists. “West Collects” has no fee to apply, and the winners will be selected in April 2012. Any artists over the age of eighteen working in painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, installation or video mediums may apply online at the West Collection website, starting Oct. 10. The Collection is housed at SEI Corporation in Oaks, PA. They are looking for a building in the city to house some of their art and offer educational programming.
3rd Ward comes to Philly
Former artblog contributor and current PMA curator John Vick wrote us recently that Brooklyn-based arts collective 3rd Ward — which offers studio space, classes and more — will be opening a branch in Philadelphia. With the massive influx of creative people and young professionals to Philadelphia in recent years, 3rd Ward’s new Philly location seems like it was meant to be.
Live Cinema makes a move to Perelman Building
Adelina Vlas told us the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Live Cinema program, which she runs, is moving to the Levy Gallery in the Perelman Building. Live Cinema opens its first show in its new digs on Oct. 15. “Peripheral Stages” features photographs and video by two European artists.
Tina Barney speaks at PPAC
World-renowned photographer Tina Barney speaks at Philadelphia Photo Arts Center October 19 at 6 PM. There is a $5 recommended donation.
E-mail scam reported by Philadelphia Sculptors
Leslie Kaufman, president of Philadelphia Sculptors, has announced there is an e-mail scam circulating. Members have been getting messages from a man saying he is interested in work he saw on their website. The point of the scam is that you will send him money and he will send a check. It may be poorly conceived, and full of bad grammar, but just be aware!
Knight/NEA Community Arts Journalism Challenge winners
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation along with the National Endowment for the Arts are set to announce the 2011 winners for their Arts Journalism Challenge. Over 233 individuals or organizations applied from the Knight’s eight pilot communities including Philadelphia. The five finalists and honorable mentions will be announced in their live webcast on October 10, 2011 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time.
TLC’s Collection Obsession
TLC has a new series called “Collection Obsession”. They are currently casting for their first season, and are on the hunt for serious and dedicated collectors that would like to showcase their prized collections and share their passionate pursuits. Contact Jessica Ribeiro at jessicas@sharpentertainment.com if you think you fit the bill!
Old City Windows 2011
Old City Business Collective is launching the third installment of Old City Windows. The project seeks to bridge the gap between design and commerce by having artists redesign storefront windows in Old City. These collaborative efforts with business owners and the community are set to be part of the larger DesignPhiladelphia events going on citywide. The window project will begin on First Friday, October 7.
Opportunities
The Center for Emerging Visual Artists has an open call for its Career Development Program Fellowship. The fellowship is great exposure, and offers direct connections and career counseling. The application deadline is November 1.
Vox Populi is currently accepting membership applications until October 14. Get a chance to show your work and help curate shows and plan programs through this popular member-run artist member gallery. Find all the details on the membership application page.
Vox is also holding a workshop entitled “An Artist’s Guide to Statements & Bios.” The workshop is 6 PM on Sunday, October 9.
HGTV is casting for a new show “Design Star”. If you are creative and passionate about design, come to the open call on October 16. For more information, visit the casting page.
Artist News
Thomas Brummett‘s “Hanging Flowers” is currently on display in the Museum of Modern Art, Rio de Janeiro.
Artist and former artblog intern David Muenzer has a show on the 14th and 15th floors of a New York skyscraper near where Bernie Madoff’s office used to be. It was covered by the New York Times as a sort of recession-era “Alice in Wonderland.” If you want to see it, e-mail fourteenandfifteen@gmail.com for more info.
Daniel Hoffman has created some glowing, aquatic public art for Crystal City, VA.
James Ulmer is leaving Philadelphia to move to New York. Come check out his last show at Reward Project in Old City opening First Friday, October 7.
Zoe Strauss is teaching a workshop at CalArts in LA. She also has some lectures planned and will be there for three weeks.
We heard it through the grapevine — Bridgette Mayer Gallery, whose expanded space on Walnut Street re-launches in November, has picked up a number of excellent local artists to add to its stable. Stay-tuned for more.
Grizzly Grizzly artists are doing an exchange exhibition with Public Fiction in LA. They will be moving into Public Fiction’s gallery and will set up a hotel room in which they will make art and be there for visitors. In 2012, Grizzly Grizzly will host the Public Fiction people at their space in Philly.
Tiernan Alexander has a solo show, “Spoils of the Ottoman Empire,” at Chris White Gallery in Wilmington, DE.
