A coup for geeks and public artwork, all at the same time: Open Air won “Event of the Year” at the Philadelphia Geek Awards! This was a pivotal year for Philly’s celebration of the tech community; the 400 available tickets sold out online in 90 minutes. Hosted by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and Geekadelphia, previous years’ winners include Philly Tech Week and the Philadelphia Science Festival.
This fall is JJ Tiziou Photography’s 10th anniversary, and in celebration he’s launching the wider release of a special portrait project. Begun with friends and community members, his style for this project is fairly informal, photographing all his subjects in a single day, in the same space, in the same light. There’s food, and a space for people to mingle while waiting their turn. Afterwards, Tiziou makes a free download of the images for each participant. If this sounds like the kind of thing you’d like to be a part of, head over to his site and check it out.
James Dupree, of Dupree Studios and Gallery, at work.
Eminent domain is threatening yet another one-of-a-kind space, this time in West Philadelphia. The studio of artist James Dupree, located at 3617 Haverford Ave, is participating in this year’s Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST) in a bid to garner support for the building. Visit on Saturday, October 19 or Sunday October 20, and see not only an incredible piece of architecture but the impressive work of Dupree, who’s been a staple of the Philly art world for years.
It’s almost time for the 9th annual DesignPhiladelphia Festival, and in keeping with its ever-innovative nature, this year’s focus is on experiencing design. Kicking off October 9 with two benefit parties, DP2013 runs from October 10-18; over 120 events are on deck, and it’s all open-participation. We’re told there’s going to be “a street scavenger hunt….a make-it-yourself Corian workshop….a party at bahdeebhdu – a design studio in Kensington…..a plus-size fashion show at the Penn Museum.” The online event guide is going live to the public in September, so keep checking the website for more details.
Opportunities
In the wake of Julien Robson’s departure, PAFA is seeking a Curator of Contemporary Art (CCA), an essential position considering their new collections endowment. Qualified applicants must have at least 7 years of experience curating contemporary art exhibitions and working with contemporary artists through studio visits, visiting artist programs, and public programs, as well as cross-department work, collecting strategy and skill with donors. Qualified candidates should send their cover letter with salary requirements, curriculum vitae, and three professional references to jobs@pafa.org, fax to 215-972-6194, or mail to Human Resources, 128 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages the recruitment and retention of qualified candidates for all positions. PAFA encourages members of all diverse groups to seek employment with us.
Bryn Mawr College’s office ofInformation Services is looking for a curatorial assistant to fill a part-time, one-year position supporting the work of the Curator and Academic Liaison for Art and Artifacts. In order to apply, you must have professional training and a minimum of two years of museum administrative work, along with an undergraduate degree in an appropriate field. Preference is given to candidates with a graduate degree, experience in museum curatorial work, mastery of social media and collection-management tools. Email a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to jobs@brynmawr.edu (Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word compatible format), with the position in the subject line.
Art on Avenue of the States Gallery in Chester, PA is holding a Plein Air Competition (along with Chester Photo Day for photographers) in September. With a set number of designated areas (including the waterfront) within Chester where the artwork must be done, the competition runs from September 20-22 and all photos on September 21. There’s an opening reception including food and refreshments a week later on September 28. To find out more and enter, email lbrace@comcast.net.
Artist News
New work by Rebecca Saylor Sack.
Rebecca Saylor Sack’s first solo exhibition, birds, beasts, flowers, is opening at J Cacciola Gallery, on Thursday, September 5, from 6 – 8 p.m. This gallery is also home to a couple of other Philly mainstays, Alex Kanevsky and Bruce Samuelson, so she’s in stellar company.
Abigail DeVille has been chosen as one of three resident artists at Studio Museum in Harlem for 2013-2014. A past exhibitor at Marginal Utility (most recently in 2012), as well as having recently produced an installation in the New Museum’s 2012 triennial, Deville will no doubt do wonderful things with this residency.
