Category Archives: Best of 2009

Highlight of the year: The Sept. 10 opening event for West Philadelphia: Building a Community — an exhibit that used  watercolors, maps, photographs, oral histories, and postcards to explore the past, present, and future of West Philadelphia. Though hosted by the Arthur Ross Gallery, the exhibition was a collaborative effort, co-sponsored by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and the University’s Archives and Records Center. Approximately 180 ARG members, Historical Society members, Penn students and faculty, community leaders and West Philadelphians turned out to celebrate the opening, Arthur Ross Director Lynn Marsden-Atlass said. “We were building a community in every sense of the word,” she added. “It was a very significant moment for us as a gallery.”

What’s coming in 2010: In conjunction with Philagrafika 2010 — a new citywide print-making exposition — artist Miler Lagos will create an installation on-site at the Gallery. According to Marsden-Atlass, the artist will sculpt “a forest of trees” from nearly four tons of recycled newspapers. The installation will be on view from Jan. 27 – March 21.

A Miler Lagos "tree" made from recycled newspapers.

Dirt on Clay installation photo by Aaron Igler

Highlight of the year: The International Art Critics Association awarded the Institute of Contemporary Art first place for the year’s “Best Show in a University Gallery.” That show was Dirt on Delight: Impulses that Form Clay, on view Jan. 15-July 12, 2009 and organized by curators Ingrid Schaffner and Jenelle Porter. The exhibition presented the work of 22 artists, with pieces that “collectively suggest that clay appeals to basic human impulses, starting with the delight of building form, coupled with the anxiety of completion.” ICA officials will accept the award at a ceremony in February 2010 at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York.

What’s coming in 2010: On Jan. 15, the ICA will present Maira Kalman: Various Illuminations (of a Crazy World) — the first major museum survey of works by the illustrator, author and designer. On view through June 6, the exhibition will feature a selection of the artist’s photography, embroidery, textiles and works on paper.

As 2010 approaches, I’ll be posting “Best of the Arts 2009″ entries for several arts institutions and hubs across campus. First up: The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

Jugglers at the 2009 Philadelphia International Children's Festival

Highlight of the year: Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Philadelphia International Children’s Festival (April 28 – May 2, 2009), says Nicole Cook, the Annenberg Center‘s Director of Marketing and Communications. The festival is the oldest of its kind in the country, and offers Philadelphia-area families an “easy and affordable way” to experience the arts. This year, more than 7,000 children and their families attended the Annenberg Center’s festivities, which included music, dance and theatrical performances, outdoor activities, and arts and crafts.

What’s coming in 2010: “An incredible lineup,” Cook says. That includes performances by fiddling sensation Natalie MacMaster, jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater and dancer/illusionists MOMIX, along with a production of Romeo and Juliet staged by The Acting Company and the Guthrie Theater.