Landscape Architect Selected for Lenfest Plaza - Pennsylvania ...

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6 Faculty Spotlight: Shane Stratton While sculpture department faculty member Shane Stratton “can still hardly believe” that he is the recipient of a Fulbright scholarship, the award should come as no surprise to the artist who was told that he drew before he spoke. “Making things always felt natural and undeniable,” says the artist whose earliest memory of being interested in art was drawing on the floor with crayons. Having gotten off the floor and switching mediums, when Stratton was a high school senior, he saw an ad for PAFA in the back of Art in America featuring a figure drawing by Pat Traub. States Stratton, “I wanted to learn to draw that beautifully.” After a trip to Philadelphia and a visit to PAFA’s Annual Student Exhibition, Stratton abandoned other school plans and enrolled in the Academy’s Certificate program. “It is among the best decisions of my life.” The Academy was a very supportive place for Stratton, and he loved the emphasis on learning real, applicable skills that pertained both to the critical development of his work, and to the techniques he would need to create it. The degree to which the Academy prepared Stratton to be a professional sculptor—everything from learning how to cast bronze to presenting his work in the Museum building during the Annual Student Exhibitions—laid the groundwork that he is still building on today. Stratton graduated from PAFA in 1993 and Shane Stratton, Oceanid, bronze, 90” x 52” x 45” has been teaching here for the past seven years, when sculpture department chair Robert Roesch hired Stratton to replace Gary Weisman who had decided to step down from running PAFA’s foundry. This semester, Stratton has more than 70 students in four classes: Foundry, Plaster and Casting Techniques, and two sections of Introduction to Figure Modeling. Stratton says his teaching style is “characterized by fostering the growth of the individual student, with a focus on developing the particular skills, and personal vision, needed for each individual’s work.” He teaches two days a week, and spends the rest of his time making his own work. Stratton’s experience as a professional sculptor, living primarily from the exhibition and sale of his work is foremost to what he has to offer as a teacher. He notes, “I love teaching at the Academy. It is an inspiring, energetic place and I am constantly impressed with the caliber of our students.” In Stratton’s own work, he was initially a figurative sculptor working from life, but in the last years at PAFA he began inventing without models. His work continued in this vein, with a figurative basis, for the next 15 years. Three years ago, while on an artist residency on the coast of Maine at the Humboldt Science Institute, Stratton began using natural structures as the basis for abstract sculpture. It was there, sharing a field lab with the botanists in the program, that he first used a magnifying scope to examine small, organic specimens. It revealed structures and patterns in botanical life that changed the way he saw the natural environment in its entirety. Stratton began researching how other artists have used abstracted natural forms, and this led him to examine Islamic art and architecture. Stratton comments that “the experience of seeing the patterns and structures of life, through the magnifying scope, provided the unlikely context for the macroscopic vision of Islamic depictions of paradise. A primary element of my Fulbright research in Turkey is the visual relationship between the patterns of organic life, and the patterns of the arabesque.” Of his Fulbright award, Stratton says that Turkey is a place that has long held a fascination for him and the grant will allow him the opportunity to live and work in Istanbul for nine months starting in September. Perhaps after nine months in Istanbul, Stratton will believe that he is indeed a Fulbright Scholar. Seletti’s Palace dinnerware collection dresses up a table with sophisticated style, but the plates, bowls and platters, all decorated with indistinguishable lines and designs, also morph into mansions reminiscent of ancient Rome (think columns and grand archways) when neatly stacked. $98.00 - 130.00 per set of 6 Visit or contact us at 215-972-2075 or www.pafa/shop. Printmaking Department Update The 2010 calendar year could be named the “international year of the print,” especially for Philadelphia. That is because of the numerous printmaking dedicated events that took place throughout our city under the auspices Philagrafika. And what made this year even more exciting is that The Southern Graphics Council hosted its annual conference in Philadelphia in March. The SGC was established in 1973 with the purpose of advancing the professional standing of artists who make original prints, drawings, books and hand-made paper, as well as to increase public appreciation of them. Our printmaking department enthusiastically participated in the three-year planning for the Southern Graphics Convention that was hosted by PAFA, Moore College of Art & Design, The University of the Arts, University of Pennsylvania, and Tyler School of Art. Each school scheduled an array of important panel discussions, lectures, and print demonstrations for the conference and also exhibited many print portfolios associated with the events as well as portfolios submitted by independent groups. Over 1,400 people registered for the SGC convention and over 400 people registered for some of the print shop demonstrations. The print shop space on PAFA’s 6th floor was especially suited for the demonstrations. PAFA demonstrations included Dan Miller’s, “Spooning Large Format Woodcuts,” Ron Wyffels’ “Lithography: Electric Press and Large Format Printing Techniques,” and Tony Rosati’s “Intaglio: Viscosity Color Printing-Single Plate/Multiple Colors.” Lisa Hamilton, printmaking faculty and our print shop manager, steadfastly participated in numerous meetings related to planning all of the above. Panel discussions that took place in the Annenberg Gallery included “The Incomplete Printmaker” and “Uncertain Boundaries: Remarks on Contemporary Printmaking,” while “Meet and Greet the Curators at PAFA” was held in the Maguire Lobby. The printmaking department faculty and students were thrilled to be participants in this confluence of so many print-rich events. We were delighted to be able to host them in our fantastic school and amazing, spacious, and light-filled print shop. Our printmaking curriculum includes courses in relief, intaglio, lithography, screenprinting, book arts, letterpress, collographs, monotypes and monoprints, mixed-media prints, and digital imaging courses. We believe that our curriculum reflects the wonderful plethora of methods and concepts that were addressed by the festival of printmaking in Philadelphia this spring. The Caldwell Scholarship: “A Golden Strand of Hope” By Stan Greidus, Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid As many of you know, last fall, PAFA hosted a very successful celebratory event to honor the Chairman of our Board, Donald R. Caldwell for his 15 years of dedicated service to our community. This event raised $1 million for scholarships in the School of Fine Arts. I have spoken on many occasions—too many to remember—of the importance of scholarship support for our artists and scholars. The need is even greater this year and likely to be a major challenge for us in the foreseeable future. In December of 2009, the Office of Admissions received a record number of applications for our Early Decision program. From that pool, several applicants with particularly strong credentials were invited to apply for the inaugural Donald R. Caldwell Scholarship. This application process required that those selected submit a second portfolio, called the “Challenge Portfolio.” Of the 17 Challenge portfolios submitted, two candidates were offered the Caldwell Scholarship, PAFA’s first named, full-tuition scholarship. Both of our recipients, coincidentally, are from Maryland, one of whom had an interesting story to tell in her thank you to PAFA. I think it best you hear it directly from her: “The nomination for the Caldwell scholarship became my golden strand of hope…My parents pointed out that the family vacation that we had planned a year in advance conflicted with the period of time given to work on the scholarship application. I asked to stay behind in order to put my best effort in the competition (Challenge Portfolio)…My parents allowed me to stay behind and I am grateful for that. Finding out that I received the Caldwell Scholarship was one of the best days of my life…it is very possible that this scholarship changed my life.” What more can I add to that? The formula is an easy one. The more scholarship opportunities we have, the stronger each class will be—academically and artistically. Our classes will be more diverse, more national, more international, and simply more amazing. I ask you to assist us in finding ways to increase our scholarship support and to help us to continue to enroll the best and brightest. How To Reach PAFA 215-972-7600 www.pafa.org | www.pafa.edu Historic Landmark Building | 118 North Broad Street on the Avenue of the Arts Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building | 128 North Broad Street on the Avenue of the Arts Adult Group Tours 215-972-2069 Capital Campaign 215-972-2002 Continuing Education 215-972-7632 Corporate Partnership 215-972-2002 Development 215-972-7635 Facility Rentals 215-972-1609 Family Programs 215-972-2061 Library 215-972-2030 Membership 215-972-0522 Museum Front Desk 215-972-2060 PAFA Supply Store 215-972-2035 Portfolio at the Pennsylvania Academy® 215-972-2075 School Admissions 215-972-7625 Volunteer Opportunities 215-972-2071 Women’s Board 215-972-7639
Women’s Board Events Focus on Collectors and Collecting Two major fundraising events, the Preview Party for the 109th Annual Student Exhibition (ASE), and the 18th USArtists: American Fine Art Show are on the schedule for the Women’s Board this year. The Preview Party for the ASE, Thursday, May 13, 5 to 8:30 p.m., features the yearlong work by Bachelor of Fine Arts students, third- and fourth- year Certificate program students, and Master of Fine Arts students, as well as award recipients. More than a thousand paintings, drawings, prints, installations, and sculptures will be for sale. The students retain a majority of the sale price, and proceeds from the Preview Party support student scholarships. This event gives art collectors an opportunity to add to their collections, discover a new artist, or simply find a unique work. This year the Women’s Board has announced a new initiative for ASE, the Young Friends Committee. This committee has been established to attract new aspiring art enthusiasts and young collectors. Early 5 p.m. entry tickets give guests the best opportunity to purchase their first choice of work from the wide selection available. Tickets to the Preview Party are available online at www.wbsecure.org or by calling 215-572-0550. The 18th USArtists: American Fine Art Show and Sale is making its debut in the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building October 1-3, with the Preview Gala on Thursday, September 30. For the first time in its history, USArtists will be held at PAFA. Thirty-five dealers from more than eight states will be exhibiting works from early American to modern and contemporary, a snapshot of 300 years of American art. PAFA, as America’s first school of fine arts and museum, is the perfect venue for the USArtists exhibition and sale. The new look and renewed energy of the 18th show will be oriented toward the cultivation, nurturing, and development of new as well as established collectors. Dealers will be giving talks on how to start, build, The recipient of the 2009 Women’s Board Travel Scholarship, Doron Langberg, will have his artwork featured on the invitation for the 2010 Annual Student Exhibition Preview Party. Attending the 2009 Preview Party, left to right: Julia B. DeMoss, President, Doron Langberg, Christine H. Berrettini, 2009 and 2010 ASE Co-chair, and Alicia Sterling, 2009 ASE Co-chair and President-elect. and maintain art collections as well as about individual artists in their collections. The Preview Gala is an opportunity for collectors and other guests to savor the full range of work available, while also enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and an elegant light buffet. Early 5 p.m. entry tickets afford collectors and guests the opportunity to be the first to view and purchase work. All proceeds support student scholarships, and museum education and exhibition programs. Tickets for the Preview Gala are available online at www.wbsecure.org or by calling 215-572-0550. General Admission tickets are also available online or by phone. Continuing Education Programs this Summer A Community of Dedicated Artists of All Ages and Skill Levels Continuing Education at PAFA offers art classes for adults and high school students at all levels of ability. Whether you’re venturing into art for the first time, mastering your craft or preparing a portfolio, we have something for you. Members at the “Friends” level and above receive a 10% tuition discount! Summer 2010 at PAFA The summer semester is the most comprehensive and diverse in the CE program. Choose from an amazing selection of classes, programs and workshops. For the complete schedule visit www.pafa.org/CE. Jura Bedic, Portait of Elpida, oil on canvas, 20 x 16 in., 2003 The Florence Academy of Art at PAFA June 7 – 19 Learn the Florence Academy method of painting the human figure in this groundbreaking collaboration, as taught by Florence Academy founder and director Daniel Graves and PAFA faculty members and Florence Academy graduate, Peter van Dyck and Carolyn Pyfrom. Summer Academy for Teachers July 7 – August 20 Designed to provide educators with a great opportunity to advance their personal work and refresh their teaching with stimulating ideas amidst a new community of artists and teachers and earn graduate credit, Pennsylvania Act 48 credit and NJ Department of Education Professional Development credit. Summer Academy for High School Students July 12 – August 6 The Summer Academy is the definitive program for talented and motivated high school students intent on a fine arts education featuring college-level courses in drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking; field trips to the galleries and museums of Philadelphia, New York and Washington; visits to artists’ studios and special presentations. For more information, call 215-972-7632 or visit www.pafa.org/SummerAcademy. PAFA CE courses and workshops are eligible for PA Act 48 and New Jersey Department of Education Professional Development credit. For the complete Summer schedule, visit www.pafa.org/CE, call 215-972-7632 or e-mail continuinged@pafa.edu. Photo: Stuart Watson PAFA To Add to its Roster of Dedicated Docents In March, the call for volunteer docents went out, asking for those who have a boundless love for the arts, an insatiable desire for knowledge, and a love of teaching and forming new friendships. A docent is a teacher, a learner and an ambassador for PAFA. Docents interpret works of art and lead tours for adults, families and school students, and are the first personal contact between works of art and our museum visitors. Docents are extraordinarily important members of the PAFA community. At PAFA, Beth LeBow has been leading tours since 2002, after completing the 2001 docent training class. Of her training, LeBow says, “I don’t think I can do it justice. It still takes my breath away to recall all the opportunities that were available to us as docent trainees!” Training began in September and lasted until graduation in June. Notes LeBow, “Mondays were, and still are, our designated training/briefing days. And, just as the role of a docent is made up of many components (host, facilitator, art-lover, explorer, trouble-shooter to name a few!) our training course was comprised of several key components.” Docents in training will participate in a year-long training course which includes an 8-week survey course of American Art History: training in touring techniques, including designing a tour, artistic materials and techniques and questioning strategies; and gallery walks by staff and curators. “What I got out of the program is immeasurable and I continue to learn with each new tour, program, and exhibition,” remarks LeBow. “I learned that being a docent isn’t just about art – it’s about people and making them comfortable and happy in our galleries so that they’ll return for another visit.” For more information on becoming a PAFA docent, join us for a Meet and Greet event in the Historic Landmark Building, 118 N. Broad Street on Wednesday, June 2nd from 4 - 5:30. p.m. To rsvp or for more information call 215-972-2069 or email tours@pafa.org. A Summer of Fun at Summer FUNdamentals Art Camps! Summer FUNdamentals Art Camps offer enriching experiences for campers in PAFA’s beautiful galleries and art studios, providing excellent opportunities for children to explore and develop their creative and artistic spirit. 24 different week-long sessions are available from July 12 through and August 20. A broad variety of sessions are available to choose from each week, including Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Cartooning, Animation, Anime, Wearable Art, Bookmaking, Mural Painting, Decorative Furniture, Puppets in Wonderland, Circus Arts, and much more. Sessions are designed to appeal to all levels and interests of young artists (ages 6-15 years). Campers need only bring their imaginations! Each camp session runs for one week, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A pre-camp session and an after-camp session are available each day. On Fridays at 2 pm, families and friends are invited to a special reception and exhibition of the art and projects created that week. Summer FUNdamentals Art Camps serve a diverse population of over 620 campers each summer. Scholarships are provided so that no creative child is left behind. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. For a scholarship application go the our webpage or call the education department A listing of camp sessions is available on the Academy website www.pafa.org/camp. Call 215-972-2061 or email jringold@pafa.org for more information or to register. 7
Page 1 and 2: In This Issue: 2 3 Become a Member
Page 3 and 4: Two Gifts Become Two Exciting Exhib
Page 5: Alumni Spotlight: Orit Hofshi retur
Page 9 and 10: Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Duplessis Ms
Page 11 and 12: Ms. Joellyn Ross Ms. Susan Ross Ms.

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