In This Issue: - Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

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2 Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is America’s first school and museum of fine arts. A recipient of the 2005 National Medal of Arts presented by the President of the United States, PAFA is a recognized national leader in fine arts education. Nearly every major American artist has taught, studied, or exhibited at the Academy. The institution’s world-class collection of American art continues to grow and provides what only a few other art institutions in the world offer: the rare combination of an outstanding museum and extraordinary faculty known for its commitment to students and for the stature and quality of its artistic work. David R. Brigham, President & Chief Executive Officer John J. Berg, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration Marsha Braverman, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Communication Jeffrey Carr, Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Melissa A. DeRuiter, Executive Vice President of Development Stanislaus Greidus, Vice President of Admissions & Financial Aid Harry Philbrick, The Edna S. Tuttleman Director of the Museum Anne Stassen, Dean of Student Affairs Preview is published three times a year by PAFA for alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students. Produced by Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Marketing Department Designed by Laura Beard Copy Editor Heike Rass For comments or questions, contact Heike Rass, Public Relations Manager, at hrass@pafa.org. Board of Trustees Kevin F. Donohoe, Chair Herbert S. Riband, Jr., Esq., Vice Chair & Secretary Thomas N. Pappas, Vice Chair James C. Biddle, Vice Chair Thomas L. Bennett, CFA, Treasurer Anne E. McCollum, Assistant Secretary Roger H. Ballou, Assistant Treasurer Gerald P. Barth John B. Bartlett, Esq. Sally J. Bellet, Esq. Max N. Berry, Esq.* Karl E. Bupp Donald R. Caldwell, Chair Emeritus Ken Catanella, CIMA Charles E. Chase Lynn Nowicki Clarke* Jonathan L. Cohen* Monica Duvall-Dilella, M.D. Paulett Eberhart Robert A. Fisk John A. Fry Edward T. Harvey Anthony A. Ibargüen Marguerite Lenfest Francis J. Leto Winston I. Lowe, Esq. Honorary Dorrance H. Hamilton Emeritus Robert L. Byers, Sr. Barbara L. Greenfield, Chair, Emeritus Trustees Samuel J. Savitz William A. Slaughter, Esq. Richard E. Woosnam Frances M. Maguire* Frank Martucci* Francis P. Newell., Esq. James E. O’Neill, Esq. Steven K. Ritter Gretchen E. Roede Theodore O. Rogers, Jr., Esq.* William Rulon-Miller Steven L. Sanders William H. Schorling, Esq. Alfred R. Shands, III* Carole Price Shanis Henry B. du P. Smith Martha McGeary Snider Julie D. Spahr Barbara A. Sylk Robert M. Turner Debora C. Zug *National Trustee Ex officio Al Gury, Faculty Representative James J. Lynes, President of Alumni Association Alicia A. Sterling, President of Women’s Board Gary Steuer, Chief Cultural Officer City of Philadelphia Ahmeenah Young, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Photo: Susan Beard Design Photo: Hinda Schuman Letter from the President Lenfest Plaza is a reality. More than a decade ago, PAFA’s Board under the leadership of Donald Caldwell envisioned a pedestrian plaza that would unite our two buildings into a campus and serve as a destination. In 1999, an ordinance was drafted by City Councilman Darrell Clarke to close Cherry Street between Broad and Carlisle Streets. However, eliminating that short stretch of Cherry Street was not practical as long as it was a through street. In 2003, Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest made an extraordinary pledge of support for this project, making the project feasible if the street closure could be accomplished. The expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center closed Cherry Street on the east side of Broad, directly opposite PAFA. Now that Cherry was no longer an important artery, at the end of 2009 Councilman Clarke led his bill through City Council, which quickly approved the proposal. Throughout the process, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter gave his full support and the City added generous financial assistance to the project as part of its larger effort to enhance the pedestrian friendliness of Center City. PAFA’s Building Committee, chaired by Kevin Donohoe, mounted a design competition and the world renowned landscape architecture firm OLIN was chosen, with partner and Rome Prize-winning architect David Rubin leading the team. In a space just 200 by 40 feet, Rubin and his colleagues have created an elegant urban plaza that invites visitors to congre- gate, look at art, participate in arts programming, and enjoy fine dining. Also in 2009, the internationally famed sculptor Claes Oldenburg accepted PAFA’s invitation to create a site-specific work for Lenfest Plaza. His fifty-three-foot high Paint Torch is a brilliant solution, as it meets the ground with a brush handle that is just a foot in diameter at that point. The architectural scale is dramatic, while the slender profile keeps the plaza open and inviting. The giant paintbrush will become an icon for PAFA and the City. While the brush is a clear reference to our creative mission, the illuminated torch-bristles evoke Philadelphia’s role in the founding of our nation. At the west end of the Plaza, PAFA alumnus Jordan Griska (’08) will site the first temporary sculpture on the oval platform. His Grumann Greenhouse is a twenty-five foot high found object sculpture. Through its repurposing of a military aircraft and introduction of self-sustained plant environments, Griska creates a modern Cincinnatus metaphor of swords hammered into ploughshares. The Plaza will not really feel complete until October 1 when we dedicate it with the daylong celebration, PAFA’s Party on the Plaza. Ranging from family activities to a dedication ceremony, dinner, and dance party, we will serve the spectrum of our friends and patrons. I hope to see you there! David R. Brigham President & Chief Executive Officer PAFA Announces New Board Leadership The trustees of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts announced after a dynamic and successful 15-year term, Donald R. Caldwell has stepped down as Chair of PAFA’s Board of Trustees on June 30, 2011, the end of the Academy’s fiscal year. He is succeeded by PAFA Trustee and Vice-Chair and Treasurer Kevin F. Donohoe, who assumed the Kevin F. Donohoe, PAFA Chair chairmanship on July 1, 2011. As Emeritus Chair, Mr. Caldwell will remain an active member of the Board, co-chairing Bacchanal 2011, Philadelphia’s premier wine and auction event that has raised over $3 million to help fund student scholarships and education programs at PAFA. “Being involved in the growth of this remarkable institution has enriched my life in every aspect,” says Donald R. Caldwell. “As we move forward into a new era for PAFA, it is with the highest level of enthusiasm that I welcome Kevin Donohoe as my successor. He cares deeply about PAFA’s mission and is committed to the Academy’s continued leadership role in the cultural life of this community.” Founder and chairman of Cross Atlantic Capital Partners, Inc., Donald R. Caldwell has been integral to PAFA’s ongoing growth and continued success, spearheading the Academy’s $35 million building and renovation campaign, as well as the $7.5 million Lenfest Plaza project. In 2006, Mr. Caldwell, on behalf of PAFA, teamed with the Philadelphia Museum of Art to raise $68 million for the purchase of Eakins’s Gross Clinic, currently on view in PAFA’s Historic Landmark Building. Under Mr. Caldwell’s direction, PAFA began its first program of liberal arts instruction, established a Chair and Department of Liberal Arts, and won State Department of Education approval of its first in-house Academy Bachelor of Fine Arts undergraduate degree program. “Donald Caldwell’s tenure as Board Chair spanned a period of remarkable expansion and change for the institution, “ says David R. Brigham, PAFA’s President & CEO. “Don directed PAFA on a transformative course to secure PAFA’s position as a cultural leader both regionally and nationally. We owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. We now look to Kevin Donohoe, who worked closely with Don, for leadership to meet the new challenges as we move forward.” Since joining PAFA’s Board of Trustees in 1991, Kevin F. Donohoe, CEO of The Kevin F. Donohoe Company, Inc., has served as Chair of the Finance as well as the Building and Facilities committees. As the Board’s Vice-Chair and Treasurer, Mr. Donohoe has been working closely with Mr. Caldwell over the last 15 years. In these capacities, he oversaw the renovation of PAFA’s Hamilton Building and put into place many of the policies that have strengthened the institution’s financial stability. Notably, PAFA has posted seven consecutive balanced budgets and maintained full employment throughout the recession. “Don’s stewardship marks a compelling chapter in PAFA’s history,” remarks Kevin Donohoe. “Following in his footsteps is a tremendous inspiration. I look forward to guiding the Board at a time of unprecedented strength and vitality, further expanding the Academy’s audience and reach.” Kevin Donohoe supports various civic and cultural nonprofit organizations. He is a Trustee of The Franklin Institute and serves as Chair of its Finance Committee, and is a former Board member of the Free Library of Philadelphia. Mr. Donohoe is a Board member of the Dragonfly Forest, a member of The Urban Land Institute, and The Philadelphia Presidents’ Organization, World Presidents’ Organization and Chief Executives’ Organization. He has served as an adjunct faculty member of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, PAFA announced the re-election of Herbert S. Riband, Jr., Esq. as Vice Chair and Secretary and Thomas N. Pappas and James C. Biddle as Vice Chairs. Current trustee Thomas L. Bennett, CFA, has become Board Treasurer. Reelected for a new term and serving as officers are Roger H. Ballou, Assistant Treasurer and Anne E. McCollum, Assistant Secretary. Other trustees re-elected are Gerald P. Barth, Robert A. Fisk, John A. Fry, Marguerite Lenfest, William Rulon-Miller, Martha McGeary Snider, and Lynn Nowicki Clarke as a National trustee. PAFA welcomed eight new members to the Board of Trustees. They are: Karl E. Bupp – Executive Vice President, Henson Group Ken Catanella, CIMA – Senior Vice President-Investments Institutional Consultant, UBS Institutional Consulting, The Catanella Group Monica Duvall-DiLella, M.D. – Penn Family Care at St. Leonard Court Paulett Eberhart – President & CEO, CDI Corporation Edward T. Harvey – Senior Advisor, Dominus Capital, L.P. James E. O’Neill, Esq. – Attorney, Pachulski Stangg Ziel & Jones Steven K. Ritter – Partner, KPMG LLP Theodore O. Rogers, Jr., Esq. – Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP (National Trustee)
Photo: Kira Perov PAFA Acquires Ocean Without a Shore Video Installation by Bill Viola Historic Landmark Building, Morris Gallery November 19, 2011 – Ongoing Curator: Julien Robson, Curator of Contemporary Art PAFA is proud to announce the presentation of Ocean Without a Shore (2007), a major video installation by internationally acclaimed artist Bill Viola and a significant new addition to the museum’s collection. Exhibited in the United States for the first time, this masterpiece Bill Viola of the genre, can be viewed, admission free, from November 19th onward, in the Morris Gallery of PAFA’s Furness-Hewitt Building. Originally shown in the 15th century Church of the Oratorio San Gallo, in Venice, Italy, Ocean Without a Shore is a complete sensory environment that combines a reverence for the traditions of figuration and realism in Western art with new and cutting edge technology. Employing three large monitors, its imagery revolves around single figures emerging out of darkness. Approaching slowly from behind an invisible wall of rushing water, they appear hazy and ethereal in grainy gray tones, and as they come closer they touch the unseen barrier, making it visible as a powerful broken torrent. Stepping through this wall of water By Anna O. Marley, Curator of Historical American Art As a companion to the nationally touring 2012 exhibition Henry Ossawa Tanner: Modern Spirit, PAFA and the University of California Press are proud to publish a major volume of essays with the same title, presenting a complex overview of the pioneering African American artist Henry O. Tanner (1859-1937), a student at the Pennsylvania Academy from 1879 to 1885. The most complete scholarly publication on Tanner, the book contains the work of scholars—French and American, senior and emerging, art his- they transform into full color, brought to life before us and made present and real only, after a while, to return into the void. Involving 24 people, this process repeats seamlessly. Inspired by the writings of Senegalese poet Birago Diop, Viola’s work takes its title from Andalusian Sufi mystic Ibn Arabi, who wrote, “The Self is an ocean without a shore. Gazing upon it has no beginning or end, in this world and the next.” A profound and moving work of art whose simple structure belies its complex conceptual underpinnings, Ocean Without a Shore expresses this sentient self and its manifold rites of passage. Bathing the viewer in a sensorium of light and sound, it inspires us to reflect upon fundamental ideas about love, hope, sorrow, anxiety, being, death, and regeneration. Talking about Ocean Without a Shore, Bill Viola states: “Presented as a series of encounters at the intersection between life and death, the video sequence documents a succession of individuals slowly approaching out of darkness and moving into the light in order to pass into the physical world. Once incarnate, however, all beings realize that their presence is finite and so they must eventually turn away from material existence to return from where they came. The cycle repeats without end.” The Morris Gallery is open during regular museum hours and is free to the public. PAFA Offers Most Complete Scholarly Publication to Date Henry Ossawa Tanner: Modern Spirit Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937), A Mosque in Cairo, 1897Oil on canvas, 9 ½ x 13 in., William M. Lewis, Jr. and Carol Sutton Lewis. Photo credit: Joshua Nefsky torical and interdisciplinary—who explore the many facets of Tanner’s life and career. Seeking to place Tanner in the context of other black artists, Olivier Meslay examines those black artists working in Paris before Tanner’s arrival while Richard Powell surveys the subsequent generations of African American artists whom Tanner impacted. Tanner’s expatriate experience is the focus of four essays: Marc Simpson’s intensive study of the painting that established Tanner’s international reputation, The Raising of Lazarus; Tyler Stovall’s interdisciplinary essay on African American expatriates in Parisian culture; Jean-Claude Lesage’s presentation of the deep influence upon Tanner’s work of his thirty-four years traveling and living in northern France; and Adrienne Childs’ discussion of Tanner’s unique perspective on North Africa. The catalogue also features chapters on Tanner and religion. Marcus Bruce explores the relationship of Tanner’s paintings and his religious identity, Robert Cozzolino considers Tanner’s religious imagery in the context of fin-de-siecle Symbolism in Europe, Hélène Valance analyzes Tanner’s “nocturnes” and their relation to contemporary innovations in science and technology, and Alan Braddock proposes Tanner’s navigation of the Judeo-Christian religious identity as “the beginning of the end of race.” In a section devoted to Tanner’s style and techniques, Michael Leja examines the relationship of Tanner’s paintings to mass visual culture, and scholars Brian Baade, Amber-Kerr Allison and Jennifer Giaccai of the Smithsonian Institution discuss the findings of the first technical study of Tanner’s experimentation with materials and methods. Edited and introduced by Anna O. Marley, the organizing curator of this retrospective, this lavish volume expands our understanding of Tanner’s place in art history, showing that his status as a painter was deeply influenced by his race but not decided by it. To purchase an advance copy of the catalogue for yourself or as a gift for a friend visit PORTFOLIO at the Pennsylvania Academy® in the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building. Retail prices: hard cover edition $65 ($58.50 for members), soft cover edition $39.95 ($35.96). You can also order online at www.pafa.org/shop. Bill Viola, Ocean Without a Shore, 2007, High-Definition color video triptych, two 65” plasma screens, one 103” screen mounted vertically, six loudspeakers (three pairs stereo sound), Room dimensions variable, Performer: Melina Bielefelt Photo: Kira Perov Hennessy Youngman & Nathaniel Snerpus Present: The Grand Manner Historic Landmark Building November 5, 2011 – February 4, 2012 Curator: Julien Robson, Curator of Contemporary Art The Morris Gallery Program continues, wandering upstairs into the galleries of PAFA’s Furness-Hewitt Building, with Philadelphia based artist Jayson Musson’s presentation of a critical intervention by Hennessy Youngman and Nathaniel Snerpus. In The Grand Manner, Musson’s Hip-hop art commentator Hennessy Youngman—whose “Art Thoughtz” Hennessy Youngman videos have gone viral on the web—applies his sharp witted cultural analysis to artworks in PAFA’s collection. While viewers listen to Youngman’s take on American art history and art institutions, through both cell-phone self-guided tours and videos situated in the galleries, Musson will also arrange for his art critic-atlarge, Nathaniel Snerpus, to give a critical art historical perspective on both paintings and architecture. New large-scale didactic labels written by Snerpus will make works in the collection accessible to the broadest range of museum visitors. Although best known through his popular web presence as Hennessy Youngman, Jayson Musson has been previously visible in the public domain through a column called Black Like Me that he wrote during 2007 for Philadelphia Weekly. He recently presented his work in a solo show at Marginal Utility gallery in Philadelphia. Born in the Bronx, Musson studied at the University of the Arts, receiving a BFA in photography in 2002, and at the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated with an MFA in painting in 2011. Leading support is provided by the William Penn Foundation. PAFA’s special exhibitions in 2011-12 are supported by generous contributions from Max N. Berry, Esq, Donald R. Caldwell, and Jonathan L. Cohen. International Symposium: African-American Art and France: In Henry Ossawa Tanner’s Footsteps Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France November 9-10, 2011 Using the career of Henry Ossawa Tanner as a starting point, this study day will explore the century-long history of African American art and France, asking how racial and cultural identities interplayed with transatlantic exchanges from fin-de-siècle cosmopolitanism into the post-colonial age. A panel of international speakers including Renée Ater, Anna Lafont, Richard Powell, Marc Simpson, Sarah Wilson, and Elvan Zabunyan will discuss the work of artists traveling to Paris specifically and France more generally. Call Monica Zimmerman, Assistant Director of Museum Education, at 215-972-2105. Organized by the Musée d’Orsay and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts with funding from the Terra Foundation for American Art. 3
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Page 7 and 8: From the Desk of the Dean By Jeffre
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Page 11 and 12: HERE: What is the role of “place

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