Bailey Decker’16: The Philadelphia Art Museum and the murals scattered around the city are the most well known attractions for those seeking the arts in Philadelphia. However, The Philadelphia Film Society, The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, The Barnes Foundation, The Mural Arts Program, and countless galleries are the diamonds-in-the-rough of the Philadelphia art scene. These hidden gems are just waiting for students to explore.

PAINTING THE SKY: Clae’s Oldenburg’s 51 foot Paint Torch is an iconic sculpture in front of PAFA, representing both practice and history.
Photo courtesy of press.visitphilly.com

The Philadelphia Film Society

Every fall, Philadelphia has its own version of the Sundance Film Fest, aptly called the Philadelphia Film Festival. The Philly Film Fest gives filmmakers a platform in which to openly express themselves and allows aspiring filmmakers to connect with their inspiration. In 2014, their closing film was Wild, featuring Reese Witherspoon. They have volunteer opportunities and are always looking for new members. The 2015 festival will be held in April.

 

The Pennsylvania Academy 

of Fine Arts

The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) is not only a school but also a museum open to the public. PAFA has summer programs and classes for artists ranging from a day to two weeks long. They also have a lecture series called Art at Lunch. Those who attend bring their lunches and enjoy lectures and discussion about art.

The Barnes Foundation  

The Barnes Foundation usually requires the purchased of tickets, but on the first Sunday of every month it offers free admission. It houses 180 Renoirs, 68 Cezannes, 59 Matisses, 46 Picassos, 16 Modiglianis, and 7 Van Goghs along with many more. The Barnes Foundation also has an arboretum opening at its original Merion location on May 1, which contains over 3,000 species of plants.

A BEAUTIFIED CITY: Many walls in Philadelphia are used as canvases for murals. One entitled Philadelphia Muses is located on 1235 Locust Street and has been restored by Meg Saligman.
Photo courtesy of muralarts.org

 

The Mural Arts Program

The Mural Arts Program is the largest public arts program in the United States, and it’s right in our backyard. The program cultivates urban transformation through art. The murals in the collection pertain to a variety of topics including sports, animal shelters, memorials, and just plain art. The program offers official tours of the world’s largest collection of outdoor public art.

 

Galleries

Along with the museums and events Philadelphia has to offer, there are also thousands of galleries that are open to the public. In Philadelphia there are galleries that will appeal to everyone, including clay, photography, modern art, classical art, and architecture.

http://www.e-modernegallerie.com/ — features artist from all over the world, including Germany and South Africa particularly

http://www.theclaystudio.org/ — gallery for sculpture

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