Contemporary Masks July 18 - Oct. 14, 2005

Art In City Hall presents its summer exhibition, Contemporary Masks, featuring 21 professional Philadelphia artists exploring the theme of three-dimensional wearable masks. The exhibition highlights ceramics, fiberglass, papier-mâché, found objects, installations and works in various media. Contemporary Masks will be on exhibit from July 18 to October 14 on the second and fourth floors of the N.E. corner of City Hall.

The participating artists are:
Robert Aiosa, Ruth Ansel, Xiomara Babilonia, Joe Brenman, Deborah Curtiss, April Faye, Uta Fellechner, John Hollis, Jacqueline Jacovini, Stephen C. Layne, Raymond Mathis, Richard Metz, Howard Neifeld, Martina Plag, Eva Preston, Chanthaphone Rajavong, Robert Smythe, Michael Storm, Clifford Ward, Maryann Worrell

Curator:
Jonas dos Santos, local and international artist and member
of Art in City Hall Exhibitions Committee

Click here to download the full press release.

About Us

Art In City Hall is collaboration between City government and the Art In City Hall Advisory Council, which is made up of prominent members of the arts and business communities.

The Art In City Hall Advisory Council
Marianne Raphaely is the Advisory Council Chair and the Special Events Chair. Ms. Raphaely is organizing a Benefit Gala for Art In City Hall in honor of former Councilwoman Joan Specter and Governor Ed Rendell. The event is scheduled for Dec. 2, 2005. (For more information, please call 215-683-2078.)

Dr. Michael W. Schantz, Director of the Woodmere Art Museum, is the Long Range Planning Committee Chair.

Jacqueline van Rhyn, Curator for Prints and Photos at the Print Center, is the Exhibitions Committee Chair.

The City of Philadelphia, Department of Public Property.

Since the summer of 2004, Art In City Hall has been part of the City of Philadelphia's Department of Public Property.

Joan Schlotterbeck is the Commissioner of Public Property

Art In City Hall is also financially administered by the Fund for Philadelphia, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

Program History
The original Art In City Hall program was begun in 1984 under the auspices of former Councilwoman Joan Specter. Fifteen large display cases were built and installed in City Hall to showcase the work of professional Philadelphia artists. The project demonstrated the viability of City Hall as a venue for such activities and received high praise from City visitors as well as residents. However, the program was halted in 1989 due to a lack of funding.

In early 1992, newly elected Mayor Edward G. Rendell, committed to revitalizing City Hall and making it a focal point in the revival of Center City, Philadelphia as a lively inviting place to experience the cultural richness of Philadelphia, gathered a volunteer Art Advisory Council dedicated to the restoration of Art In City Hall.

The Professional program strives to present three exhibitions for professional artists each year. The Exhibitions Committee, a subcommittee of the Art Advisory Council, decides on the themes and content of the "open call" exhibitions, often inviting jurors and curators to participate.

In 2003, Art In City Hall expanded to include The Student Exhibition, The National Arts Program Exhibition, and exhibitions devoted to community arts organizations, nonprofits, and other city agencies.

In June of 2004, Art In City Hall became part of the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Public Property. It was originally part of the City Representative's Office of Arts and Culture.