Association for Public Art Hosts “Public Art in Focus”

PHILADELPHIA, PA, August 18, 2016 — The Association for Public Art (aPA), presents Public Art in Focus, a month-long series of photography workshops led by Philadelphia-based photographers. During the month of September, participants are invited to see the city’s sculpture through a new lens. Public Art in Focus is promoted in partnership with the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy and supported by Apartment Investment and Management Company (Aimco).

Designed for participants at all levels, eight photography workshops will be held near public sculptures at various sites along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Kelly Drive, Center City, and West Fairmount Park. The “focus” of these workshops will be Night Photography, Macro Photography, Composition Photography, and Phone Photography.

“We have seen increasing numbers of people posting about their public art interests online,” says aPA Executive Director Penny Balkin Bach. “These photography workshops are a great way to invite people to sharpen their photography skills, actively engage with Philadelphia’s exceptional collection of outdoor sculpture, and share snapshots from their personal point of view.”

“Aimco is pleased to partner with aPA to showcase the amazing quality and variety of sculpture that make Philadelphia a living gallery treasured by its residents,” says Aimco Senior Vice President Patti Shwayder. “We are proud to sponsor this event and to host the closing reception featuring the best workshop photos on exhibit at our gallery at Park Towne Place Museum District Residences, which itself is becoming another great destination for art lovers.”

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Workshop sizes will be limited, and registration is required. The fee for each of these ticketed workshops is $5 for aPA members and $15 for non-members. For more information and to register for a workshop, visit associationforpublicart.org/publicartinfocus.

Night Photography Workshops

  • Wednesday, September 14, 7:30pm – 9:30pm Logan Circle, Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 19th Street
  • Friday, September 23, 7:30pm – 9:30pm Philadelphia Museum of Art, Front Steps
Explore low-level light and night photography on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The first workshop led by Josh Brilliant (@phila_photoarts) will be held at Logan Circle near Alexander Stirling Calder’s Swann Memorial Fountain. The second workshop led by Meredith Edlow (@medlowminus) will take place at the front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, highlighting Albert Wolff’s The Lion Fighter and August Kiss’s The Mounted Amazon Attacked by a Panther.

Macro Photography Workshops

  • Tuesday, September 6, 5:30pm – 7:30pm Ellen Phillips Samuel Memorial, Kelly Drive, south of Girard Avenue Bridge
  • Saturday, September 24, 1:00pm – 3:00pm Horticulture Center, 100 N Horticultural Drive
Study the details of public artworks and learn techniques for macro and close-up photography. The first workshop will be led by Stefan Suchanec (@stef.c.photo) and will highlight the Ellen Phillips Samuel Memorial on Kelly Drive. Meet at the Central Terrace of the memorial. The second workshop will be led by Richard Leung (@rlleung) and hosted at Martin Puryear’s Pavilion in the Trees near the Horticulture Center. Meet at the front steps of the main building of the Horticulture Center.

Composition Photography Workshops

  • Saturday, September 10, 1:00pm – 3:00pm Dilworth Park, 15th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard
  • Monday, September 12, 5:30pm – 7:30pm Rittenhouse Square, Walnut Street between 18th and 19th Streets
Learn tips and techniques for composing a compelling photograph. The first workshop will be led by Rachel Mae Smith (@thecraftedlife) and will explore artworks in Dilworth Park. Meet at Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture. The second workshop will be held in Rittenhouse Square, capturing Paul Manship’s Duck Girl, Antoine-Louis Barye’s Lion Crushing a Serpent, and Albert Laessle’s Billy and will be led by Albert Lee (@urphillypal). Meet at 18th and Walnut Streets to begin the workshop.

Phone Photography Workshops

  • Thursday, September 8, 5:30pm – 7:30pm Philadelphia Museum of Art, West Entrance
  • Sunday, September 18, 1:00pm – 3:00pm Iroquois Park, 24th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
Learn how to master your smartphone camera with Philadelphia-based Instagrammers. The first workshop, led by David Maialetti (@maialetti), will take place at Louise Nevelson’s Atmosphere and Environment XII, Jacob Epstein’s Social Consciousness, and Robert Indiana’s AMOR. The second workshop will be led by Chuck Bonfig (@chuckseye) and will take place at Iroquois Park near Mark di Suvero’s Iroquois and Roxy Paine’s Symbiosis.

Closing Event

Thursday, October 6, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

In addition to the workshops, participants are invited to capture their favorite Philadelphia sculptures using #publicartinfocus on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. The best workshop photos, including a “People’s Choice” favorite from an online contest will be matted, framed, and featured at a closing event to be hosted at Aimco’s Park Towne Place on Thursday, October 6th from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Refreshments will be served.

About the Association for Public Art The Association for Public Art (aPA, formerly Fairmount Park Art Association) commissions, preserves, promotes, and interprets public art in Philadelphia. The aPA is the nation’s first private nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a “Museum Without Walls” that informs, engages, and inspires diverse audiences. Established in 1872, the aPA integrates public art and urban design through exemplary programs and advocacy efforts that connect people with public art. www.associationforpublicart.org

About Aimco Aimco is a real estate investment trust that is focused on the ownership and management of quality apartment communities located in the largest markets in the United States including eight apartment communities in Philadelphia. Aimco is one of the largest owners and operators of apartments with 192 communities in 22 states and the District of Columbia. Aimco common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AIV and are included in the S&P 500. For more information about Aimco, please visit www.aimco.com.