Category Archives: The Arts

January 7, 2013 · 8:54 am

A History of Exploration and Discovery—Online

Author: Alex Fleischman

Happy 2013 to all Penn alumni.

With the holiday break still in session and spring classes still on the horizon, I find myself with time to kill. For those in a similar predicament, I recommend taking a look at the Penn Museum’s website for a compelling diversion. In this new year, we also have a new interactive map and timeline of the museum’s 125 years of anthropological and archaeological research. The timeline combines pictures, stories, and fascinating information in a fun, accessible format. You can view it all here.

Just make sure you don’t spend more time exploring than you intended and consider getting out of the house and taking a drive into campus to check it out in person. In the meantime, here’s a screenshot of what you’ll see.

Leave a comment

Filed under Alex F., Penn Museum, The Arts, The Arts at Penn

November 2, 2012 · 12:41 pm

Penn Rocks Out

Author: Rebecca Eckart, GEd’13

As a new student at Penn, I found the enthusiasm of Penn alums and students during Homecoming Weekend featuring arts & culture to be contagious. And seeing the campus covered with red and blue—balloons, flags, and of course students, alums, faculty, and staff decked out in school colors—brought a truly festive air to campus despite the gray, pre-Sandy weather.

Homecoming Weekend this year had a lot of great events. With academic, sporting, cultural, diversity alliance, and other events, there were plenty of opportunities for everyone to find something that spoke to them. One new event this year was the Blutt Band Slam, made possible by the generosity of Mitchell Blutt, C’78, M’82, WG’87. It featured six student groups/performers and two alumni groups, with a wide range of styles—rap, indie, rock, folk, classical, a cappella, and more.

The Band Slam was held on College Green, just in front of Van Pelt, and a lot of people passing through on their way back from the football game (which Penn won—go Quakers!) or heading to their next event stopped to listen. All of the performers delivered outstanding performances—I was truly impressed by the breadth of talent and creativity of all the musicians.

I’m glad I wasn’t a judge—I can only imagine the difficulty they had in choosing just three winners!

Wars and Whores took the Alumni Prize of $250. Wars and Whores, members Jeff Barg, C’02, GCP’10, Tamara MacKay Kimler, C’02, Byron Kho, C’05, and Miriam White, SPP’09, met as undergrads in the Underground Shakespeare Company. They performed two songs from their original folk musical adaptation of Henry IV Part I.

Wars & Whores

The Hippocrates Trio, comprised of Rena Zheng, C ’07, M’15, Alex Pantelyat, C’04, and James Choi, D’14, took the Student Prize of $500. They’re a classical piano trio who formed this past summer, and participate in the Penn Med Music on Call student organization. They perform for University of Pennsylvania Health System patients and families.

Hippocrates Trio

Finally, the overall winner was sophomore Sarah Lindstedt, who took home the $1,000 Overall Grand Prize! Sarah writes and plays her own music, in addition to cover songs. After the awards, the audience was treated to an encore performance by Sarah.

First prize winner, Sarah Lindstedt

I think all who attended would agree, the Blutt Band Slam showcased a lot of Penn talent and we hope to see it featured at many more Homecomings!

Leave a comment

Filed under Homecoming Weekend featuring arts and culture, Student Perspective, The Arts, The Arts at Penn

Tagged as Blutt Band Slam

October 19, 2012 · 1:50 pm

Indiana Jones Day at the Penn Museum

Author: Alex Fleischman

Ask my why I’m studying anthropology and I’ll give you a 30-second rundown of a unique, liberal arts perspective that will help me after college even if I don’t become an anthropologist.

What I won’t tell you is what (I think) most anthropology majors don’t admit—I like the movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark. A lot. And even though most of what we anthropology undergrads study isn’t the archaeological adventures we’ll have one day, I’m pretty sure that’s what all of us hope for.

This Saturday from 1 PM to 4 PM, I get to trade in my normal anthropology classes at the Penn Museum for anthropology that’s a little more exciting, if not a little Hollywood-inspired as well.

The museum is honoring National Archaeology Day with an afternoon of celebrating archaeological and anthropological adventure. Indiana Jones Day will feature mummies, a scavenger hunt, and an interactive dig site, among many other fun activities. The event is free with Museum admission. In addition, visitors wearing an Indiana Jones-style fedora receive $2 off the price of admission!

Even more exciting for an anthropology major, National Geographic’s Dr. Fredrik Hiebert will speak about being a real archaeologist and exploring the world.

There’s more information online here.

Leave a comment

Filed under Alex F., Penn Museum, The Arts, The Arts at Penn

October 5, 2012 · 12:41 pm

Just a Few Days Left to Register for Homecoming Weekend…

Author: Amanda D’Amico

The air is crisp, and the leaves are starting to change color. It’s time to pull those sweaters and jackets out of your closet for fall. And while you’re digging in the back of your closet, grab your favorite Penn gear to wear at Penn’s Homecoming Weekend featuring arts & Culture, October 26 to 28, 2012.

After discussing contemporary jazz or modern libraries in our Classes without Quizzes and reconnecting with old friends at Quakerfest, you can head over to Franklin Field to watch Penn take on Brown. The weekend features social events, film screenings, other sporting events, and much more.

And, best of all, you get to add the newest Homecoming Weekend scarf (included in the cost of a Red or Blue Quaker Pass) to what I hope is a growing collection!

Here are just a few other reasons you should return to Penn for the weekend:

Arts & Sciences Quizzo
Beyond the Screen: Social Impact through Film
California Impressionism: Masters of Light
Classes without Quizzes: Arts@Homecoming Launch Party
Penn Park Homecoming 5K Run
PennGALA Homecoming Happy Hour
Performing Arts and Children: Beyond the ‘Mozart Effect’
The Philadelphia Film Festival presents Flight
Rugby Alumni Social
Taste of Penn Spectrum: A Celebration of Diversity

To learn more about the events at this year’s Homecoming and to register, visit www.alumni.upenn.edu/homecoming2012. See you in Philadelphia, Oct. 26 – 28!

Leave a comment

Filed under Alumni Programming, Alumnni Education, Amanda D., Campus Life, Homecoming Weekend featuring arts and culture, Philadelphia, The Arts, The Arts at Penn

September 25, 2012 · 2:38 pm

Philly Arts & Culture Fair

Author: Lisa Marie Patzer

This Friday is the annual Philly Arts & Culture Fair at Penn. The line up of art vendors from around Philadelphia is impressive. Here are my personal top 10 from the list of over 40 participating organizations:

Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

Arthur Ross Gallery

ICA

In Liquid Art and Design

Painted Bride Art Center

Philadelphia Orchestra

If you are on Penn’s campus this Friday between 11 AM and 1 PM, stop by the Wynn Commons to learn more about Philadelphia Arts Organizations.

Leave a comment

Filed under Lisa Marie Patzer, Philadelphia, The Arts, Top Ten, Uncategorized

September 14, 2012 · 3:48 pm

Philadelphiart

Author: Nicole C. Maloy, W’95

One day, during my freshman year, I was sketching one of the beautiful trees in front of my new home, Du Bois College House. Another student saw me, stopped, looked at my sketchbook and said, “You’re an artist? I thought you were in Wharton.” This is a true story.

Me at 17 with my trusty scrunchie, and many of the jean jackets I painted for friends throughout high school. My AP Art teacher would let me work on these in the studio during study halls. Thanks, Mr. Scott!

Rather than take this moment to address our long and unfortunate history of school-based stereotyping, I will focus on my current endeavors to make art as big a part of my life as it once was. I am taking better advantage of my resources here in Philadelphia, starting with a course at Fleisher Art Memorial, which is dedicated to making art education available to anyone who wants it. My membership there comes with free admission to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which I always love to visit; each time I go, I realize that I need to go more often. Seriously, any museum that houses both French Impressionism and medieval weaponry is alright with me. I have finally visited the Barnes Foundation, and the collection there is just jaw-dropping. I was overwhelmed anew as I entered each room. And how can anyone mention Philadelphia and art without highlighting the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program? No tickets required. Just turn a corner and enjoy what you see.

If you are interested in the visual arts – making it, gazing at it, or both – are you taking advantage of what your city has to offer you? If not, it is never too late to start! Here are a few treats for those living in, or visiting, Philadelphia.

The mission of the Fleisher Art Memorial is to make art accessible to everyone, regardless of economic means, background, or artistic experience. Extra incentive: tuition-free classes for kids and adults.
As one of the largest museums in the United States, the Philadelphia Museum of Art invites visitors from around the world to explore its renowned collections, acclaimed special exhibitions, and enriching programs, both in person and online. Extra incentive: first Sunday of each month: Pay what you wish all day (10 AM-5 PM). Museum visiting info here.
Celebrated for its exceptional breadth, depth, and quality, the Barnes Foundation’s art collection includes works by some of the greatest European and American masters of impressionism, post-impressionist, and early modern art, as well as African sculpture, Pennsylvania German decorative arts, Native American textiles, metalwork, and more. Extra incentive: free first Sundays 1-6 PM – registration required. Additional details here.
The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program unites artists and communities through a collaborative process, rooted in the traditions of mural-making, to create art that transforms public spaces and individual lives. Since it began, the Mural Arts Program has produced over 3,000 murals which have become a cherished part of the civic landscape and a great source of inspiration to the millions of residents and visitors who encounter them each year. It’s already free to observe, so extra incentive in this case involves learning more about it. Take a tour.

I would be remiss not to include Lisa Marie’s Frankly Penn post on Penn’s own Institute of Contemporary Art, so check it out!

2 Comments

Filed under Alumni Perspective, Campus Life, Nicole M., The Arts, The Arts at Penn

August 28, 2012 · 12:23 pm

Philly Fringe

Author: Alex Fleischman

Throughout its history, the Penn Museum’s Warden Garden has had a surprising variety of residents—from the pond’s fish to the Sphinx, which now lives indoors, before Philly’s weather was deemed a threat, and once, even, a submarine used for underwater archaeology. Next month, “monsters” can be added to the list, when the Museum will host two Philly Fringe programs.

First, and unrelated to any monsters, the Underground Shakespeare Company, a Penn student theater troupe, will perform “Antony & Cleopatra: Infinite Lives,” Thursday through Saturday, September 13-15. Shakespeare’s play is adapted to the modern, turbulent events of contemporary Egypt, with the Museum’s Sphinx as the dramatic backdrop to their performance. I can’t wait to witness the always dramatic and impressive gallery transformed by the talents of Shakespeare and the performers.

On Sunday, September 16, the artist Douglas Repetto will lead a Monsters: A Workshop and Happening. The audience will help him make “foals”—small walking tables made with simple mechanical parts and scrap wood. The “herd” of them will be let loose in the Chinese Rotunda at 4 p.m.; afterward, they will led outdoors and into the Warden Garden. After the event, the foals are “up for adoption” for audience members—this sounds like a pet even a college student could handle, so I’m not going to miss out.

The 16th-annual Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe takes place from September 7–22, 2012, with theater, music, and arts events all over Philadelphia. In addition to the two events at the Museum, two more will take place on Penn’s campus. On September 20 and 21, the Annenberg Center will host “red, black & GREEN: a blues,” an interactive program created by Marc Bamuthi Joseph of The Living Word Project. On September 22, the Platt Student Performing Arts House will host The Alternative Theatre Festival by iNtuitions Experimental Theatre.

More information about the events at the Museum can be found here and more information about Live Arts and Philly Fringe can be found here.

Leave a comment

Filed under Alex F., Campus Life, Penn Museum, Philadelphia, Student Perspective, The Arts, The Arts at Penn

Tagged as Philly Fringe, Warden Garden

August 17, 2012 · 7:11 pm

The Search for a Superband

Author: Lisa Marie Patzer

Are you a Penn alumnus or student with musical talent waiting for your American Idol moment? Well here it is.

Penn Alumni invites all Penn musicians to enter the first ever Blutt Band Slam! All musical genres are welcome. Simply visit the Blutt Band Slam website for contest details and to enter your group. Selected acts will perform live on College Green during Homecoming Weekend and compete for over $1500 in cash prizes.

Submission Deadline (entry form): September 21st
Performance Date/Time: October 27, 2012, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Not sure your musical talents will hit a high note with our judging panel? No problem – we still need your support. Cheer on all the musical performers by attending Homecoming and see who will be crowned the first Blutt Band Slam champion! For ongoing information about the event, follow us on twitter with the hashtag #bbandslam.

This event is made possible by the generosity of Mitchell Blutt, C’78, M’82, WG’87.

Leave a comment

Filed under Homecoming Weekend featuring arts and culture, Lisa Marie Patzer, The Arts, The Arts at Penn

July 27, 2012 · 11:13 am

The Penn Museum and Metropolitan Museum of Art Exchange Prisoners

Author: Alex Fleischman, C’14

His stone face was larger than I’d imagined. His body lay flatter against the ground, and his pose and expression seemed more somber.

That was my first impression of the bowing prisoner as I stood before him today in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Upon arriving at the museum, I sought out this object in “The Dawn of Egyptian Art,” a special exhibition open until August 5, although he doesn’t normally reside in the Met, but instead much closer to home—at the Penn Museum.

In fact, this object, a door socket carved to resemble a captive, was exchanged for another Egyptian prisoner—a statue that is currently on display in the Penn Museum’s Upper Egyptian Gallery.

The Met’s prisoner kneels, arms clearly bound behind him, his face partially damaged in what may have been a ritual act of destruction. The statue dates to Dynasty 6 of the Old Kingdom and was made during the reign of Pepi II (ca. 2246-2152 BCE). The Penn Museum’s door socket is older, dating to the first or second Egyptian dynasties—between 3000 and 2675 BCE.

Nevertheless, both prisoners seem to evoke regret, elicit sympathy, and ultimately, inspire fear for their captors—the aim of the Egyptian pharaohs who ordered their creation.

There’s more information on the Penn Museum’s website here. You can also find a New York Times review of the exhibition with photo of the door socket here. Enjoy!

Leave a comment

Filed under Alex F., Campus Life, Fine Art, Penn in the Summer, Penn Museum, Student Perspective, The Arts, The Arts at Penn

June 18, 2012 · 4:02 pm

Artistic Monday

Author: Aimee LaBrie

It’s Monday. That means that we may all need a nudge of inspiration and serenity in our lives as we face the work week. I found mine by looking at some images available via the Penn Digital Archives on the Penn Libraries website. Here are my random top 5 choices for today:

1. Mary Binner Wheeler Image Collection (from website): “The Mary Binney Wheeler collection of photographic slides is one of the largest individual collections of its kind in the United States. Amassed over the course of fourteen trips to India and Sri Lanka, the collection provides us with over 9,000 images of an astounding diversity of people, places, and events from nearly every corner of the Indian Subcontinent.”

Gal Vihara, 12th century A.D., Monumental recumbent Buddha achieving parinirvāna, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.

2. Fine Arts Library Image Collection:(from website): “The Fine Arts Library Image Collection, available to all Penn students, faculty and staff, offers an expanding database of over 180,000 digital images as well as records documenting 271,000 of the 500,000 slides housed in the Fisher Fine Arts Library.”

Photo of artist, Georgia O’Keefe by Halsman, Philippe 1906-1979 (American)

3. Furness Theatrical Image Collection (from website): “The Furness Image Collection comprises more than 2,000 prints and photographs. The majority date from the nineteenth century, but the Collection also holds earlier and later images. These images illustrate and interpret Shakespeare’s plays and also document theatrical performers and performances of works by Shakespeare and other dramatists.”

Westminster Kennel Club’s Seventeenth Annual Dog Show,
Publisher: Courier Lith. Co.

4. University Archives Digital Image Collection (from website): “The University Archives Digital Image Collection offers an expanding database of over 5,700 digital images of items found in the collections of the University Archives and Records Center.