Contact:
Patty Castner
215-572-0550 / pcastner@pafa.org
Gigi Lamm
215-972-2031 / glamm@pafa.org
PHILADELPHIA – USArtists: American Fine Art show is moving from its 17-year venue at the 33rd Street Armory in Philadelphia to the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) at 128 North Broad Street. Presented by the Women’s Board of PAFA, the 18th show and sale of over 5,000 works of art will be held Friday through Sunday, October 1-3, next year in 2010.
"The addition of the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building to PAFA's campus gives us the opportunity for the first time to host USArtists within the museum,” said David R. Brigham, Edna S. Tuttleman Museum Director. “Doing so creates stronger linkages to our educational mission and opportunities to develop new programs related to the challenges and thrills of collecting art."
The move to PAFA is the culmination of several years of planning, with 2009 as a transition year without a show to allow ample time to develop the new venue for 2010. According to Julia DeMoss, President of the Women’s Board, “We are thrilled at the opportunity to bring USArtists visitors directly to the PAFA campus. The first and second floors of the Hamilton Building will be a magnificent venue for the important works our dealers present.”
USArtists has long held a reputation as a Must See for serious collectors of American art. The new venue will only enhance that reputation with some 40 of the country’s most prestigious dealers being invited to bring their finest works. The new look and renewed energy of the 18th show will be oriented toward the cultivation, nurturing, and development of new as well as established collectors.
Events during the show include a Preview Gala, which launches the show on Thursday, September 30, as well as a New Collectors Night on Friday, October 1. The Preview Gala attracts the most serious collectors as it offers the first opportunity to view and purchase from the diverse collections of nationally recognized dealers. New Collectors Night focuses on those individuals who may be relatively new to collecting and includes a cocktail party and informal lectures on art and collecting. During the run of the show, Dealer Talks offer all visitors a chance to learn from the experts during ten-minute lectures in selected dealers’ booths.
Proceeds from USArtists and other Women’s Board events directly support student scholarships and museum programs at PAFA.
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Women's Board
Founded in 1950, the Women’s Board is consistent with the values of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) and works to support PAFA in accordance with its mission statement. It assists the Board of Trustees and the President of PAFA in the implementation of programs, supports the Museum and the School through fundraising and volunteerism, and promotes awareness and appreciation of American art and American artists. The Board produces several major fundraising events each year, including several Private Previews of PAFA exhibitions and the USArtists: American Fine Art Show and Sale. Proceeds support student scholarships, various museum and school programs, the Annual Student Exhibition, the commencement luncheon, and other special projects throughout the year. For information, contact Patty Castner, Director of the Women’s Board at 215-972-0550, pcastner@pafa.org or visit www.pafa.org/About/Women-s-Board/328/.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is America's first school of fine arts and museum. A recipient of the 2005 National Medal of Arts presented by the President of the United States, PAFA is a recognized 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 an extraordinary faculty known for its commitment to students and for the stature and quality of its artistic work.
Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Academy is located at 118-128 N. Broad Street in Philadelphia. Admission to the Permanent Collection is Adults $10, Seniors & Students with I.D. $8, Youth ages 5-18, $6. Admission to Special Exhibitions (includes Permanent Collection) is Adults $15, Seniors & Students with I.D. $12, Youth Ages 5-18, $8. Admission is free for members and children under age of 5. Admission to Morris Gallery exhibitions is free.