Visual Arts

Penn Libraries receives major gift of rare photographic plates by Edward S. Curtis

The University of Pennsylvania Libraries has received a rare collection of 151 interpositive glass plates by photographer Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952) from collector William H. Miller III. Appraised at $4.2 million, the gift to the Penn Libraries complements holdings across the University, making Penn a major center for research and work on Curtis, one of the most prolific American photographers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

Monica Fonorow

A pandemic year, in photos

‘Apart Together,’ a new photography exhibit at the Annenberg School, shows that despite not being physically in the same place the past 18 months, our shared experiences kept us connected.

Michele W. Berger , Julie Sloane



Media Contact


In the News


WHYY (Philadelphia)

What Philly arts leaders want to see from the city’s 100th mayor

The Institute of Contemporary Art has partnered with Taller Puertorriqueño to offer free bus service for residents of Fairhill to an ICA exhibition by North Philly native and artist David Antonio Cruz.

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The Observer

On view now: Two shows on domesticity and the housing crisis

A review examines the group show “Movables” at the Institute of Contemporary Art, including pieces by Ken Lum of the Weitzman School of Design.

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CBS Philadelphia

New class from Barnes Foundation and UPenn shows a new twist in art therapy

Penn professors, including James Pawelski and Katherine Cotter of the School of Arts & Sciences, are teaching an online class about art therapy with support from the Barnes Foundation.

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Bolivia in Philadelphia: Mural Arts commissions renowned artist Roberto Mamani Mamani

Catherine Bartch of the School of Arts & Sciences, who first encountered Roberto Mamani Mamani’s art in Bolivia, is noted for encouraging the Center for Latin American and Latinx Studies and Mural Arts to fund Mamani Mamani’s mural in Philadelphia.

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The New York Times

On our National Mall, new monuments tell new stories

Paul Farber of the Weitzman School of Design is helping to curate “Pulling Together,” an open-air exhibition at the National Mall that will address some of the stories neglected by past monument makers.

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WHYY (Philadelphia)

Philly artist wins $100K craft prize for her work remembering Black ancestors

Philadelphia-based artist Adebunmi Gbadebo’s work, which sources materials directly from her enslaved ancestors, is on display at the Arthur Ross Gallery as part of the group exhibition “Songs for Ritual Remembrance.”

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