Philadelphia Weekly

Openings are de rigueur in the art world. But this spring grand openings trump all as Tyler School of Art launches its flagship space, Temple Gallery, in the school’s new building at 12th and Norris streets in North Philadelphia.

Temple Gallery’s large space—with solid concrete under beautiful wood floors—is an L-shaped, high-ceilinged, state-of-the-art gallery and four times bigger than their previous digs on Third Street, says Gallery Director Sheryl Conkelton. It’s a unique platform to showcase bold contemporary art.

First up at the gallery are the Tyler MFA thesis shows with work by graduating artists in glass, painting, sculpture, fibers, printmaking and photography. Stay tuned for what comes next—programming is not locked down yet, though one show is certain. The artists who win the Wolgin Prize, Temple’s new $150,000 international art award, will show their work in the space next fall.

A few blocks away at 12th and Vine streets, Asian Arts Initiative—displaced by the Convention Center expansion—opens its new home with a weekend of art activities on Fri., April 3 and Sat., April 4. Events include an open house, free live performances and the kickoff of four temporary art projects sited in public locations in the neighborhood all dealing with the future of Chinatown.

It’s not a grand opening but starting Fri., May 1, the Fabric Workshop and Museum will have some grand new art on display by Tristin Lowe, Virgil Marti, Peter Rose and Ryan Trecartin—all known for inspired art that comments on contemporary issues. Lowe’s Mocha Dick—a life-sized inflatable of a 50-foot albino sperm whale out of white felt—is P.T. Barnum big and Captain Ahab odd, a great combination.

Trecartin, master of candy-colored teen angst video “dramedies,” will debut an as-yet-untitled video filmed in Miami. Marti’s new flocked wallpaper and Rose’s new video triptych round out what’s shaping up to be a great show. One question: They couldn’t have found a lady to include?

Speaking of guys, April is a big month for two guys talking about their art and receiving awards. On Wed., April 1, the experimental filmmakers (and identical twins) the Quay Brothers receive the Silver Star Award from their alma mater University of the Arts, and on Fri., April 3, they receive the Vision Award in Filmmaking from the University and the Philadelphia Film Festival and CineFest 09 which is showcasing their films. An exhibit of the Quays’ miniature film sets is at the Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery until Thurs., April 9. The Quays will be speaking several times during CineFest week.

On the distaff side, don’t miss Zoe Strauss’ “Under I-95” exhibit and sale of her beautiful and gut-wrenching photos on Sun., May 3. Strauss will be closing down this 10-year project in two years so if you haven’t partaken of the I-95 experience, get down there. The artist is already anointed as a contemporary giant of street photography and she’s often said that this exhibit is the work she’s most proud of.

For more on the Philadelphia art scene go to theartblog.org.