Philadelphia Trip

The Public Arts Commission took a field trip to Philadelphia,  May 17, 2019

Attending: Cliff Diver (Chair), Denise Emery, Tony Boyd-Heron, Barry Dunkin, and Carole Somers.

Purpose:   To visit, observe, experience and evaluate public art in Philadelphia with an eye towards what might work in Lewes.

The group spent the day in Philadelphia visiting various public artworks in the city.  Our purpose was to get a grasp of what worked and what did not and why so we can guide a successful public arts initiative in Lewes.

We started at Ben Franklin’s house (or the lack thereof) and proceeded through the historic area up to The City Hall and its plethora of Pop art offerings.  After a break at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art we meandered up Ben Franklin Parkway past dozens of art pieces both tucked away on private property, and placed right along the sidewalks 

Things we observed and learned

Everyone felt the trip was beneficial, stimulating, and thought provoking.   We came to several common conclusions:

·      Public Art clearly can enhance a visitors experience to a town and stimulate an appreciation of different spaces while giving a historical context.

·      Public art appreciation benefits from a wide range of mediums is important. Diversity in artworks appeals to a wide range of individuals with a variety of tastes. and juxtaposition enhances the experience.

·      Contemporary art can co-exist with old architecture.

·      Placement is critical.  3-D pieces must have room to breathe.   People should be able to walk around them and experience them from several vantage points.

·      Consideration of volume in the outdoor arena requires well conceived pedestals

·      Water elements add a wonderful reflective and peaceful element to artworks.

·      Art should be placed in well-traveled areas to town to be best appreciated. Attention to eye level encounters should be considered in a pedestrian environment.