Founded in 1915, the Art Alliance has been promoting the careers of emerging and established visual, literary, and performing artists by providing both exhibition and performance space as well as meeting areas for the exchange of ideas. Founded by theater aficionado and philanthropist Christine Wetherill Stevenson (1878-1922), the Art Alliance has been located since 1926 in the historic Wetherill mansion on Rittenhouse Square in Center City.

OVERVIEW

The Philadelphia Art Alliance is the oldest multidisciplinary arts center in the United States. Founded in 1915, the Art Alliance has been promoting the careers of emerging and established visual, literary, and performing artists by providing both exhibition and performance space as well as meeting areas for the exchange of ideas. Founded by theater aficianado and philanthropist Christine Wetherill Stevenson (1878-1922), the Art Alliance has been located since 1926 in the historic Wetherill mansion on Rittenhouse Square in center city Philadelphia.

The Wetherill mansion, located at 251 South 18th Street, in Center City Philadelphia, was designed and constructed in 1906 by Charles Klauder of Frank Miles Day & Brothers Architects. On April 28, 1970, the building was listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The Art Alliance building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Rittenhouse National Register Historic District. The exterior facade of the building is constructed of stone and concrete and is designed as an Italian Renaissance palazzo.

EXHIBITION HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

The Art Alliance has hosted exhibitions of and lectures by some of the outstanding figures in the fields of the visual, literary, and performing arts. For example, in 1936, architects LeCorbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright presented lectures, and painter Andrew Wyeth had his first solo exhibition at the Art Alliance. In 1937, Martha Graham inaugurated her modern dance lecture series at the Art Alliance. In 1939, watercolors and prints by the Bauhaus painter and teacher Josef Albers were exhibited. In 1945, the paintings of Henry O. Tanner were displayed in the artist’s first solo exhibition. In 1947, Horace Pippin followed suit. In 1950, a memorial exhibition of the work of Max Beckmann was held and, in 1952, the works of Bauhaus architect Walter Gropius were displayed. The paintings of Rufino Tamayo were exhibited in 1957, followed by the sculpture of Gaston Lachaise and the architectural drawings of Antoni Gaudi in 1958.

The Archives of the Art Alliance prior to 1985 are located at the Van Pelt Special Collections Library of the University of Pennsylvania. Please contact Archivist Maggi Kreusi at 215-898-7088 or 215-898-7555 for more information.

In addition, a book by Theo B. White entitled The Philadelphia Art Alliance: Fifty Years 1915-1965 (Oxford University Press and The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, 1965) also provides a detailed history and can be purchased through the Art Alliance.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS PROGRAM

The Philadelphia Art Alliance currently organizes and presents five eight-week exhibitions annually in its main, second-floor galleries. In addition, fifteen solo exhibitions (also eight weeks in duration) are held annually in its two first-floor galleries and third-floor Artist Members’ Gallery. The Philadelphia Art Alliance also operates a Satellite Gallery at a nearby off-site location; its exhibition program runs concurrently with that of the main Art Alliance building.

The Philadelphia Art Alliance presents five exhibition cycles annually, each eight weeks in duration. A curated group show or retrospective is slated each cycle in its main, second-floor galleries (approximately 2,000 sq. ft. or 330 linear running feet). In addition, numerous solo exhibitions are held concurrently in its two First-Floor Galleries and Third-Floor Gallery. The Philadelphia Art Alliance also operates a Satellite Gallery at a nearby off-site location; its exhibition program runs concurrently with that of the main Art Alliance building and features three exhibitions annually.

All submissions will be considered for either group or solo exhibitions.

The Philadelphia Art Alliance is situated in a historic mansion on Rittenhouse Square. Decisions regarding placement of work therefore take into consideration how the artist’s work responds to the physical advantages and idiosyncracies of each gallery space.

SPACE

First-Floor Galleries:
The galleries on the first floor are divided into Galleries A and B. The dimensions of Gallery A are approximately 16 x 17 ft. or 270 sq. ft. The dimensions of Gallery B are approximately 20 x 31 ft. or 600 sq. ft. Each room is designated for a single artist whose work resonates with the adjacent artist’s work or for a modest-size group exhibition. Artists invited to exhibit in these galleries gain high exposure due to the number of visitors to the restaurant OPUS 251, located on the first floor of our building, during both gallery hours and in the evenings and on weekends. Please note that excessively fragile work cannot be considered for these galleries.

Second-Floor Galleries:
Four galleries of different sizes (designated Galleries C, D, E, and F) comprise the space devoted to group exhibitions as well as solo exhibitions of established artists. Total square footage is approximately 2,000 sq. ft. and total linear running feet is 330.

Third Floor Gallery:
This space is shared with adjacent offices and is programmed to feature smaller-scale, usually two-dimensional works such as works on paper (drawings, photographs, printmaking, monoprints, mixed media, etc.) by an (emerging) artist who has not yet had a solo show in Philadelphia.

Satellite Gallery:
Located on the third floor of the Rittenhouse Hotel (210 W. Rittenhouse Square), the large amount of space available and high ceiling heights allow for large-scale objects including two-dimensional works, sculpture, and multi-media installation. Plan available upon request.


HOW TO APPLY

Materials:
Slides: 10 to 20 slides should be submitted in plastic slide sheets (color xeroxes or photographs will be considered only if slides are not feasible). Slides must be labeled with the artist’s name, title of work, date, medium, dimensions, and an arrow indicating the top. Please no not send glass mounts.

CD Recordable Discs, Video, and Diskettes: Multi-Speed CDs as well as floppy or zip disks are accepted. Please format all materials for Macintosh. VHS cassettes are accepted when appropriate to the artist’s work. (DVD can not be accepted at this time.)

Identification: The list of works provided (as a separate document) should be concise and include the artist’s name, title of work, date, medium (please be as specific as possible), dimensions, and weight (if applicable). Other descriptions, such as special installation requirements or equipment needed, should be noted as necessary.

Statement: The written statement should be typed or clearly written and explain the artist’s intent and working methods. All details of the work should be noted, e.g., whether the work is site-specific and has special installation requirements (e.g., multimedia display devices, other equipment requiring electricity, or safety precautions).

Support Materials: Submit a current resumé and any recent reviews from past exhibitions. Additional visual materials may be requested if the work is selected for the Active File.

THE REVIEW PROCESS

After materials are received, the PAA curator will review them in approximately one to two months. If the staff foresees an opportunity to exhibit an artist’s work, his/her materials will be placed in our Active File. This Active File serves as a resource for the Art Alliance in planning its exhibition schedule for the future. Artists will be notified of this placement and any upcoming opportunities by the staff.

If the Art Alliance does not anticipate an opportunity to host an exhibition of an artist’s work, all materials will be returned promptly.

MEMBERSHIP
Become a member of the Philadelphia Art Alliance today! You'll play an important part both in preserving the Philadelphia Art Alliance legacy and in encouraging appreciation of art throughout our community. And with a gift of $75 or more, you'll also enjoy member benefits listed below.

Friend $75

Membership card for one individual

Members’ newsletter

Invitation and free or reduced admission to all special exhibitions, performances and events

Private reception at the exhibition openings

Invitation to a curator’s lectures and tours

Discounts:
-10% Discount at Opus 251, award-winning restaurant located at the Philadelphia Art Alliance
-20% off parking in the lot directly behind the Philadelphia Art Alliance
-20 % off any purchase of $20 or more at Taws art supply store
Household $100
Benefits of Friend membership, PLUS

Membership card for two adult family members and children under 18

Reciprocal agreements for reduced tickets from Prince Music Theater, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and other arts organizations.

Discounted subscriptions to ARTFORUM and ARTnews magazines.

20% discount on exhibition catalogues

Invitation to members-only reception preceding a curators’ lecture or tour

20% discount on children’s art workshop offered at the Philadelphia Art Alliance

Patron $250

All of the benefits of previous levels, PLUS

Free catalogue published by the Philadelphia Art Alliance

Invitation to a docent led tour of artists’ studios

Benefactor $500

All of the benefits of previous levels, PLUS

Free admission to all ticketed programs

10% discount on any work of art for sale exhibited at the Art Alliance

Discounted rental privileges at the Philadelphia Art Alliance

Invitation for two to luncheon and a tour with the president and a curator

Wetherill $1,000

All of the benefits of previous levels, PLUS

Invitations to special parties and events sponsored by the Art Alliance

Invitation to Chairman’s Dinner for Wetherill Members only with Arts Celebrities

Special viewing hours for major exhibitions

A gift from J.E. Caldwell

Young Friends $75

Designed for young professionals in the twenties and thirties, this level offers all the benefits of Friend membership for one, PLUS invitations and free or reduced admissions to the Young Friends events.

Student $35

Designed for full-time students currently enrolled at an accredited high school, college, university, or art school. Application must include a valid student I.D. Includes all benefits of Friend membership with the exception of free or reduced admissions.

Artist $45

Individual membership for visual, performing, and literary artists. A resume indicating professional experience must be submitted. In addition, visual artists must submit 15-20 slides. Includes all benefits of Friend membership with the exception of free or reduced admissions.

If your employer has a matching gift program, you may be able to double your support.

Current members: changes will become effective upon renewal.

For More Information please call 215-545-4302 or e-mail to membership@philartalliance.org