May 18, 2019, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Member Saturday: Behind the Scenes: 25 Years of Art at Eastern State
Members only.
Join us on the third Saturday of every month for a new members-only program.
Experience Eastern State as only members can, through exclusive tours on the third Saturday of each month at 11:00 am. These unique, members-only events shed light on new historical findings, take you behind the scenes, and much more. Discover our collections, explore our site, illuminate history, and make unexpected connections.
May Member Saturday:
Behind the Scenes: 25 Years of Art at Eastern State
More than 100 artists have created work for Eastern State Penitentiary since 1995. For more than two decades, these artist installations have been one of the most unusual and influential aspects of Eastern State’s programming. Artists have created everything from murals and glasswork to sculptures and audio-visual pieces. Each installation has imparted a unique perspective on the site’s fascinating history, architecture, or current issues in criminal justice reform.
Join Sean Kelley, Senior Vice President and Director of Interpretation, for coffee, Sean’s homemade scones, and a look at the history of this program, now in its 25th year. Sean will share photos of dozens of beloved artist installations from years past, conveying aspects of success and failure in the program, and then take the group to view three new installations commissioned for the 2019 season.
Everyone who attends will receive a copy of Pandemonium by Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller. This book/audio CD documents the artist installation of the same name commissioned by Eastern State in 2005. Pandemonium was an immersive sound installation that enveloped the gallery of Cellblock 7.
New Artist Installations for 2019:
Three new artist installations are slated to open on May 2, 2019. Click through for more information about each piece.
This event is free for all members. Reserve free tickets online at www.EasternState.org/MemberSaturday or call 215-236-5111 x224. Space is limited.
Not a member? Join today! Questions? Email us at [email protected].
