Five artist-residency projects that interpret historical themes and objects were on exhibit at the American Philosophical Society (APS) Museum. The UNEXPECTED programs, which support UNDAUNTED: Five American Explorers, 1760-2006, an HPP-funded project, included three projects by Philadelphia artist Winifred Lutz. Lutz’s two outdoor installations embraced both celestial and terrestrial themes.
Lutz's Celestial Garden/Invisible Sky, installed in the APS Jefferson Garden from November 2007 through March 2008, pulled Philadelphia's night sky down to earth. Hovering just above the ground were glowing "stars"—LED-lit glass orbs—that reconnected visitors with constellations essential to navigation for centuries but no longer visible because of light pollution. More than 1,700 people visited Lutz's work, including audiences who came to programs on celestial navigation led by Derrick Pitts, Chief Astronomer at The Franklin Institute.
Drawing Dock Creek, inspired by scientist-explorer Ruth Patrick's study of American waterways (as featured in the exhibition), was on view until the end of September in Independence National Historical Park between Walnut and Chestnut, from 3rd to 5th Streets. Whitewash and lime markings trace the meandering path of doomed Dock Creek, a once beautiful tidal stream that became so polluted by Philadelphia's colonial industries it was turned into an underground sewer. Celebrating Dock Creek, a month-long series of programs on the history and ecology of Philadelphia's waterways, took place in September. Highlights included TANN, HORNS, & DEAD DOGS: Tales of Civic Effluvia, a performance piece by Brett Keyser.
(Photo by Lisa Godfrey)
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