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June 2019
Aglow: Aurora Robson Exhibition Opening
The Schuylkill Center presents a new indoor and outdoor exhibition of renowned environmental artist Aurora Robson, a multimedia artist known primarily for her work intercepting the waste stream. She transforms plastic debris into mesmerizing, bold sculptures that disguise and transcend their material.
Find out more »Environmental Artist Party
The Schuylkill Center is building a network of artists through periodic casual gatherings that give environmental artists the opportunity to connect with one another as well as potential collaborators in other disciplines.
Find out more »July 2019
Extended Night Viewing Hours: Aglow-CANCELED
Join us for an evening viewing of environmental artist Aurora Robson's exhibit Aglow, featuring illuminated sculptures made of plastic waste.
Find out more »August 2019
Extended Night Viewing Hours: Aglow
Join us for another evening viewing of environmental artist Aurora Robson's exhibit Aglow, featuring illuminated sculptures made of plastic waste.
Find out more »September 2019
Exhibition Opening for We All Fall Down: Artists Respond to the Emerald Ash Borer
The opening reception for We All Fall Down, a response to a highly invasive species and its impact on our forests, will include artist talks in the gallery, refreshments, and a short guided walk to the site-specific works on our trails.
Find out more »November 2019
Environmental Artist Party
Light refreshments, lightning talks from artists, opportunities to view our fall gallery show, and informal networking.
Find out more »December 2019
The Tempestry Project Philadelphia Collection: Opening Reception
The Philadelphia Tempestry collection will be on display at the Schuylkill Center to educate about how climate change is impacting our region. Join us to see the full collection on view for the first time and celebrate this intersection of craft and activism.
Find out more »January 2020
20 Years of Environmental Art at the Schuylkill Center: Opening Reception
This exhibition celebrates the art program’s history by inviting previous exhibiting artists to revisit the work they did at the Schuylkill Center, and looks to the future of environmental art with new artists exploring related themes
Find out more »April 2020
POSTPONED – Earth Day at 50: Opening Reception
Often credited with launching the modern environmental movement, the first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970, in a political climate thick with protests against the Vietnam War and the major American civil rights movement. On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in 2020, it feels like a very different time. Yet, the turmoil of our own moment and the increasing urgency of the climate crisis give the historical roots of the first Earth Day new relevance. Artists have…
Find out more »June 2020
Thursday Night L!VE (online): Environmental Artist Party
Are you an artist working with environmental themes? For several years, the Schuylkill Center has been holding twice-annual casual gatherings that give environmental artists the opportunity to connect with one another and share ideas. For this June's event, we are moving the party online! The evening will include lightning talks by artists in attendance (let us know if you want to give one by RSVPing), and breakouts for smaller group conversation. BYO refreshments! Please RSVP to attend, give a two-minute…
Find out more »September 2020
Ecotactical: Earth Day at 50, a Virtual Art Reception
It's a virtual celebration of our new art exhibition, "Ecotactical: Earth Day at 50." Originally planned for April, the exhibit examines the contemporary role of Earth Day 50 years after the first 1970 celebration, and features artists like Ants on a Log, Nicole Donnelly, Julia Way Rix, Kristen Neville Taylor, Tools for Action, Sophy Tuttle, Water Ways, and Pili X. See images of their art while hearing commentary by the artists, and join the Q&A. Here's an added bonus: meet…
Find out more »January 2021
Citizen’s Eye — A Kaleidoscope of Nature
How has nature been a part of your life during the pandemic? Whether in urban cityscapes, rural hideaways or private homes, for many the presence of nature has become a refuge that allows us to breathe and recharge. Join us for a virtual opening of our new exhibition Citizen’s Eye, a communal photo album featuring over 400 images of surprising encounters with nature taken during the pandemic by Philadelphians and beyond. The opening reception will host a reflection and discussion…
Find out more »February 2021
Braiding Phragmites: Richard L. James Lecture
This summer environmental artist Sarah Kavage and designer Yaroub Al-Obaidi will construct a traditional Iraqi guesthouse, a mudhif, at the Schuylkill Center, one of the first such structures in America. It will be built entirely out of phragmites, an invasive wetland grass that threatens ecosystems worldwide and is one of the most abundant plants in the Delaware River watershed. At this event, the artists will speak about traditional reed practices, methods of eco-friendly harvesting and eradication, and the creation of…
Find out more »April 2021
Rob Carter: Cultured Lands
In partnership with the West Collection, we are thrilled to present environmental artist Rob Carter’s inventive creations that encourage a dialogue among America’s history of colonization, land exploitation and controlled cultivation of plants. This multimedia installation explores the sustainable future of our land while contextualizing it specific to Philadelphia’s history of colonization and industrial urbanization. As Rob Carter’s work equally brings together art, ecology and history, the exhibition explores humanity’s relationship with the natural and built environments and challenges us…
Find out more »Rob Carter: Cultured Lands Artist Discussion
Environmental artist Rob Carter’s work involves architecture, the science of plants, the environment and the history of colonialism. Join us for a virtual reception as he shares his fascination with how botany and urban development shape our shared environment. He will discuss his current research into the history and future of landscapes with Tina Plokarz, the Schuylkill Center’s Director of Environmental Art, and Lee Stoetzel, manager of the West Collection, a contemporary art collection in which several of Rob Carter’s…
Find out more »May 2021
Kickoff Ceremony for Al-Mudhif
Join us as we kick off the construction of our next art installation, Al-Mudhif, with a dedication ceremony and a day building together in community. American veterans, Iraqi refugees, and the public will join environmental artist Sarah Kavage and Iraqi designer Yaroub Al-Obaidi in constructing an Iraqi guest house, called a mudhif, traditionally made with reed grasses called phragmites. The building process involves tying bundles of reeds into 20-foot-long columns, and then shaping them into huge parabolic arches. Hand-woven mats are then tied…
Find out more »June 2021
Grand Opening of Al-Mudhif, Iraqi Guest House
It’s our first in-person public event since March 2020! Join us for the opening of the mudhif, the first Iraqi guesthouse built outside of Iraq. You’ll learn the 5,000-year history of this structure—constructed entirely out of phragmites reeds—while meeting its inspiring builders. Our gallery will be open for a stroll through the new exhibition that accompanies the art installation Al Mudhif outside. The evening includes land acknowledgement by Trinity Norwood and Reverend John Norwood of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, remarks by Al-Obaidi and…
Find out more »July 2021
Sowing Seeds – A Gathering
Join us for an exploration through the gallery exhibition in conjunction with Al Mudhif – A Confluence and an Iraqi tea ceremony in the sanctuary guest house on our grounds. Sharing space in Philadelphia, the artists will speak about the migration of plants and people. Featuring: Environmental Artist Sarah Kavage Iraqi designer Yaroub Al-Obaidi Director of Environmental Art Tina Plokarz
Find out more »The Artist Is In
Meet the artist Iraqi designer Yaroub Al-Obaidi at the Iraqi guesthouse (Al Mudhif) for conversation and reflection. A mudhif is where special community events like weddings and birthday celebrations occur, but also where conflicting parties go to discuss and resolve differences. Special coffee ceremonies are held there as well, often hosted by the local sheikh, the tribal leader or elder. Conceived and created by Iraqi designer, immigrant Yaroub Al-Obaidi along with environmental artist Sarah Kavage, the mudhif is constructed entirely of…
Find out more »August 2021
UNLOCK ─ An in-progress performance by Propelled Animals
After two-weeks of residence at the Schuylkill Center the performance group Propelled Animals will present the in-progress performance UNLOCK. The performance is part of the group’s multi-year effort to creatively decolonize natural spaces through visual art and dance. They will roam and lead a guided procession centering on environmental justice, anti-racism, and healing lineages. Collective members Esther Baker-Tarpaga, Raquel Monroe, and Heidi Wiren Bartlett in collaboration with guest artists Tchin, Crux, and Emma White Thunder will interweave in their performance…
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