The wooded grounds and building of the 19th-century Stone Mansion at Woodmere Art Museum, a Philadelphia treasure in Chestnut Hill, house an impressive collection of art and represent the work of many American artists. The property, acquired in 1898 by Charles Knox Smith (1845-1916), a passionate art collector and civic leader, was purchased with the intention of showcasing his collection in an environment that would provide spiritual encounters with art in the context of nature’s beauty.
The mission of the Woodmere Art Museum is to inspire creativity, learning, and self-expression through experiences with art. This is achieved through exhibits, gallery talks, panel discussions, lectures, tours, jazz and classical music series, films, and education outreach to Philadelphia schools.
Paintings and decorative arts from the 18th-through 20th centuries occupy the galleries, along with a variety of works by local artists. There are also a number of changing exhibitions that often focus on a specific artist or subject.
Throughout the year, Woodmere also hosts family programs that encourage exploration and discovery of the arts. On Tuesday nights, the museum’s main gallery is transformed into an intimate setting for screenings of rare and underseen films as well as classics.
On Saturdays, the Museum presents outdoor jazz in a garden setting featuring the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble. The weekly programs are supported by Lifeline Music Coalition and the Chestnut Hill Business and Community Associations.
A unique consciousness to the music of Jamaica is expressed in reggae, a genre that was born out of a need for freedom in the Caribbean region. During the early 20th century, the rhythms of this music became an inspiration for jazz, which was eventually embraced by artists in the United States and around the world.
The Woodmere Museum’s art collections, with a particular emphasis on American art, are a compelling resource for research and study. The museum has nine galleries and offers many educational opportunities including docent-led tours, lectures, panel discussions, and gallery talks.
In addition to the galleries, the museum features a modern sculpture garden. The six-acre grounds of the museum are home to a wide range of contemporary artworks, including pieces by Harry Bertoia, Robinson Fredenthal, Sam Maitin, and Dina Wind.
This winter, the museum will present an exhibition focusing on children and families, Kidding Around: Children in Art from Woodmere’s Collection. This exhibition showcases recent acquisitions of works by William Daley, Charles Fahlen, James Havard, Mary Judge, Winifred Lutz, David Slovic, and Stephen Talasnik.
While the art of the past is a great source of inspiration for our current lives, it’s important to remember that we are also living in a time of constant change. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your eyes and ears open for new ways to look at things, and to continue to embrace the diversity of cultures that make up our society.
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