Artists: Help Us Highlight the Schuylkill River for Art in the Open 2016

Work by artist Sandy Sorlien in the South Garden fountain at AiO 2014's Family Day. Photo credit: Karen Jenkins.

This spring, the banks of the Schuylkill River will be buzzing with the creative work of artists selected for the sixth year of “Art in the Open,” or AiO, a three-day event that gives the public an intimate look at the processes behind art.

Our iconic Fairmount Water Works facility will act as the starting point for the AiO installations, which will populate the riverbanks moving south toward Bartram’s Garden.

Right now, the event organizers are looking for professional artists working in all media to participate in this outdoor salon that turns the banks of the Schuylkill into an immersive pop-up gallery and arts showroom. Starting with an opening artist reception on Friday, May 13 and running through Sunday, May 15, “artists will use Philadelphia’s Schuylkill Banks park as their studio space, creating new works of art ‘outside, on-site,’” according the AiO website.

Artists interested in participating must submit their applications by January 15. Click here for more information about how to submit.

Philadelphia Water’s Fairmount Water Works is among the many civic and cultural organizations that will be offering opportunities for the public to engage with both the artists and the cherished natural spaces surrounding the Schuylkill River—a critical resource for people and wildlife alike.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit AiO and the Water Works on Saturday, May 14 for “Family Day” to see ongoing installations, performances and programs. Most activities will take place between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Once the artists have been selected by the AiO jurors, organizations like the Fairmount Water Works will begin to develop plans to enhance connections between the artists, the audiences, and the river. We’ll post updates here on the Watersheds Blog as the event draws closer.

For more information about the event, visit http://www.artintheopenphila.org.