The Rittenhouse Square Art Exhibition: A Confluence of Creativity and Culture

Introduction: A Celebration of Artistic Excellence

The Rittenhouse Square Art Exhibition is a prestigious event that brings together the crème de la crème of the art world. With a rich history and a commitment to showcasing top-tier original fine art, the exhibition has become a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts, collectors, and families alike.

Categories of Art: A Diverse Palette

Drawing and Pastel

Drawing and pastel art forms are the foundation of visual creativity. At the Rittenhouse Square Art Exhibition, visitors can explore a wide array of sketches, charcoal drawings, and pastel works that capture the essence of human emotion and the natural world.

Mixed Media

Mixed media art is a vibrant and experimental category that combines various materials and techniques. From collages to three-dimensional sculptures, the mixed media section offers a glimpse into the boundless creativity of contemporary artists.

Oil & Acrylic Painting

Oil and acrylic paintings are the heart and soul of the exhibition. With a range of styles from abstract to realism, these paintings reflect the artists' mastery over color, texture, and form.

Printmaking

Printmaking is an art form that allows artists to create multiple original works from a single plate. The exhibition features etchings, lithographs, and woodcuts that demonstrate the intricate craftsmanship of printmaking.

Watercolor

Watercolor paintings are known for their delicate and translucent beauty. The watercolor section showcases landscapes, portraits, and abstract works that are both ethereal and captivating.

Sculpture

Sculpture is the art of shaping materials into three-dimensional forms. The exhibition presents sculptures in bronze, wood, stone, and other materials, reflecting a wide range of artistic expressions.

Event Details: A Three-Day Artistic Extravaganza

The Rittenhouse Square Art Exhibition is scheduled for September 15-17, 2023, at the iconic Rittenhouse Square Park in Philadelphia. With 145 diverse artists selected through a rigorous jurying process, the event promises a feast for the eyes and soul.

Admission and Program

Admission to the exhibition is free, making it accessible to all art lovers. A comprehensive program with a detailed map and artist list is available on-site, ensuring that visitors can navigate the exhibition with ease.

Family-Friendly Destination

The exhibition is more than just an art show; it's a family-friendly destination. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as dining options, hotels, museums, and galleries. Whether you're an art connoisseur or a family looking for a cultural outing, the Rittenhouse Square Art Exhibition offers something for everyone.

Traveling to the Rittenhouse Art Show in 2023?

Security Measures: Ensuring a Safe and Enjoyable Experience

The Rittenhouse Art Show prioritizes the safety and well-being of all participants and visitors. A dedicated security detail will be on duty around the park during show hours, with enhanced coverage extending from Thursday morning through Sunday evening, even while the show is closed. Recognizable in their branded polo shirts, the security personnel are there to maintain a secure environment.

While the security detail is in place to deter unwanted activity, it's essential to recognize that this is a city show with a transient population, so be aware of your surroundings.

Places You Need To Know for the Rittenhouse Art Show

Medical

Jefferson Urgent Care

Open - 8am to 8pm

2021 Chestnut Street

267-443-2022

ATM

TD Bank

1726 Walnut St.

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Coffee

Vibrant Coffee Roasters

Open - 7am - 4pm

222 W Rittenhouse Square 1st Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

American Food

The Love

Open - 11:30 AM – 2 PM, 5PM – 10 PM

Phone - 215-433-1555

130 S 18th St

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Seafood

Devon Seafood Grill

Open - 11:30 AM–10 PM

Phone - 215-546-5940

225 S 18th St

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Steak House

Barclay Prime

Open - 5–11 PM

Phone - 215-732-7560

237 S 18th St

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Hotels

The Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse

$169 Per Night

Phone - 215-735-6000

220 S 17th St

Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Franklin on Rittenhouse - A Boutique Hotel

$158 Per Night

Phone - 215-546-9544

1715 Rittenhouse Square

Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Rich History of the Rittenhouse Art Show: A Legacy of Artistic Tradition

Rittenhouse Square Park, one of the five original parks that William Penn laid out for the city he founded in 1683, is a place where history and beauty intertwine. It's only fitting that this historic ground is home to the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, the nation's oldest outdoor art festival.

In 1928, the spark of inspiration struck students at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Inspired by the street art exhibits in Paris, they were determined to create a similar show in Philadelphia. With support from other area art schools and encouragement from Governmental and Cultural authorities, they hung an art show in "the heart of the city – Rittenhouse Square." This marked the beginning of a strong and supportive bond that continues today between the show and the Friends of Rittenhouse Square Park custodians of this vital urban space since 1976.

The inaugural "Art Flea Market" was a far cry from today's sophisticated exhibition. Works were hung on clotheslines "strung between the trees." Yet, in many ways, that first Rittenhouse exhibition set the tone for what visitors experience today. Early patrons encountered a diverse display of genres and styles, from "the most modern of the modernists to the most conservative of the conservationists," a mix that continues to delight art enthusiasts.

The Rittenhouse Art Show has not been without its controversies and challenges. In the 1930s, a local "Communist Group" allegedly swamped the clotheslines with political propaganda, causing a stir among the Philadelphia establishment. Later, the Show faced censorship when police removed representations of the nude figure deemed "too anatomical for the mixed public on Rittenhouse Square."

Despite these hurdles, and even the impact of war in 1942 when only 29 artists were able to participate, the Rittenhouse Art Show has thrived. Today, nearly 150 professional painters, printmakers, and sculptors, along with more than a dozen art students, exhibit their work, continuing the tradition of artistic excellence.

As you explore the inspiring exhibition of original art, chosen from among some of the finest talent in the country, you'll see that the legacy of the Rittenhouse Art Show remains vibrant and thriving in the City of Brotherly Love.

An Unmissable Experience

The Rittenhouse Square Art Exhibition is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and artistic excellence. With a wide range of categories and a family-friendly environment, it's an event that transcends mere visual pleasure and offers a profound cultural experience.