A Theater Benefit for Temple University Libraries, October 14, Society Hill Playhouse

The Kids Left. The Dog Died. Now What? A new musical comedy presented by the Society Hill Playhouse Wednesday, Oct. 14 Reception: 6:30 PM Curtain: 8:00 PM The Society Hill Playhouse 507 S. 8th St. Philadelphia, PA 19147 Mix and mingle with Temple alumni and friends and see The Kids Left. The Dog Died. Now What? at one of Philadelphia’s true theatrical treasures: The Society Hill Playhouse. Thanks to a generous gift from Society Hill Playhouse Director Deen Kogan, CLA ’51 , 100 percent of advance ticket sales for the Oct. 14 show will benefit Temple University Libraries. $50 per person includes hors d’oeuvres, dessert and entrance to the show. Tickets are limited. Register at myowlspace.com today! Tickets will be available at will call on the day of the show (under the name of the person who registered). If you would like to pick up your tickets in advance, please call the Society Hill Playhouse at 215.923.0210.

Panel Discussion on the Work of Wolgin Prize Finalist Ryan Trecartin, Oct 7, 5:30 p.m.

A Panel Discussion on the Works of Wolgin Prize Finalist Ryan Trecartin October 7, 5:30 pm, Paley Library Lecture Hall Ryan Trecartin’s work advances understandings of post‐millennial technology, narrative and identity. Discussed from a variety of perspectives, panelists will examine issues of social media and networks; gender and aesthetic themes in video art; and more. Participants include Temple University’sGerard Brown, Chair of Foundations, Tyler School of Art (moderator); Scott Gratson, Director of the Communications Program and SCT Undergraduate Studies; Aaron Smuts, Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy; Elisabeth Subrin, Assistant Professor in the Department of Film and Media Arts; and Andrew Suggs, Executive Director of Vox Populi Gallery, Philadelphia. This event is part of a series of collaborative public programs presented in conjunction with the Tyler School of Art’s Jack Wolgin International Competition in the Fine Arts About Finalist Ryan Trecartin Ryan Trecartin (b. 1981, Webster, TX) lives and works in Philadelphia, PA, where he structures his art practice in varying collaborative ways. Trecartin has established a singular video practice that, in both form and in function, advances understandings of post-millennial technology, narrative and identity, and also propels these matters as expressive mediums. His work depicts worlds where consumer culture is amplified and absorbed to absurd or nihilistic proportions where characters circuitously strive to find agency and meaning in their lives. The combination of assaultive, nearly impenetrable avant-garde logics and equally outlandish, virtuoso uses of color, form, drama and montage produces a sublime, stream-of-consciousness effect that feels bewilderingly true to life. In addition to his work in video, Trecartin also has a collaborative sculpture practice with artist Lizzie Fitch. Trecartin’s work has been included in several major exhibitions and institutions worldwide, including the 2006 Whitney Biennial, New York; the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles; the Saatchi Gallery, London; and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York.

A Film Series Curated by Wolgin Prize Finalist Sanford Biggers

A Film Series Curated by Wolgin Prize Finalist Sanford Biggers Strange Fruit, Dir. Joel Katz, 2002, 57 min. September 30, 7:00 p.m., Paley Library Lecture Hall Introduction by Dr. Diane D. Turner, Curator of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection Director Joel Katz explores the history of the popular song “Strange Fruit,” written by Abel Meeropol and famously performed by Billie Holiday, through interviews with musicians, historians, genealogists and more. Katz fashions a fascinating discovery of the lost story behind this heartbreaking American classic. This event is part of a series of collaborative public programs presented in conjunction with the Tyler School of Art’s Jack Wolgin International Competition in the Fine Arts About Wolgin Prize Finalist Sanford Biggers Sanford Biggers (b. 1970, Los Angeles) is a native of Los Angeles, California, and current New York resident, who uses the study of ethnological objects, popular icons, and the Dadaist tradition to explore cultural and creative syncretism, art history, and politics. An accomplished musician, Biggers often incorporates performative elements into his sculptures and installations, resulting in multilayered works that act as anecdotal vignettes, at once full of wit and clear formal intent. Biggers has won several awards and has participated in a number of prestigious national and international artist residencies and fellowships. Sanford Biggers’ installations, videos, and performances have appeared in institutions in China, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Poland and Russia as well as several notable exhibitions such as the Prospect.1/New Orleans biennial, Illuminations at the Tate Modern, Performa 07, the Whitney Biennial and Freestyle at the Studio Museum in Harlem. He is currently preparing for solo shows at the Contemporary Arts Forum in Santa Barbara and the Brooklyn Museum and a permanent commission in New York City through the New York Percent for Art. About the Competition Created in 2009 by the real estate developer, banker and philanthropist Jack Wolgin of Philadelphia, the Jack Wolgin International Competition in the Fine Arts was established at the Temple University Tyler School of Art to recognize an emerging artist with a significant studio practice who critically and creatively engages with existing histories and images, and whose work transcends traditional boundaries. With a cash prize of $150,000, the Jack Wolgin International Competition in the Fine Arts grants the world’s largest juried visual art prize awarded to an individual. Inspired by the diversity of Temple University and its unique connection to the thriving art communities of Philadelphia, Mr. Wolgin chose the Tyler School to host and administrate the Competition. By bringing the work of innovative and talented artists to the Tyler School, the Competition seeks to open a dialogue among students, the diverse communities of Philadelphia, and the greater art world. The exchange of ideas and art inspired by the Jack Wolgin International Competition in the Fine Arts also perpetuates the spirit of Philadelphia, a cultural hub since our nation’s founding, rich in both historic and contemporary art.

Media Center Open House, Tuesday, September 29

Media Center Opening September 29, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Paley Library Media Center, Ground Floor Celebrate the opening of Paley Library’s Media Center with tours, snacks and giveaways. Peruse the center’s rich collections of videos, meet our media specialists, and find out about the center’s new resources. The Media Center provides the Temple community with a space to watch and discuss library media holdings, and is home to the media collections that offer videos and DVDs for study and leisure. Find out what the Media Center has to offer! Please come by the Center on September 29 and learn about one of Paley Library’s newest, most exciting additions.

Chat in the Stacks Explores: Is Justice Just in America?

Is Justice Just in America? September 24 2:30 p.m. Paley Library Lecture Hall From the cutting-edge, to the controversial, to the creative–The partnership between the Libraries and the Faculty Senate Committee on the Status of Faculty of Color continues with this series that engages faculty in discussions on their latest research. The season’s first “Chat” explores….Is Justice Just in America? Panelists include: Professor Muriel Morisey (Law School) Professor Linn Washington (SCT) and Dr Nathaniel Normant, Chair of African American Studies. As always the program will be moderated by the dynamic Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon of Communications and Theater. Thanks to the Faculty Senate Subcommittee on the Status of Faculty of Color, Roland Williams, and Karen Turner, for their assistance in creating this engaging series: Chat in the Stacks.

Art in the Archives Exhibition at the Urban Archives

The Urban Archives recently opened the summer exhibition Art in the Archives. The Greater Philadelphia Region has long been a center for the arts. From the collections at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, to the estimable holdings of modern work by the Barnes Collection, to Calder sculptures lining the parkway, to the stunning array of creative works being produced in our universities, galleries, and arts organizations, Philadelphia has a deep, broad connection to artistic production. The Art in the Archives exhibition, culled from the over 5 million images in the Urban Archives’ collections, documents the region’s strong connection to creative arts in all forms. These images explore art from the point of view of both the producer and the consumer. They display a wide variety of mediums. And, we hope they show the impact that art has had on our region, and the impact Philadelphia has had on the arts. Come see this exhibition, on display through the summer on Paley’s ground floor.

A Juneteenth Celebration, Exploring Family Roots June 19, 1:00-:400 PM

The Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection Presents: A Juneteenth Celebration June 19, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Sullivan Hall, 1330 W. Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA Exploring Family Roots: Conversations with Charles L. Blocksonand Dianna Cassey-Warner Mr. Blockson is a renowned speaker and scholar with expertise on family history. Ms. Cassey-Warner discovered a rich historical narrative in her family’s past. Join our special guests, along with collection curator, Dr. Diane D. Turner, for a Juneteenth celebration. We will also provide light refreshments and tours of the collection. Join the Blockson Collection for its second annual Juneteenth Celebration. This holiday began in Galveston, Texas in 1865. It is now celebrated across the United States to commemorate freedom from slavery. Come in, see the collection and celebrate Juneteenth with the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection.

5th Annual Library Prize for Undergraduate Research Awards Ceremony, April 30, 4:00 PM

5th Annual Library Prize for Undergraduate Research Awards Ceremony April 30, 4:00 p.m., Paley Library Lecture Hall Join us in honoring the winners of the 5th annual Library Prize for Undergraduate Research. This annual competition honors Temple students who demonstrate originality, depth, breadth and sophistication in the use of library collections while conducting research. Please join us to toast the winners.