"Here at The Clay Studio, we have what we're calling the 'welcome hub'" says Jennifer Zwilling, curator and director of artistic programs at The Clay Studio and organizer of "Radical Americana." "And this gallery contains almost every artist's work, a small example of what they've done at their main exhibition site."
There's a map for all 25 exhibitions on view now and upcoming.
"We focused on that idea of being inspired by 1776, 1876 or 1976," she says. "The main question we really asked people was, 'what does the Declaration of Independence mean to you today?'"
Another prompt given to artists focused on the future. Zwilling says they were asked to think about, "what can we do to make the world a better place?"
The project uplifts different artists' perspectives.
"Everyone's been thinking about that through the lens of feminism, social justice, LGBTQ rights," she says.
Each artist used their unique talents and skills to create work.
"We have the sort of traditional craft media that we talk about, ceramics, wood, fiber, metal and glass, but there are people working in paper and bookmaking," she says. "And bringing those into contemporary times in different ways."
A variety of cultural institutions are hosting, like the Museum for Art in Wood, with some artists using research from those very sites to make new work.
"One that comes to mind that has six artists is Cliveden, which is one of the historic sites in Germantown," she says. "They also went to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Some went to Winterthur."
The Clay Studio has potter Roberto Lugo's "American Crib: What's Happening?" on view.
"It is an exhibition, but at the same time, I think it's a meeting place," says artist Roberto Lugo.
"Part of this project is community and collaboration," says Zwilling. "We're open, free to the public, seven days a week."
Visitors are invited to hang out in the welcoming atmosphere Lugo created.
"I want them to remember the idea and how it made them feel," he says.
Lugo also ties his Puerto Rican heritage into his work, much of which reimagines historical pieces.
"This is describing the trek of people coming over to America, so if you look closely, there's actual immigrants," he says. "And that's actually based off of a tapestry at the Philadelphia Museum of Art."
He says he looks to history as inspiration for his work because, "it's what I'm excited about."
"But it's sort of this fusion, eclectic mix of cultures, you know, like African prints along with Taíno prints," he says. "And I love these things, you know, sort of clashing together."
There is both struggle and joy depicted in his work.
"All those things can coexist cause they're the reality of the human experience," he says. "And, you know, I'd like to think that this show really gives a great example of what that means."
"We live in an amazing city," says Zwilling. "It's just a great opportunity for people to see the rich creativity that exists in Philadelphia."
"Radical Americana" exhibitions are on view across the city through July 5, with some closing later. Some locations are free to visit, like The Clay Studio, but admission policies vary by venue.
For more information:
"Radical Americana"
The Clay Studio
Welcome Hub
Roberto Lugo - "American Crib: What's Happening?"
The Clay Studio
1425 N. American Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122