September 14-20, 2006
Arts Agenda : Last Chance
Last ChanceCatch It or Regret It
Dreaming in Black and White
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The garden theme of this found object art collective's show manifests itself in Linda Lou Horn's anthropomorphic sculptures, like ersatz scarecrowsWhimsical Rake has the tool for a head and boobies made from watering cansand Ellen Sall's strange, wonderful Porch Light, a tea party scene crafted from bits of glass, cloth and cocktail umbrellas. Betsy Alexander's wall crosses, backlit by the heavenly light of CDs, have no apparent connection with gardening, but we'll forgive.
The prints on display from late art dealer Julien Levy's collection create a multinational all-star roster of photographic history: Man Ray, Walker Evans, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Manuel Álvarez Bravo and Joseph Cornell are all represented. But it's more than just a greatest hits assembly. There are obscure artists, anonymous prints and early found object stuff. Levy was never able to sell more than a few photographs disappointing for him, but rather fortunate for us.
This exploration of Philadelphia's proud Parkway features several vintage maps, including one in watercolor from 1919 that takes up an entire wall, early plans for the Logan Circle fountain and an almost life-size street lamp. There are also displays about current projects, including the contentious Barnes Foundation move. See the future before it happens.

