Association for Public Art Presents #ArtPup

Press Release

Association for Public Art Presents #ArtPup

PHILADELPHIA, PA, August 22, 2018 — #ArtPup, presented by the Association for Public Art (aPA) with lead support from Park Towne Place Museum District Residences, is a photo contest and social media campaign that invites the public to share pictures of their dogs posed with outdoor sculptures in Philadelphia.

Maybe your four-legged friend looks like the Greyhound Sculptures in Rittenhouse Square, or you pass Iroquois on your daily dog walks, or you enjoy a moment of respite at Playing Angels with your pup.

Whatever inspires you to snap a pic, show us how you and your furry friend connect with public art in Philly. Now through September 30, 2018, participants are invited to post photos on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using #ArtPup.

A squad of dogs pose with Alexander Stirling Calder's Sundial sculpture
(Left to right) Heidi, Banksy, Bandit, and Penny with Alexander Stirling Calder’s Sundial (1903). Acquired by the Association for Public Art and owned by the City of Philadelphia.

There will be dog-themed prizes, including a free two-night staycation at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia (dog-friendly) for first place. Other prizes include gift baskets from Doggie Style Pets; gift cards and glasses from Trend Eye Care; and a spa day for the winner and their pooch at Pretoria Salon + Spa (for the participant) and Doggie V.I.P. (for the pup), both located at Park Towne Place Museum District Residences on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

A panel of judges appointed by aPA will select the winning photos based on quality, composition, originality, and appeal

📸 Photo tips! Think about composition. Don’t be afraid to get low to capture your doggo in the frame with the artwork. Bring treats to coax them into the perfect position and reward them for a job well done. Consider which artwork you feel your furry friend favors, or use this opportunity to explore a new public sculpture.

Visit aPA’s interactive map for ideas at associationforpublicart.org/explore. Walk around the artworks to find the perfect angle, but be mindful of your pet’s safety and respectful of the artworks in the process. To help us protect the outdoor sculptures, please curb your dog and prevent them from scuffing or urinating on the art.

The aPA has also teamed up with several animal shelters throughout the city to feature an #ArtPup that is up for adoption, as well as Philly-based dog celebrities on Instagram who will make online appearances. Follow aPA on Instagram @assocpublicart to see more.

The aPA will also host two dog-friendly events:

🎉 PUP MEET-UP & PARTY
Thursday, September 6, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Enjoy a Yappy Hour at the official kick-off of #ArtPup, where dogs and owners can mingle. The event will be held at Aimco’s Park Towne Place Museum District Residences at 22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Refreshments will be served for people and pooches – including a Doggie Style Pets treat bar. Free, but registration is required. Rain Date September 13th. Check aPA website for updates.

🐶 DOG WALK & PUBLIC ART TOUR
Saturday, September 29, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Participants and their pets are invited to capture their favorite sculptures during a public art walking tour around the Philadelphia Museum of Art and along Kelly Drive. Owners and their pups will get a closer look at some of Philly’s fantastic sculpture and its unique history. One dog per owner, leashes required, and please pick up after your furry friend. Free, but registration is required and space is limited.

REGISTRATION
Registration and more information about the program: associationforpublicart.org/artpup.

Lead support for #ArtPup provided by Park Towne Place Museum District Residences and promoted in partnership with the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy. In-kind support provided by Tierney, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, Doggie V.I.P., Pretoria Salon + Spa, Trend Eye Care, and Doggie Style Pets. Thanks to our #ArtPup printing partner Fireball Printing.

About the Association for Public Art

The Association for Public Art (aPA, formerly Fairmount Park Art Association) commissions, preserves, promotes, and interprets public art in Philadelphia. The aPA is the nation’s first private nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a “Museum Without Walls” that informs, engages, and inspires diverse audiences. Established in 1872, the aPA integrates public art and urban design through exemplary programs and advocacy efforts that connect people with public art. For more information about aPA visit www.associationforpublicart.org

Park Towne Place Museum District Residences and Aimco

Aimco is one of the country’s largest owners and operators of apartment homes with ownership interests in 133 properties in 17 states and the District of Columbia.  Aimco is also one of the largest owners of apartment communities in Philadelphia with eight communities including Park Towne Place Museum District Residences, The Sterling Apartment Homes, Chestnut Hall, The Left Bank and 777 South Broad Street. Aimco common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AIV and are included in the S&P 500. For more information about Aimco, please visit our website at www.aimco.com