Martin Puryear’s Pavilion in the Trees (1993) was envisioned as a permanent amenity—a treehouse-like retreat for generations to enjoy, nestled in the Lansdowne Glen of Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park. But what does “permanent” mean for a wooden structure exposed to the elements? Is anything truly built to last forever?

Known for her mesmerizing installations that blend sculpture, light, and space, Soo Sunny Park recently spoke with the Association for Public Art about her artistic inspirations, fascination with light, public art practices, and insights from teaching at Dartmouth College.

This self-guided tour for the citywide reFOCUS festival in 2024 served as a platform to not only spotlight the public art created by women in Philadelphia, but also to underscore the significant contributions women have made—and will continue to make—to the field of public art.

Poetry has long been an inspiration for visual art (and vice versa). For spring, we compiled a collection of public artworks in Philadelphia that incorporate poetry, have inspired poems, or honor individual poets.

The traveling Harriet Tubman sculpture installed at Philadelphia’s City Hall through March 31, 2022 inspired us to reflect on other monuments dedicated to women in the city, including the planned addition of a commemorative Marian Anderson statue.

The long history behind Marcks’ persecution – his career as a teacher of sculpture at the Bauhaus and elsewhere, as well as his Expressionist tendencies – but also to his withdrawal from more controversial subjects, radical forms, or public acts that could have overtly endangered him and his family.

The artist is one of 15 elected to be National Academicians at the National Academy of Design, the leading society for visual artists and architects. Ferrer lived and worked in Philadelphia for many years and has been commissioned by the Association for Public Art.

Philadelphians may be surprised learn that the Millesgården in Stockholm, Sweden has the exact same Playing Angels as the ones we have on Kelly Drive along the Schuylkill River.

A virtual mini tour of some of the city’s hidden public art gems with the Association’s Executive Director.

A monument to the “unselfish devotion to duty” of African American military men was a rare objective in early 20th century America; the artist began his work, but the struggle to realize the memorial had just begun.