Penny Balkin Bach, Executive Director of the Association for Public Art, received the inaugural Tyler Tribute Award on Saturday, April 13, 2013. The award recognizes Bach’s contributions to public art in Philadelphia, and was presented in conjunction with Tyler School of Art’s Annual Student Exhibition. Bach accepted the award at Tyler School of Art’s new building.
As the Executive Director of the Association for Public Art (formerly the Fairmount Park Art Association), Bach has worked with artists, architects, civic leaders, city agencies, community groups and cultural organizations to commission, preserve, promote and interpret public art in Philadelphia.
Bach’s current activities include the exploration of innovative approaches to public art and its audiences, the creation of opportunities for newly commissioned work, advocacy for responsible stewardship of public art, and the promotion and interpretation of art in public places. She has written extensively about public art and the environment, including her book “Public Art in Philadelphia,” published by Temple University Press. Bach is a BFA graduate of the Tyler School of Art and received her MA in Visual Communications and Social Organization from Goddard College and an honorary Fine Arts degree from the Moore College of Art & Design.