The Association for Public Art’s Penny Balkin Bach was invited to speak on the topic of monuments as part of Penn Museum’s Great Lectures: Great Monuments year-long online series.

The long-awaited Maja Park on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is officially open to the public. The highlight of the park is the “Maja” (1942) sculpture by German artist Gerhard Marcks, which the Association recently restored and installed on the Parkway after decades in storage.

With the recent installation of Leigh’s Brick House on Penn’s campus, and Puryear’s Pavilion in the Trees (1993) in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia is home to permanent public works by both of these acclaimed artists.

Our conservation efforts involved a little bit of everything this year: laser treatments, power washing, new wood slats, fresh paint, the classic bronze waxing – even lipstick and gum removal. Each spring, the Association provides conservation treatment for 30+ artworks in Philadelphia and take on special projects as needed.

It is with great sorrow that the Association for Public Art recognizes the passing of Charles E. Mather III, trustee, advocate, and supporter of our organization for decades.

Presented simultaneously in 6 U.S. cities, including Philadelphia, Liberty Bell is an augmented reality drawing in 360 degrees that offers viewers the opportunity to consider their own experiences of liberty, freedom, and injustice and inequality. The artwork relies on geolocation and requires downloading a free app.

In collaboration with Vision 2020’s Women 100: A National Celebration of American Women, the Association for Public Art (aPA) is highlighting a number of important public artworks in Philadelphia created by women artists.

Interviewed by Samantha Melamed for Philly.com, Association for Public Art Executive Director Penny Balkin Bach offers some insight into how public artworks are lost or saved in Philadelphia.