News

Remembering Charles E. Mather III, Longtime President of aPA

Charles Mather with artist Jody Pinto at her newly-installed Fingerspan sculpture in 1987. Photo © Wayne Cozzolino

The Association for Public Art (aPA) is deeply saddened by the passing of Charles E. Mather III, Esquire, who served as a trustee, advocate, and supporter of aPA for decades. Mr. Mather joined the Board of aPA in 1975 (then the Fairmount Park Art Association) and was its longest-serving president – for 28 years from 1985-2013.

Mr. Mather was committed to expanding Philadelphia’s collection of public art through commissioning and acquiring public sculptures. During his leadership, the Association carried out the commissioning initiative Form and Function, which led to the permanent installation of a number of beloved public artworks, including Jody Pinto’s Fingerspan (1987) along the Wissahickon Creek and Martin Puryear’s Pavilion in the Trees (1993) near the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center.

“We will all miss him so – his quick wit, amazing knowledge of all things and kind and gentle nature,” said his daughter, Dorothy Ix. “He loved his work with aPA so much.”

Charles Mather at the rededication of Louise Nevelson’s Atmosphere and Environment XII in 2007. Photo © Ginger Osborne

He was also committed to the preservation of public art, including extensive conservation treatment of Louise Nevelson’s Atmosphere and Environment XII (1970) that the Association oversaw in 2007.

Other notable acquisitions of the Association that Mr. Mather endorsed include Mark di Suvero’s Iroquois and Barbara Hepworth’s Rock Form (Porthcurno) sculptures, installed along the Parkway in 2007 and 2012, respectively, with the support of the late David N. Pincus.

“We will miss his ‘calm humor’ and ‘gentle wit’ as aPA Board members have described him,” said aPA Executive Director & Chief Curator, Penny Balkin Bach. “He has made a lasting impression on this organization, and his legacy of service will not soon be forgotten.”

Philadelphia Inquirer: Charles E. Mather 3d, insurance executive and descendant of old Quaker family, dies at 86

 

Related Artworks

Artwork

Fingerspan

(1987)

by Jody Pinto (b. 1942)

Wissahickon Creek trail near Livezey Dam, Fairmount Park

Pinto wanted to link the human body with the natural environment in such a way that viewers themselves, passing through the work, would help to establish the connection.

Artwork

Atmosphere and Environment XII

(1970)

by Louise Nevelson (1899 - 1988)

University of Pennsylvania, Shoemaker Green (east of 33rd Street between Walnut and Spruce Streets)

Atmosphere and Environment XII is a product of the mature style of Louise Nevelson, one of the most influential artists of the decades following World War II.

Artwork

Iroquois

(1983 – 1999)

by Mark di Suvero (b. 1933)

Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Eakins Oval and Spring Garden Street (Iroquois Park)

Mark di Suvero’s monumental Iroquois has a robust energy and physical presence. The abstract sculpture is formed from painted steel I-beams, which are emblematic of the artist’s use of industrial materials.

Artwork

Rock Form (Porthcurno)

(1964)

by Barbara Hepworth (1903 - 1975)

Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 17th Street

One of the 20th century’s most eminent sculptors, Dame Barbara Hepworth created abstract works influenced by natural shapes.

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