“TAKE ME TO THE RIVER”, A New Art Exhibit to Open at Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center on Saturday, October 28th

The Schuylkill-themed art show features work from seven local artists celebrating the river and its ability to bring the community together. Curator and artist Corinne M Dieterle offers: “The Schuylkill river has been a source of inspiration for artists, visitors, and residents since Philadelphia was founded. On any given day, hundreds of people flock along its banks to walk, run, bike, push a stroller, empty one’s mind, consider important decisions, take in the changing seasons, enjoy fellowship, raise money for important causes, row in boats, kayaks, and dragon boats.” In the same way that river tributaries like the Wissahickon Creek connect to the Schuylkill and the Schuylkill then connects to the Delaware and the Atlantic, we connect to the river and to others as we gather around it.” 

It is fitting that this collection be hosted by the Fairmount Water Works, a National Historic Landmark and Philadelphia’s first Water Works to provide clean drinking water from the Schuylkill river to the city. The show will open on Saturday, October 28th, the first day of the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, and admission is free. The rich history of Boathouse Row begins with the creation of the Fairmount Dam in 1821 to assist the city in providing water to its citizens. The Dam transformed this section of the river, making it peaceful, calm, and the perfect location for rowing. The first Regatta took place in 1835 between the Blue Devils and the Imps Barge clubs, sparking excitement and creating a tradition to further enjoy the river. We hope this exhibit allows visitors to see all that the river has contributed to life in Philadelphia.

Participating Artists:

Corinne M Dieterle, artist and curator

Michael W Murphy, videographer

Peter Kinney, painter

Joseph Sweeney, painter

Lauren Travers, photographer

Roman Tybinko, painter

Ruth Wolf, painter

Nancy Halbert

Helen Mangelsdorf

Richard Sharp