“Titled ‘Self Portrait,’ this 1989 oil on canvas, 17” x 13” piece by Martha Mayer Erlebacher was a gift to Woodmere Art Museum from Frances and Robert Kohler in 2004.”
- Chestnut Hill Local considers the Woodmere Art Museum’s new “Just In: Martha Mayer Erlebacher,” an exhibition of over four decades of the “work of one of Philadelphia’s distinguished artists.” Erlebacher, who died last year, “herself had wanted Woodmere, with its focus on telling the stories of Philadelphia’s artists, to be the museum that preserves her legacy and that of her husband, sculptor Walter Erlebacher (1933-1991).” Art historian Danielle Peltakian, of the University of California, likens her work to that “great American Realist Thomas Eakins,” who also demonstrates “mastery of the human form.” “Just In” runs through March 2.
- About 3.5% of the expected $1.2 billion cost for the Comcast Innovation & Technology Center will come from state and City grants. Harrisburg’s $30 million will be disbursed over the course of four years, says Plan Philly. The City is also promising—assuming Council’s agreement—$10 million; of that combined $40 million, $35 million is earmarked specifically for associated public infrastructure work, including an expansion of the Suburban Station underground concourse.
- Grid talks to John Boyce, a lifelong resident of the Lower Northwest who has facilitated more than $1 million in improvements to Roxborough’s Gorgas Park during the past two decades. A founding member of the hilltop park’s stewarding nonprofit, Boyce talks of the community coming “full circle. It’s reinvigorating to see new faces each year who love this park and this neighborhood as much I do.”
- South Philly Review checks in on the Navy Yard’s Courtyard Marriott for the first ten days of its soft opening. The $34 million hotel project, designed by Erdy McHenry and built by University City’s Intech Construction, took 14 months from start to finish.
About the author
Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.
