Saturday, September 28th, 2024. 10-12 pm (doors open at 10:15). Light refreshment from GCA. The Athenaeum of Philadelphia - 219 S 6th St. Philadelphia, PA. FREE ENTRANCE but REGISTRATION is REQUIRED! PI-Philly, in collaboration with the Italian Consulate of Philadelphia, presents a lecture by artist Melissa McGill titled "Water Stories from the Venetian Lagoon to the Po River."

McGill is known for her public art projects that combine art, community engagement, and environmental activism, aiming to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on Venice and Northern Italy. The event will provide a unique opportunity to explore her creative process and the broader themes of her work.

The lecture will be moderated by Brian and Marina Johnston, co-founders of Studio DPJ, a global design and research space dedicated to cultural investigations across literature, architecture, and art. Marina is a scholar of Italian Studies with interests ranging from migration issues to the history of art, technology, and science, while Brian is a LEED-accredited architect focused on sustainability, technology, and phenomenology in architecture.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Melissa's expertise is in a public art project that took place in Venice and north Italy, blending art, community engagement, and environmental activism to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on the city. This talk would provide an excellent opportunity for our group to delve into McGill's creative process and explore the project's broader themes.

Melissa McGill is a renowned American artist known for her large-scale, site-specific works that often interact with their surroundings profoundly and meaningfully. Her projects frequently explore the intersection of art, history, and the environment, inviting viewers to engage with the world around them from new perspectives. In addition to Red Regatta, McGill is celebrated for her other ambitious works, such as "The Campi," which examined the history and culture of Venetian public squares, and "Constellation," a light-based installation in the Hudson River. Her work captivates visually and resonates with powerful social and environmental messages.

https://www.melissamcgillartist.com/about/