About a year and a half ago, with America’s semiquincentennial quickly approaching, Megan Monaghan began thinking about Philadelphia’s history. As the director of arts at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH), Monaghan wanted to create an exhibition at the school’s Barbara Crawford Gallery to honor the birthplace of American democracy.
One theme that stuck out to Monaghan was the role of Black artistic excellence in the city. The lives of countless Black artists, educators, mentors, and activists have intersected with Philadelphia’s institutions, classrooms, sidewalks, living rooms, churches, and community centers.
“Whether they were born here, drawn here to study or teach, or inspired by the city itself, these artists are woven into the fabric of Philadelphia’s cultural identity,” Monaghan told the Local.
Monaghan then reached out to Claudia Volpe, director and curator of the Petrucci Family Foundation Collection (PFFC) of African American Art, who agreed to loan artwork and curate the show. Through this collaboration, “Echoes of Our Future: 250 Years of Black Artistic Legacy in Philadelphia” was created. The exhibition runs from Jan. 15 to March 12.
