Every year since 1955, the University of the Arts in Philadelphia has awarded its Silver Star award to distinguished alumni who represent the school’s tradition of educational and artistic excellence. For the first time, those Silver Star winners will be honored through an exhibition featuring their most notable works. The exhibition, which runs through Nov. 25 in the school’s Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery in Anderson Hall, also highlights each artists’ entrepreneurial know-how in getting the art in front of the right audiences.
“What’s common among this group of people is their work is somewhat unique and personal and breaks the mold,” says Stephen Tarantal, an alumnus and dean of the school’s College of Art and Design. “They also understood where their work fits into culture, whether it’s mainstream, or galleries or edgier work.”
That, Tarantal insists, is the key in separating a good artist from a successful artist. Also important, Tarantal says, is deep knowledge of the artists’ specific marketplace and audience. Tarantal cited the school’s illustration students as an example. Starting in their junior year, students research the origins of illustration, the kinds of works that typically have strong market value, and who can use the work.
“Whether it’s an ad agency or new media, they have to be interested in the work,” says Tarantal, who has taught at the school since 1969.
The exhibition’s pieces include children’s books Berenstain Bears by Jean and Stan Berenstain (graduated 1945, illustration), Lourvre signage by Kenneth Carbone (’73, graphic design), a painting from Wharton Esherick (’08), stained glass from Marguerite Guadin (’30, advertising design), and a dress by Tina Leser (’31, fabric design).
Source: Stephen Tarantal, University of the Arts
Writer: Joe Petrucci
