The Schuylkill Center: Nest and Branch

Deadline: October 30, 2009 at 5:00 pm (RECEIVE)

Nest and Branch
A juried gallery exhibition of artwork relating to birds and their habitats
The Schuylkill Center
Philadelphia, PA
December 5, 2009 - April 3, 2010

Curated by Zoe Cohen, Art Program Manager


The Schuylkill Center’s 340 acres of woodlands, fields, streams and ponds is an oasis for birds in Philadelphia. Our landscape supports over 100 species at various times of the year, with over 50 bird species that nest on our property. The Schuylkill Center hosts a number of bird species of concern, species whose numbers have declined over recent years because of habitat loss. According to Audubon Pennsylvania, habitat loss and fragmentation are the most serious threats facing birds around the world, across America, and here in Pennsylvania. Preserving bird habitat is key to preserving the variety of species that we know today.

This exhibition invites visual artists working in all media to present artwork that reflects the realities and mysteries of birds. In preparing submissions, artists should consider The Schuylkill Center’s two mission-driven objectives: Land Preservation and Environmental Education. Our Art Gallery is located within our main Education Building, and exhibitions are viewed by visiting school groups as well as adult visitors. Artists are especially encouraged to submit work that deals directly with bird habitat and behavior, and that relates to birds native to the Philadelphia region.

Visual artists from any disciplinary background may apply, and submissions of any gallery-based media are welcome, with installation proposals encouraged.

Each artist's submission may include up to 3 separate artworks, with up to 3 views of each work.

Listing of birds sighted at The Schuylkill Center: http://www.schuylkillcenter.org/programs/birding/birdsfound.html

Read more about the Environmental Art Program at The Schuylkill Center here: http://www.schuylkillcenter.org/departments/art/

Important Dates:

Entries must be received by (not postmarked by): Friday October 30th, 5 pm
Artists notified by email: November 4th
Drop off work: Monday November 30th and Tuesday December 1st, 9 am - 5 pm
Opening Reception: Saturday December 5th, 5-7 pm, with an artists' talk at 6 pm
Citizen Science Lecture on Birds with an artists' talk: Thursday March 4th, 6:30 pm
Pick up work: Saturday April 4th & Monday April 6th, 9 am - 5 pm

Artwork Specifications:
Wall-hung work must be framed or mounted and ready to hang.

Installation work must be installed by the artist on Monday November 30th or Tuesday December 1st.

Each artist will be allowed a maximum total area of roughly 5 ft x 5 ft.

Pedestals with vitrines are available for sculpture or other objects. Each pedestal is 43" high, with a base of 12"x12" or 19"x21". Plexiglas vitrines are 14" to 19" high.

For an entry form, please contact:

Rachel Dobkin
Art Program Coordinator
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
8480 Hagy's Mill Rd
Philadelphia, PA 19128
215-482-7300 x113
rdobkin@schuylkillcenter.org