August 7-13, 2003

artsbeat

artsbeat

Lisa Nelson-Haynes & Todd Kimmell

by Debra Auspitz

A little over one year ago, the Painted Bride was posting a plea on its website, informing the community that the 33-year-old cultural institution was in dire need of additional funds and that its ability to program the 2002-03 season was in jeopardy.

Thankfully, the season went on as planned, since, as newly appointed Associate Director Lisa Nelson-Haynes puts it, "both individuals and foundations came to our aid and really helped us to clarify our vision." Now, the Bride wants to "turn and do the same thing for someone else," Nelson-Haynes says.

To that end, last month the Bride introduced the Resident Bride Artist Program, a new opportunity for one local artist to spend two years in residence, using the Bride's resources for rehearsal and office space, as well as participating in the Bride's outreach programs and fundraising efforts. The residency will culminate in several performances at the Bride. For the inaugural year, the Bride is looking for a dancer or choreographer to be in residence, though Nelson-Haynes says they plan to expand their scope with future residencies.

Nelson-Haynes hopes the Bride's resources will help to "take some of [the] pressure off" the resident artist, but she also stresses how important it will be for the artist to see "the other side, [to see] what a presenting organization needs" to be successful.

So far, she says, "we've had a lot of really positive response" from potential applicants, and adds that she's gotten several calls from "artists saying, "I'm not going to apply, but I really applaud you [for] attempting to do this.'"

Applications to be the first resident artist in the program are due by Aug. 20. For information on applications, contact Nelson-Haynes at 215-925-9914, ext. 21.

Artist Todd Kimmell, a fixture in Old City and Northern Liberties, is heading for the highway. Or, rather, his highway, Market Street's Lost Highways Archive and Research Library, is heading to Burlington, N.J. Kimmell says he hopes to create a "giant exhibition space" in Burlington showcasing Lost Highways' offbeat collection. He still has fond memories of his Old City location: "It's been a huge tree house for years and it's been a lot of fun." He also is quick to point out that "spaces like this in Old City don't exist anymore, and this space is going to be available." Kimmell hopes that another arts-oriented organization will inhabit Highways' old home -- "I don't want something jerky up there," he jokes. Lost Highways' current exhibit, "Radebaugh: The Future We Were Promised," will remain up until September. In the fall, while the Burlington space is being set up, Kimmell plans to put up several shows in different locations around Philly, including a photographic tribute to the late Chief Halftown, a collection of 3-D images of bars and restaurants in the Delaware Valley in the 1950s and "Little House on the Driveway," showcasing garage design in the first half of the 20th century.