I often think how much life is enhanced by public art. It’s not only a more colorful world but a more conscious one as well. Public art raises awareness and exposes a larger audience to new perspectives and ideas. And – heck – life is just more fun with art! The First Annual Art in the Open on the Schuylkill River June 9-12th was a perfect example of the integration of public and art.
![We need more Art in the Open 1 Diedra Krieger Plastic fantastic](https://www.theartblog.org/wp-content/uploaded/Diedra-Krieger-Plastic-fantastic-300x225.jpg)
The idea is pretty simple: get together a bunch of artists and have them make their art in public, in this instance with the Schuylkill River as their studio. 35 different artists working in a variety of media came together and spread themselves along the banks of the river. The emphasis was on public participation.
![We need more Art in the Open 2 rain water in bottles](https://www.theartblog.org/wp-content/uploaded/rain-water-in-bottles-300x225.jpg)
My man-friend and I were there on early on Thursday – so the artists were still setting up and we sort of had the show to ourselves. We helped build a plastic dome and enjoyed a river meditation. For this show I don’t think the art was as important as the experience. There should be more art in the open – all the time, everywhere! It’s a great way to meet artists, build community and make some art!
![We need more Art in the Open 3 Laure Drogal Knitting Jam1](https://www.theartblog.org/wp-content/uploaded/Laure-Drogal-Knitting-Jam1-300x225.jpg)
![We need more Art in the Open 4 Ava Blitz](https://www.theartblog.org/wp-content/uploaded/Ava-Blitz-225x300.jpg)
![We need more Art in the Open 5 Joseph Mangrum under the bridge1](https://www.theartblog.org/wp-content/uploaded/Joseph-Mangrum-under-the-bridge1-300x225.jpg)
![We need more Art in the Open 6 Diane Savona](https://www.theartblog.org/wp-content/uploaded/Diane-Savona-225x300.jpg)
![We need more Art in the Open 7 Diane Savona quilt1](https://www.theartblog.org/wp-content/uploaded/Diane-Savona-quilt1-300x225.jpg)
![We need more Art in the Open 8 Nancy Agati river meditation](https://www.theartblog.org/wp-content/uploaded/Nancy-Agati-river-meditation-225x300.jpg)
![We need more Art in the Open 9 nancy agati fabric](https://www.theartblog.org/wp-content/uploaded/nancy-agati-fabric-300x225.jpg)
![We need more Art in the Open 10 Roy Hofer in progress](https://www.theartblog.org/wp-content/uploaded/Roy-Hofer-in-progress-300x225.jpg)
![We need more Art in the Open 11 Volta and Jackson with Grover Washington Jr](https://www.theartblog.org/wp-content/uploaded/Volta-and-Jackson-with-Grover-Washington-Jr-225x300.jpg)
If you missed the Art in the Open there is still a chance to see some of the work which will be on display http://www.artintheopenphila.org/events/
This is the FIRST annual – so hopefully that means we will see another one next summer (and another the summer after that and that)!
For more information on the show and to see other artist’s work go to http://www.artintheopenphila.org/