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Preserving a Narrative: A Discussion around Archival Methodologies
Presented alongside 2 exhibitions at 704 Catharine St as part of Collective Futures, this discussion is in conversation with archival studies.
In Circulation, a solo exhibition by Natalie Manes, 2026 Linda Dubin Garfield Fellow, sources archival materials from the John J. Wilcox Jr. Lending Library at William Way LGBT Community Center. Reproduced fragments of the library have been redistributed in public spaces throughout Philadelphia, highlighting the urgency that people need to understand the past to navigate the future.
Similarly, Taking a step sideways and then circling around, curated by DVAA Executive Director Samantha M Connors, will present a collection of archival work from Philadelphia collectives who no longer formally present work, but still inspire what is happening within our practices today. We continue on and on and on, making and looking back and looking forward and looking within and out.
About the Speakers
Alina Josan is an artist with a longtime passion for Philadelphia’s books and libraries. She studied painting and art history at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, and her work has been commissioned by local historic institutions that include Bartram’s Garden, the National Archives at Philadelphia, and Eastern State Penitentiary. In recent years, Alina taught painting, drawing, and bookmaking workshops at the Ryerss Museum & Library, Bartram’s Garden, and the Rosenbach Museum and Library. She has worked as a book and paper conservation technician and archivist and is now happily a librarian in the Art Department of the Free Library of Philadelphia, Parkway Central.
Tickets $10 | NOTAFLOF
Every quarter, DVAA hosts Creative Conversations to get into the nitty-gritty of professional development within our artistic practice. We gather to share skills and discuss topics like how to write a CV, best practices for photographing and uploading artwork, maintaining a studio practice without burnout, how to build a digital portfolio, and more!