MATERIAL MATTERS: Art in Transit

Hear from the Association for Public Art (aPA)’s Deputy Director, Laura S. Griffith, and Atelier Material Systems Manager, Evan Dawson, as they discuss art handling, storage, and conservation centered around the installation and transportation of a 176-year-old Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw Kwagu’ł house post — a heavy, fragile, carved cedar object that requires specialized care.

Find out how this aging cedar house post will journey cross-country to Alert Bay, British Columbia, returning to the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw people after being on display at Philadelphia’s Bicentennial International Sculpture Garden at Penn’s Landing from 1978 – 1998 and hidden in storage for almost 30 years.

The house post is now on view at Atelier Gallery as part of aPA’s exhibition Homecoming: The Journey of a Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw Kwagu’ł House Post.

This event is part of aPA’s Material Matters series, which offers a rare glimpse into specialized conservation projects and treatments through on-site discussions with expert conservators discussing techniques, tools, and rationale around this important work.

PARKING: Attendees are welcome to park in the lot in front of Atelier Gallery or use available street parking nearby.