Press Releases
From Studio to Doorstep: Associated American Artists Prints, 1934-2000
May 24, 2022
For Immediate Release
May 2, 2022
Summer Exhibition of Penn Art Collection Prints at the Arthur Ross Gallery
June 18 – August 21, 2022
The Arthur Ross Gallery at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA is pleased to announce From Studio to Doorstep: Associated American Artists Prints, 1934 – 2000, an exhibition of artwork drawn from the University of Pennsylvania Art Collection and the 11th in a series of collaborative exhibitions between the Penn Art Collection and the Arthur Ross Gallery. From Studio to Doorstep features prints produced by Associated American Artists (AAA), a company founded in New York in 1934 with the intention of revolutionizing the art market. Instead of focusing on the elite collector class commonly associated with museums and galleries, AAA sought to cultivate members of the burgeoning American middle-class with prints priced at $5 each. For participating artists, AAA offered economic security as artists were paid in advance for their designs, rather than having to wait for sales to materialize. AAA sold their prints through mail-order catalogues and, for a time, at local department stores. The story of Associated American Artists spans over 6 decades and is a story of aspiration and accessibility. the exhibition explores themes about the marketing and distribution of culture, about what it means to be “middle-class” and to have a well-appointed home.
From Studio to Doorstep is on view at
the Arthur Ross Gallery from June 18 – August 21, 2022.
The Penn Art Collection is comprised of over 8000 artworks in 116 locations on campus, built though the generosity of donations from the time of Ben Franklin to today. The collection is particularly strong in 20th century prints and photography. The Penn Art Collection has a large collection of prints produced by Associated American Artists, 38 of which will be included in this exhibition including those by renowned American Regionalist artists, Thomas Hart Benton and John Steuart Curry.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Opening Reception Events Friday, June 17, 2022:
12:00 PM: Virtual Tour
5:30 – 7:00 PM: Opening Reception (in-person)
July 13, 2022 at 12:00 PM
12@12
August 3, 2022 at 12:00 PM
12@12
Arthur Ross Gallery
University of Pennsylvania
Housed in the Fisher Fine Arts Library Building
220 South 34thStreet
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Web: www.ArthurRossGallery.org
Email: sabrady@upenn.edu
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