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Curating Community: Jennifer Zwilling on Art, Creativity & Philadelphia

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • Mar 24, 2023 • 41m

Jennifer Zwilling is the curator and director of artistic programs at the Clay Studio in Philadelphia. With a background in art history and a passion for connecting people to art, Jennifer has extensive experience in the art world. She is dedicated to supporting artists and engaging the community through exhibitions, programs, and educational initiatives.


Jennifer shares her background and journey in the art world. From falling in love with museums as a child to studying art history and decorative arts, Jennifer's passion for connecting people to art led her to her current role at the Clay Studio. She discusses the mission of the Clay Studio, which focuses on serving artists and the community through various programs and initiatives. Jennifer also highlights the importance of clay as a medium and the power of creating something with one's own hands. She emphasizes the role of curating as a creative pursuit and the collaborative nature of the process. Jennifer discusses the highs and lows of her role, including the joy of collaborating with artists and the challenges of budgeting. She also shares her perspective on the unique creative economy in Philadelphia, which is characterized by collaboration, affordability, and artist-run organizations.

In the course of this episode, we explore:

  • Jennifer's childhood fascination with museums and her academic pursuit of art history, exploring how these threads wove together to lead her to her pivotal role at the Clay Studio.
  • The Clay Studio's multi-faceted approach to serving artists and the community, dissecting the impactful programs such as the Claymobile initiative and exhibitions that form its vibrant tapestry.
  • The profound connection between clay as a medium, history, and empowerment, as we unravel the capacity of this material to bridge eras and empower creators.
  • The world of curating with Jennifer as our guide, as we uncover the creative art of conceptualizing exhibitions, artist collaborations, and crafting the viewer's immersive experience.
  • The unique facets that define Philadelphia's creative economy, including collaboration, affordability, and the dynamic presence of artist-run organizations, as we explore its distinctive artistic landscape.

 
Learn more about The Clay Studio Here: https://www.theclaystudio.org/


Join us as we delve into the art of curation and the unique role of Jennifer Zwilling at the Clay Studio in Philadelphia. Explore the highs and lows of her career and gain insights into the vibrant creative economy of the city.


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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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