Announcing the inaugural exhibition of Annenberg Center’s new Arts Lounge
August 26, 2021
The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation and Penn Live Arts at the Annenberg Center are pleased to present an exhibition of new work by artist and Penn Alum Martha Rich (MFA ‘11).
Martha Rich: It goes by fast is the first exhibition to be featured in the Annenberg Center’s Arts Lounge, a new hub for the creative community at Penn and part of a $2M renovation of the Annenberg Center’s public spaces made possible by a generous gift from alumni Keith and Kathy Sachs.
“Penn Live Arts is thrilled to have this new commission from Martha Rich,” says Penn Live Arts Executive and Artistic Director Chris Gruits. “This continues our long tradition of championing the arts in all its forms on campus.”
Martha’s work is an exuberant and joyful splash of energy that takes full advantage of the 75’ by 20’ brick wall that dominates the Annenberg Center Lobby.
“We love Martha’s work and feel the joy and whimsy it brings to the space is exactly what’s needed now, as we slowly emerge from this pandemic,” said Chloe Reison, Sachs Program Associate Director. “It is a wonderful way to launch this new space for the creative community at Penn and in West Philadelphia.”
Opening Reception
Please join us for an opening reception on Tuesday, September 14 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM. Remarks at 5:15.
Registration for this event is required in advance or upon arrival.
Refreshments will be served in the Annenberg Plaza, weather permitting. The exhibition will run through December 17, 2021.
There will also be a conversation with the artist and other MFA Alumni during Penn Homecoming on Friday, November 5, 4-6 PM.
Health & Safety
Masks are required per University and City guidelines except when outside and socially distanced. Attendees must be fully vaccinated and will need to state their vaccination status when they register (ahead of time or onsite). Penn community members will additionally need to have a Green PennOpen Pass.
Martha Rich
Martha Rich lives in Philadelphia, where she maintains a studio and where she serves as a Committee Person for her South Philly District. She teaches at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Rich graduated with honors from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and got her MFA in Painting from the University of Pennsylvania.
Her commercial clients include Blue Q, Fringe Studio, Mincing Mockingbird, Chronicle Books, Green Thumb Industries, Penn Gazette, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Penguin UK, McSweeney’s, Portland Mercury, Village Voice, Bon Appetit, San Francisco Chronicle, Henry Holt Publishers, and Country Music TV to name just a few.
Her work is featured in the Beck music video “Girl” and a book about her sketchbooks, Sketchbook Expressionism, was published by Murphy Design. In 2019, Chronicle Books published her book, The Furious Notebook, Release Your Rage, Use Your Anger for Good and Chill the Heck Out. Rich’s artwork has been shown in galleries throughout the U.S. and internationally.
This exhibition is presented by The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation and Penn Live Arts and is located in the new Arts Lounge at the Annenberg Center at 37th and Walnut, West Philadelphia. Additional support has been provided by The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation.
