PHILADELPHIA.- Moore College of Art & Design is commemorating its 160th anniversary with nine months of special events, exhibitions and activities that will offer the public an opportunity to learn more about the school, its celebrated graduates and its integral role in the cultural life of Philadelphia. Moore is the first, and remains the only, women’s art college in the country. It has maintained its commitment to educating confident women who go on to great success and leadership in their careers. In addition, the school continues to open its doors to the community through a wide range of art-related opportunities available throughout the year for all ages.

“Our 160th Anniversary is an exciting time to look back at historical milestones, celebrate the achievements of our graduates and look ahead to a future of continued innovation in the arts,” says Moore President Happy Craven Fernandez. “We take very seriously our role in Philadelphia’s vibrant cultural community and invite everyone to visit Moore and take part in the many art-related opportunities we have to share at all times and particularly during this anniversary year.”

The official commemoration begins on Thursday, August 28, 2008, when the First Lady of Pennsylvania Judge Marjorie O. Rendell welcomes the new academic year at Moore’s Convocation 2008 ceremony. This day will also mark the official opening of two significant exhibitions to be held in The Galleries at Moore through December 6. Mary McFadden: Goddesses will honor this renowned fashion designer’s eclectic body of work, including gowns, clothing ensembles and jewelry inspired by her worldwide travels and cultural interests, and will also feature some of McFadden’s own treasured collection of textiles. Alice Neel: Drawing from Life pays tribute to celebrated Philadelphia-born artist and Moore graduate Alice Neel (1900-1984), whose intense focus on the individual and the present moment is represented through a selection of portraits and still life paintings and drawings.

Also available starting August 28 will be the College’s 160th commemorative history, Moore College of Art & Design. Published by Arcadia Publishing, this book captures through photographs and historical narrative many of the school’s significant moments as well as milestones that have impacted the education of women beyond the school’s campus. The book is available for sale in The Art Shop at Moore and in major bookstores and online. Also to be unveiled are ties and scarves designed by textile design students celebrating the spirit of Moore (available at The Art Shop at Moore) as well as a newly redesigned website (www.moore.edu) with access to all there is to know and learn about Moore.

Throughout the 2008-2009 academic year, several special events will take place that will continue to highlight Moore’s ongoing commitment to arts education and the anticipation of continued innovation in the future.

On Friday, September 19, 2008 at 8 p.m., WHYY will air a special, one-hour program highlighting the 13 recipients of Moore’s Visionary Woman Awards and the impact of these pioneers on the history of women in the arts.

The College proudly presents fashion designer Mary McFadden with its 2008 Visionary Woman Award on Wednesday, September 24. This award honors outstanding women leaders who have had a powerful impact on the worlds of art and design.

Every year, Moore’s acclaimed Fashion Design Department kicks off the year with its JumpStart Fashion Show. This challenging opportunity invites students to design clothing and accessories based on a chosen theme with only a month’s time for completion. This year’s works will be unveiled in a fashion show October 1, 2008 and selected designs will be on public view from October 7 through November 19.

The annual student Fashion Show, to be held Saturday, May 16 2009, will be particularly special this year, with honorary guest judge Mary McFadden joining the festivities. The show will also take place outdoors this year, with the Logan Square Fountain serving as a dramatic backdrop.

Our anniversary celebration will officially close with our 2009 Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 17.

Moore announces a new series of lectures, Visionary Voices – Conversations on Art & Design, featuring engaging discussions on a range of subjects open for the public’s enjoyment.
Mary McFadden will present the Zeidman Lecture, endowed by the Albert M. Greenfield Foundation, on September 24, 2008 at 2 p.m. The focus of this panel discussion will be “Art and Ancient Civilizations in Contemporary Design.”

In mid-October, Andrew Neel, grandson of Alice Neel, will screen and discuss his award-winning, documentary film about his grandmother that explores the struggles Neel faced as a woman artist, a single mother, and a painter who defied convention.

On October 28 at 6:30 p.m., renowned curators Dianne Vanderlip and Lowery Stokes Sims will present “Changing Roles of Women in Cultural Institutions.”

Mary McFadden returns to the Moore campus on November 18, 2008 to speak on “Goddesses, Symbols and Ancient Textiles” and join guests for a reception and book signing.

Throughout the year, Moore will be presenting special exhibitions throughout the city.

Moore Footsteps, six-foot-tall boots, will be placed in indoor spaces throughout the city, each uniquely designed by Moore alumnae.

The Moore Galleries at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts will feature the work of faculty from October 10, 2008 through February 7, 2009; from alumnae February 13 through April 18, 2009; and from recent graduates June 13 through September 26, 2009.

A changing selection of artwork is on view at Moore’s Sculpture Park, directly in front of the College in Aviator Park.