Philadelphia Museum of Art - Information : Press Room : Press Releases : 2009

April 3rd, 2009

Al Gury Book Signing and Portrait Painting Demonstration

Fleisher Art Memorial is pleased to host acclaimed artist and teacher Al Gury, who will give a live painting demonstration followed by a signing of his recently published book Alla Prima: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Direct Painting. As Mr. Gury paints, he will address details of portraiture, including an analysis of the structure of the head and face, instructions for create a color palette, and an overview of methods for applying pigment. At the end of the evening, his newly created painting, as well as a companion figure painting, will be sold by live auction to support Fleisher programs.

“We are thrilled that Al Gury will be headlining this unique event at Fleisher. This is a great opportunity for people to share in the creative process of one of our most beloved faculty members and one the region’s most admired artists,” says Fleisher’s Executive Director Matthew Braun. Mr. Gury has been a member of Fleisher’s faculty for over twenty-five years, most recently as the instructor of Anatomy for Artists. His work has been exhibited at the National Academy of Design, Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., Washington and Lee University, the University of Pennsylvania, the Painted Bride Art Center, and at F.A.N. Gallery, which represents him. He is the Chair of the Painting Department of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. Tickets cost $20 for general seating and $15 for members. To purchase tickets, please visit www.fleisher.org.

About Fleisher Art Memorial

The mission of the Fleisher Art Memorial is to make art accessible to everyone, regardless of economic means, background or artistic experience. Founded by an industrialist who believed the future of democratic society hinged on the ability of all people to make and enjoy art together, the organization has focused on reducing barriers to participation in the arts since 1898. Fleisher is a vital educational resource that includes instruction in the visual arts, a vibrant exhibitions program, and youth outreach programming at public schools and community centers throughout Philadelphia. Visit www.fleisher.org to learn more.

Fleisher exhibition programs are supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is among the largest museums in the United States, with a collection of more than 227,000 works of art and more than 200 galleries presenting painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography, decorative arts, textiles, and architectural settings from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Its facilities include its landmark Main Building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Perelman Building, located nearby on Pennsylvania Avenue, the Rodin Museum on the 2200 block of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and two 18th-century houses in Fairmount Park, Mount Pleasant and Cedar Grove. The Museum offers a wide variety of activities for public audiences, including special exhibitions, programs for children and families, lectures, concerts and films.

For additional information, contact the Marketing and Communications Department of the Philadelphia Museum of Art at (215) 684-7860. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street. For general information, call (215) 763-8100, or visit the Museum's website at www.philamuseum.org.