Philly Chit Chat

The University of the Arts held a reception to showcase the Art Unleashed 2022 at the Art Alliance on Rittenhouse Square last month. Thanks to the UArts students, alumni, staff and faculty whose work was showcased as part of the four day sale. The artwork sold from this sale directly benefited the presenting artist and will further enhance the student experience at the University of the Arts. 

Founded by artists in 1915 and located in the former Wetherill Mansion on Rittenhouse Square, the Philadelphia Art Alliance is considered one of the first multidisciplinary art spaces in the U.S. Its remarkable legacy includes presenting the work of visionary writers, composers, dancers, musicians, sculptors and architects from Igor Stravinksy to Gertrude Stein to Diego Rivera, among many other luminaries.

UArts is a private university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 1,662 undergraduate students

If you’re looking for a truly original theater experience, we have the festival for you! The Polyphone Festival of New and Emerging Musicals is a nationally recognized collaboration between UArts students and theater professionals from Philadelphia and beyond. Four fresh productions make up this exciting event, and tickets are selling fast! Don’t miss your chance to see these inspired plays April 12–17, 2022. Learn more and get tickets here: https://bit.ly/3jvYPrn

Bruce Montgomery always gave one final instruction to his students
and colleagues right before every production he directed: “Don’t be afraid to be magnificent!” As the
iconic Director of Undergraduate Performing Arts at the University of Pennsylvania for 50 years, he
mentored thousands of students and created singular opportunities for them to explore their talents, to
hone their artistic skills and ultimately, to choose how to incorporate music into their lives. Many of
them have gone on to huge careers in music, theater, and film.

Montgomery died in 2008, but his spirit lives on through the Bruce Montgomery Foundation for the Arts
(BMFA) and the theater renamed for him at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts at Penn that
same year. His influence still gives aspiring young performers the boost that can make all the difference
in their early careers.

The Bruce Montgomery Foundation for the Arts provides financial support, through Springboard
Grants, to talented individuals and student organizations of high school through college age, pursuing
excellence in the performing arts. The Foundation has given $2,500 Springboard Grants to 30
recipients since its start. Grant winners have included instrumentalists and vocalists of all genres,
composers, and schools and educational groups committed to advancing the arts.

THIS Saturday, April 9th the 2022 Springboard Grant winners will be named and celebrated at the
Foundation’s annual fund-raising Winners Showcase event – returning live and in person after the
pandemic’s interruption. The evening’s entertainment also features a line-up of three Broadway stars
and Springboard Grant alumni whose careers are now taking flight. Hosted by New York Producer
Stephen DeAngelis, the evening’s musical selections will feature songs from Broadway favorites like
Wicked, The Lion King, Cabaret, Waitress, The Cher Show, The Wiz, and more, accompanied by Asher
Denberg, Musical Director.

Reservations can be made to attend the 10 th Anniversary Celebration and the 2022 Springboard Grant
Winners Showcase at
https://www.brucemontgomery.org/event/2022-springboards-grant-awards-reception/
for $125.00 each, or $75.00 each for Young Friends (30 and under).
The event begins at 6:00 pm on Saturday, April 9 th , at 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia, with dinner
provided by 12 th Street Catering. Generous sponsors of the evening include: 2300 Arena, 12 th Street
Catering, and Susan Beard Design.