This month, Glen Foerd will mark the debut of two new art installations as part of a broader citywide celebration tied to America's 250th anniversary.
As a bonus, the public park and nonprofit site along the Delaware River is set to host a free reception and artist discussion on June 7 (3 to 5 p.m.), inviting visitors to explore new works by Philadelphia artists Jessica Eldredge and Caitlin McCormack.
The installations are part of ‘Radical Americana’, a collaborative arts initiative led by The Clay Studio that brings together Philadelphia-area museums, galleries, and cultural organizations. Through exhibitions and public programming, the project examines the region's “deep connections to art, craftsmanship, labor, and civic participation while encouraging conversations about the country's evolving identity.”
In total, ‘Radical Americana’ features the work of 45 artists across multiple sites throughout the Philadelphia area. The initiative serves as one of many cultural programs commemorating the nation's Semiquincentennial. At Glen Foerd, guests will have the opportunity not only to view the newly unveiled installations but also to hear directly from the featured artists during a panel discussion exploring their creative processes and the themes behind their work.
One of the featured works at Glen Foerd is ‘Social Fabric Souvenirs’ by local artist Jessica Eldredge. Inspired by archival research at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the installation draws on commemorative items created during previous American milestone celebrations, including maps, handkerchiefs, scrapbooks, and collectible buttons. Through printed textiles and keepsake-style objects, Eldredge examines the ways everyday souvenirs “preserve personal memories while also revealing deeper stories about national identity, belonging, and the complex histories woven into the American experience.”
Fellow local artist Caitlin McCormack will additionally debut ‘Cry Violet’, an immersive installation that combines crochet, textile design, and custom upholstery. Developed through botanical research conducted at Glen Foerd, the work centers on three sculptural chairs adorned with intricate crocheted plant forms. McCormack uses the pieces as symbolic "grief totems," exploring overlooked narratives connected to labor, incarceration, loss, and resilience.
The June 7 celebration will extend beyond the two Glen Foerd installations with a panel discussion featuring Eldredge and McCormack alongside artists Sophie Glenn and Jody Graff, whose own Radical Americana projects are currently on display at Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum. Presented in partnership with Andalusia, the conversation will dive into recurring themes found throughout the exhibitions, including craft traditions, memory, labor, historical storytelling, and the significance of everyday objects such as chairs and quilts.
Visitors attending the free event will also have an opportunity to explore Glen Foerd's historic mansion and scenic grounds (at 5001 Grant Ave.) that overlook the river. Light refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon, and more information and registration is available online at .glenfoerd.org/events
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