DC Artist Kelly Towles + Masterworks From the Phillips = American Art Redux

We shared pictures from our studio visit with DC artist Kelly Towles earlier this month; in this video, hear from the artist on testing boundaries and what he calls “a graceful vandalism” of  two iconic American artworks from Made in the USA.

The Phillips partnered with Towles to create two original t-shirt designs using reproductions of James Abbott McNeill Whistler’s Miss Lillian Woakes and Edward Hopper’s Approaching a City.  The limited edition t-shirts make their debut in the museum shop at the American Bounty Phillips after 5 on August 7; we’ll be giving away a signed shirt to one visitor that evening, stop by for a chance to win!

Endorsed by Mayor Vincent Gray

Mayors Arts Awards Ceremony 2013_SueNichols

Phillips staff and Trustee Tom Mansbach cheer on the Phillips at the Mayor’s Arts Awards. Photo: Sue Nichols

Last night, The Phillips Collection took home the Excellence in Artistic Discipline at the 28th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards. A number of staff headed to the Warner Theater to root for the Phillips and Trustee Tom Mansbach (pictured above at center) accepted the award. Thank you to the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for holding this annual spotlight to the arts, all of the partners who help us think creatively, and everyone who cheered on the museum last night! Your support is appreciated.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners! We are proud to be counted among so many wonderful arts organizations. Check the Art(202) blog for a full list.