Mummer's Parade 2011

Starting off the new year surrounded by color, music, dancing and hundreds of comics was the perfect way to go into 2011. The energy and excitement is amazing!

Laurel Hill Cemetery

I recently had the great privilege of photographing in Laurel Hill Cemetery in order to showcase its grand history and beauty in video. As the website states, "It is an outdoor sculptural garden, a horticultural gem and a truly unique historical resource." As one who loves to tell stories, this project is one I am so enjoying doing. Laurel Hill is one of the oldest Victorian cemeteries in the United States and there are 78 acres of art and history. "Victorians delighted in memorial symbolism. Sometimes the monuments reflect a common repertoire of visual symbols. Angels with upraised fingers point the way to salvation. Shattered columns indicate a premature death. Flags, calvary swords, and arms represent a military career. In many cases, symbolism reflects the person. A mortar and pestle marks the resting place of George W. Vaughan, a well known pharmacist. An eagle perches on the monument of Commodore Isaac Hull, hero of the War of 1812. Calvary spurs memorialize Benjamin Hodgson, who died in the battle of Little Big Horn." So many fascinating people are resting here... Josepha Hale, who edited Godey's Lady's Book; Thomas Walter, who designed the dome of the United States Capital building. Laurel Hill has earned its distinction as Philadelphia's Underground Museum. My great thanks go out to Alexis Jeffcoat for her warmth, welcoming and help with this project. Joseph Edgette. Phd and Richard Sauers are truly the consumate storytellers, passing along their wealth of research and knowledge so generously. Taking a tour with them is a fascinating experience. Upcoming events are: General Meade Celebration on New Year's Eve and I am told that hundreds of people come to this so get there early. Also, you may want to be a part of their 175th Anniversary Celebration. The website provides all the fun and interesting details. Again, many thanks Alexis, Joe and Rich! (Also, Caitlin Dougherty for your camera help!)

A Last Look at Fall in Valley Green

Valley Green is located on the outskirts of Philadelphia. This was one of the first pieces of publicly owned U.S. land to be preserved due to its scenic beauty...waterfalls, a covered bridge, winding paths calling to be explored and a welcoming inn and restaurant since 1850 (The Valley Green Inn)

Valley Green in the Fall from Frances Schwabenland on Vimeo.

Mummer's Parade 2010

Two years ago, I had the pleasure of following the Irish American String Band in order to make a video of all the behind the scenes planning and preparations. I was in awe of the dedication of these people... practicing the whole year through and then no matter what the weather is on New Year's Day, these men and women of all ages take on heavy costumes and instruments for a seven mile walk up Broad Street. There is little opportunity for food or a rest stop but they make this all look so easy and come back year after year. So, for me, it is a great way to start out a new year...in the company of amazingly dedicated and creative people who bring forth an explosion of color, sound and fun!

Jun Kaneko and City Hall

On Saturday night, I caught the last part of a news story relating to the new sculptural installation of 12 foot bronze heads in City Hall courtyard. These were so unique, it caught my attention and I just had to go to find out more and thought this was definitely a photographic moment! Jun Kaneko is the Japanese artist who created these "dangos" (Japanese word for rounded form) and is being honored with a city-wide celebration of his artwork.

"On the Wings of Music: Art, Opera & You" includes the sculptural installations at City Hall, the Kimmel Center and the Locks Gallery as well as the debut of his production of the opera, Madama Butterfly in October. Not only did I enjoy photographing these sculptures, but what was even better was seeing how people interacted with them... some felt the need to connect with a huge bear hug while others actually thought that a photographic moment should include a flirtatious kiss! Move over "Rocky", your competition is in town!

PS...When in City Hall, always look up. The architecture is so intricate and fascinating.

Memorial Hall, West Fairmount Park, Philadelphia

While driving through West Philadelphia's Farmount Park, I could not resist photographing this stately and elegant building, the first example of Beaux-Arts architecture in the United States.

It was designed by Fairmount Park Chief Engineer, Herman Schwarzman for the Centennial of 1876. President Ulysses S. Grant presided over the dedication ceremony. It is known for its distinctive dome with the poetic symbol of the United States, Columbia, adorning the top. The figures at the end of the main facade symbolize industry and commerce. In 1877, it served at the city's first Philadelphia Museum of Art. (Source: Wikipedia, The Fairmount Park Organization)

Memorial Hall is now presently home to the Please Touch Museum.

The Magic Garden

A t 1022 South Street, Isaiah Zagar began "what could be called a life's work, making the city of Philadelphia into a labyrinthine mosaic museum that incorporates my varied knowledge and skills."  When I recently walked through this "garden space", I was surrounded by an explosion of color and ideas which drew from Isaiah's time in South America with the Peace Corps and it was truly magical!  I spent hours exploring every ceiling, wall, floor and tucked away corners...no space went untouched by Isaiah's vision!  Dennis Harvey of the San Francisco Bay Guardian stated, "Because Isaiah's epic mosaics of tile, paint and embedded detritus are so remarkable, you'll want to book the next flight to Philly to see them."  I highly agree!  His son, Jeremiah, created a documentary on his father's work entitled, "In A Dream" which is now playing throughout the US.