The Artist
Izabel Rothman (Izzi) is a Philadelphia based interdisciplinary artist. Using glass, fibers, wood, and mixed media, they create installations and sculptural works that investigate themes of disability, chronic pain, and growth through unideal conditions. With a background in human microbiology, Izzi is inspired by natural history museum curation, and biological and sociological function through adversity. They began working in glass in 2018 and use the medium as a vehicle for reflecting on the similarities of the material to disabled bodies, and other underrepresented and misunderstood groups. Their work is informed by personal experience and the movement of overcoming obstacles, as well as the human ability of adaptation.
Izzi has a decade-long background in ceramics as both an artist and teacher. Their work has been shown as part of the Cherry Street Pier 2022 show- Pier Review, Dodomu Gallery 2023 online show- Lines and Other Forms, and The Temple Contemporary’s 2023- Message Received. They are currently working towards their BFA in glass at Tyler School of Art and Architecture and are the recipient of the 2023 Partner Scholarship at Corning Museum of Glass.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Jenkintown Festival of the Arts is the largest outdoor art festival in Montgomery County. The one-day event attracts over 8,000 visitors every year, and has been in operation for over 20 years. This year, the Jenkintown Community Alliance is looking for creative individuals or teams to generate and construct an art or sculpture installation to be on display for the duration of the festival.
THE SITE
704 Greenwood Ave
Jenkintown, 19046
44’ x 59’ area
>2,500 sq ft
Bounded by:
– Greenwood Ave (north)
– Pioneer Fire Co. (west)
– Landscaping (south)
– Location of the Beer & wine area (east)
Installation will be located at the center of the festival at the intersection of artist vendor stalls, live music performances, and food and alcohol sales. The site has high visibility and foot traffic for maximum exposure.
THE CHALLENGE
Installations can be sculptural, experiential, projections, mixed media, gallery, or anything that celebrates your art. Applicants are encouraged to use their imagination to design and produce their installation. The competition is open to individuals or teams age 18 and up, and the festival occurs rain or shine.
Award
THE JURY
The Board Members of the Jenkintown Community Alliance, in addition to the members of the Festival Committee.
CHELSEA SPERGER
JCA President
Owner of the Sewing Room
KIERAN FARRELL
JCA Vice President
LEE ROSENTHAL
JCA Treasurer
STUART TOLLEN
JCA Secretary
D.C., C.C.S.P.
Jenkintown Chiropractic Center
TRISH MILLER
JCA Board Member
Owner of Breslin’s Consignment
HEIDI BRAUNSCHWEIG
JCA Board Member
THE TIMELINE
Competition Registration & Submission
Installation Preparation & Assembly
THE SUBMISSION
Submissions should be in .pdf or .mp4 format & should be emailed to contact@jenkintownfest.org before noon of May 15th
Please Do
Be creative and utilize the natural features of the site
Apply as an individual or as a team of as many people as you’d like
Be sure to include your full name in your email to the board
Include a minimum 500 word description of your submission
Feel free to submit as many ideas as you can think of
Consider public safety and weather as it impacts your design idea
But Don’t
Cause any permanent damage or disrupt the landscaping
Apply if you are closely associated with any of the jurors
Include any part of your name or a business logo on your submission
Make your submission fully text. Images* (including sketches) are preferred
Promise something you can’t follow through with building and installing
Worry, if you need to ask more specific questions just email us!
*Please be advised that fully AI images will not be accepted, however collages using AI art as inspiration when accompanied by supplemental images will be considered.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Thank you and please feel free to email any specific questions to contact@jenkintownfest.org