Special Capital Projects
Imagine…27 Acres for the Arts
Abington Art Center is in the home stretch on a project that will improve the grounds around our home in a way that will increase the art activities, beautify the neighborhood, reclaim an historic landscape and preserve a rare piece of open space. AAC’s educational and curatorial activities will grow side by side with the changes in the landscape. And all of these improvements have been made possible with your ongoing support.
Get an update on the Little Abington Meetinghouse Restoration.
Construction Has Begun
Construction at the Corner
Pathways Along Perimeter
Connecting to Sculpture Park Trail
Abington Art Center is unique in that it takes art out of the formal museum setting and makes it accessible to all. In response to growing demand for its outdoor programs, Abington Art Center initiated a master plan process in 2002 in partnership with Abington Township. Created in concert with landscape architects and planners, neighbors, staff, volunteers and township officials, the master plan was developed to guide the Center’s programmatic and site decisions over the next ten years.
Now some major changes can be seen along Meetinghouse and Jenkintown Roads and at the corner. In May 2010, the Restoration Committee hosted a “House Warming” party at the 1836 Little Abington Meetinghouse. These changes will be followed shortly by other improvements for casual and repeat visitors to enjoy self-guided and spontaneous tours of the Sculpture Park. Here are some recent images to show the progress on the site.
Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell awarded AAC a matching grant of $500,000. Abington Art Center’s Board of Trustees are working on capital fundraising and ask the community to help us match the Governor’s pledge. With a generous pledge of $40,000 from Abington Bank, Abington Art Center proudly reports that our Capital Campaign is officially fulfilled!
27 Acres for the Arts, for the Community and for Open Space
• Preserve our unique and invaluable landscape
• Provide the community greater access, better services and more convenience
• Increase cultural and educational opportunities
• Commission artists to make new works, participate in residency programs and design park amenities
• Enhance the quality of life in our community and region.
Phase One:
Woodland and Perimeter Pathway Systems – will improve pedestrian access to the Center for self-guided, spontaneous tours of the grounds. The perimeter path project will enhance the streetscape of Jenkintown and Meetinghouse Roads including the creation of a new space at the corner for signage and public sculpture.
A Seasonal Outdoor Performance Area (aka the Abington Bank Stage) – takes advantage of the natural amphitheater on the site. Here families enjoy outdoor concerts and performances.
A New Visitor Orientation Exhibit – an outdoor exhibit designed by Metcalfe Architects provides information to guide and enrich the visitor’s experience.
Improved Signage – will direct visitors to all major exhibits and landscape elements allowing them to successfully navigate the site.
Revitalization of the Little 1836 Quaker Meetinghouse – through adaptive reuse the Meetinghouse will provide the perfect venue for additional cultural activities such as small audience performances and poetry readings. AAC, Abington Township and community groups will work together to develop suitable programs for the site now that the site has “opened” following years of fundraising, preservation and construction.
Public Artists Commissions – will enhance the Sculpture Park with innovative practical items such as footbridges, walkways, lighting and benches that will interweave art, function and the natural environment.
