Artist Residency
Through a partnership with Raven Fine Art Editions, several artists have spent time at 13th and Locust Streets pulling inspiration from HSP’s collections. We are excited to announce the launch of the next project in this artistic undertaking.
Curlee Raven Holton
The Sublime Narrative of Self-Emancipation
Curlee Raven Holton, founder and master printmaker of Raven Fine Art Editions, serves as HSP's 2025 Artist in Residence. His new artist book, The Sublime Narrative of Self-Emancipation, draws from HSP’s abolitionist collections and the rich traditions of Black spirituals in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society (PAS). This work is offered in a limited edition of 15 artist books and 8 individual prints, with only 6 of each currently available. The artist book is priced at $2,500, and individual prints are $1,800 each. (Complete set of 8 prints is $12,000.)
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I Once Was Lost, But Now Am Found
Artist: Curlee Raven Holton
Edition Size: 6 (B&W)
Medium: Serigraph
Paper: Rives BFK 100% rag
Paper size: 22x30
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Jesus Stands On the Other Side
Artist: Curlee Raven Holton
Edition Size: 6 (B&W)
Medium: Serigraph
Paper: Rives BFK 100% rag
Paper size: 22x30
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Let My People Go
Artist: Curlee Raven Holton
Edition Size: 6 (B&W)
Medium: Serigraph
Paper: Rives BFK 100% rag
Paper size: 22x30
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Building More Stately Mansions
Artist: Curlee Raven Holton
Edition Size: 6 (B&W)
Medium: Serigraph
Paper: Rives BFK 100% rag
Paper size: 22x30
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The Sweet Chariot Awaits You
Artist: Curlee Raven Holton
Edition Size: 6 (B&W)
Medium: Serigraph
Paper: Rives BFK 100% rag
Paper size: 22x30
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Steal Away
Artist: Curlee Raven Holton
Edition Size: 6 (B&W)
Medium: Serigraph
Paper: Rives BFK 100% rag
Paper size: 22x30
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A Pathway To Freedom
Artist: Curlee Raven Holton
Edition Size: 6 (B&W)
Medium: Serigraph
Paper: Rives BFK 100% rag
Paper size: 22x30
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Blackbird Fly
Artist: Curlee Raven Holton
Edition Size: 6 (B&W)
Medium: Serigraph
Paper: Rives BFK 100% rag
Paper size: 22x30
Holton's residency at the Historical Society involved looking at many collections, primarily those of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. These documents provided inspiration for Holton to explore the narrative of self-empowerment as demonstrated by enslaved Africans and their free brethren to deploy strategies of self-liberation. He described the meaning of his work in conversation with Dr. Ashley Jordon, President and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia, at the launch of the artist book at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Watch a clip from that program here.
Mel Edwards
Vision and Purpose I, II, III, IV
Artist Mel Edwards created the first print for our artist-in-residency program, Vision and Purpose I, II, III & IV, a serigraph. Raven has produced a series of 60 prints over four editions, each with different coloring. Edwards focused his work on HSP’s collections related to Father Divine (1877-1965), a religious leader and founder of the International Peace Mission.
Vision and Purpose I
Medium: Serigraph and Digital
Paper, Rives BFK 100% rag
Paper size: 22x30
Image size: 18x24
Vision and Purpose I Edition Size 15 (B&W)
Vision and Purpose II
Medium: Serigraph and Digital
Paper, Rives BFK 100% rag
Paper size: 22x30
Image size: 18x24
Vision and Purpose II Edition Size 15 (B&W with color block)
Vision and Purpose III
Medium: Serigraph and Digital
Paper, Rives BFK 100% rag
Paper size: 22x30
Image size: 18x24
Vision and Purpose III Edition Size 15 (Sepia)
Vision and Purpose IV
Medium: Serigraph and Digital
Paper, Rives BFK 100% rag
Paper size: 22x30
Image size: 18x24
Vision and Purpose IV Edition Size 15 (Sepia with color block)