May 16 – August 1, 2026
PHILADELPHIA, PA —The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania proclaims people ‘have the right to clean air and water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic values of the environment.’ The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 was the first major U.S. law to address water pollution. Growing public concern led to the 1972 Clean Water Act.
For more than two centuries, the Fairmount Water Works has built upon a foundation of civic duty, engineering and environmental sustainability and education. In 1976, the Fairmount Water Works was designated as a National Historic Landmark for its architectural beauty and engineering innovations. Now it is host to its fourth annual fine art exhibition curated by Thom Duffy under the direction of FWWIC Director Karen Young.
WE THE PEOPLE: Preserve Our Right to Clean Water
May 16 – August 1, 2026
Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center
640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia PA, 19130
The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) has been a national leader in educating the public about the value of clean water and the need for public stewardship of our regional and local watersheds. This exhibition encapsulates these ideas and invites visitors to engage in thought and discussion sparked by a series of events which celebrate clean water including a fine art exhibition, installations, dance performances and interactive displays throughout the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center.
VISITOR INFO: Wednesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm
Admission is FREE to all visitors
PREVIEW RECEPTION: Thursday, May 14th 4:30pm-7:00pm
Curator/Artists Talks: Two one hour sessions at 11am and 1pm on these select Saturdays:
May 16 & 30; June 13& 27; July 11 & 18, and August 1
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Keith Breitfeller, *Emily Brown, Brian David Dennis, Thom Duffy, **Benjamin Passione, Rinal Parikh, Amie Potsic, Ana Vizcarra Rankin, Robert Reinhardt and Michael Williamson.
*Avery Galleries and **Gross McCleaf Gallery
The exhibition is brought to you in part by the Fund for the Water Works and the Edward F. Grusheski Water Literacy Foundation.
Keith R. Breitfeller 2024 A Oil on canvas 18” x 18”
Media Contact: Nancy Becker, Fifteen Minutes (215) 290-7668