Ellen Harvey & Jan Baracz's YOU ARE HERE Dedicated in PHL Terminal F

The Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy's Percent for Art Program and Philadelphia International Airport have announced the completion of YOU ARE HERE, a new public art work by Ellen Harvey and Jan Baracz. The artist team, both based in New York City, joined City and Airport officials for the official dedication of the artwork and the terminal improvements earlier today. Their work is located on the glass curtain wall of the vibrant new Terminal F HUB. This commission furthers the Airport's goal to create dynamic visual landmarks, providing a memorable experience for travelers at Philadelphia International Airport.

The work is intended to greet Airport travelers with a panoramic aerial vista of Philadelphia dominated by the curve of the Delaware River that viewers that have either just seen or are about to see - the view of flying into or out of Philadelphia. The view is translated into sparkling blue glass reminiscent of architectural blueprints, and an iconic red arrow marks the location of the viewer - the internationally recognized sign for YOU ARE HERE. By situating the airport within its larger geographic context, the piece aims to alleviate the sense of alienation and disorientation felt by many travelers and connects viewers to the natural beauty of the airport's site along the river.

Harvey and Baracz have exhibited internationally and throughout the United States. They have completed numerous public commissions, and their works are included in public and private collections around the world. Ellen Harvey attended Harvard College, Yale Law School, and the Whitney Museum of American Art Independent Study Program. She is currently represented in Philadelphia by Locks Gallery. Jan Baracz received his MFA from Bard College in Annandale, NY, and also attended the Independent Study Program of the Whitney Museum of American Art. For this Percent for Art opportunity, a national open call was announced in January 2011 to artists residing in the United States. Out of the 49 applicants, eight semi-finalists were selected to present proposals. An independent jury, along with representatives of Philadelphia International Airport, unanimously recommended Ellen Harvey and Jan Baracz for the project.

The Percent for Art Program of the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy commissions exceptional and enduring works of site-specific public art by renowned and emerging artists for City buildings. Philadelphia's public art collection is recognized as the largest and most remarkable in the world. Since 1959, more than 300 works of art have been commissioned through the City of Philadelphia's Percent for Art Program. For additional information on Percent for Art commissions, please contact Margot Berg, Public Art Director, or Dave Kyu, Percent for Art Project Manager, or visit http://creativephl.org.