Dates

April 8th - October 13th 2026

 

Exhibiting Artists

Katie Strachan

 

Exhibiting location

One of the largest public library special collections in the United States, the Rare Book Department at the Free Library of Philadelphia stewards a world-class collection covering 6,000 years of human history, from cuneiform tablets to contemporary works. Since its official founding in 1949, the Department has offered free daily tours, rotating exhibitions, and a reading room available for use by scholars and the public alike.

The Rare Book Department is part of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Special Collections Division. Special Collections has long been an important part of the Free Library, inspiring curiosity and promoting engagement with historic materials since that first donation over 125 years ago.

Visit their site

Dollars to Donuts

Dollars to Donuts explores the contradictions of the American Dream through ceramic works inspired by historic handwritten and devotional manuscript traditions, especially Pennsylvania German Fraktur. Drawing from research in rare book and archival collections, the exhibition considers how ideals such as virtue, equality, faith, and belonging are preserved, translated, and unsettled across time.

kate strachan

About the artist

Katie Strachan

Katie Strachan is a multidisciplinary artist, who divides her time between Asia and the US.  Her clay work integrates various materials such as wax, wood and fiber to form manuscripts, sculpture, installation, and video art. The doctrine of her Pennsylvania Dutch roots forms a basis in which layers of femininity, dark humor and questioning are all orchestrated together.  Kate's work is viewed as a collection of both relics and texts conveying and preserving the routine of action, sexuality and silence. ​

Artist website

artwork featured

kate strachan fraktur trust image 1

fraktur trust

free library building

Research Location

Free Library of Philadelphia

The Free Library of Philadelphia was founded in 1891 as the city’s first free public library. The first acquisition of rare books came in 1899 and was soon joined by other significant books, artworks, and artifacts. Of particular note are our collections of medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, Islamic and South Asian manuscripts, early Americana, children’s books and illustrators, Pennsylvania German imprints and fraktur, the history of the book and books arts, and literature.

Learn more
hsp 1 blog

Research Location

Historical Society of Pennsylvainia

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, founded in 1824, is one of the nation’s largest archives of historical documents. We are proud to serve as Philadelphia’s Library of American History, with over 21 million manuscripts, books, and graphic images encompassing centuries of US history. HSP serves more than 4,000 on-site researchers annually, as well as millions more worldwide who use its online resources. HSP is also a leading center for documenting and studying ethnic communities and immigrant experiences in the 20th century, and one of the largest family history libraries in the country. Through educator workshops, research opportunities, public programs, and lectures throughout the year, we strive to make history relevant and exhilarating to all.

Learn More
radam type 2025 88

Full Project Information

Radical Americana

For the Semiquincentennial, The Clay Studio is leading Radical Americana, a series of exhibitions organized by a consortium of Philadelphia’s arts and cultural institutions. Each celebrates how artists today are continuing the city’s robust legacy as a center for art, skill, and civic engagement. The 45 artists researched and were inspired by the art and history of Philadelphia in 1776, and the subsequent commemorations in 1876, 1926, and 1976. The artists' new work will add their voices to current dialogue about our nation’s present and future, inspire civil dialogue, celebrate Philadelphia's diversity, and continue the rich tradition of creativity in our city.

Learn more