PECO and the Exelon Foundation, the independent, non-profit philanthropic organization funded by PECO parent company Exelon, have sponsored an exhibition of works by the influential African-American artist Henry Ossawa Tanner. The exhibition will appear at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) from Jan. 28 to Apr. 15, 2012.

Showcasing Tanner's paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, watercolors, and drawings, Henry Ossawa Tanner: Modern Spirit has been organized by PAFA, where the artist studied from 1879 to 1885. After the show closes in Philadelphia, the exhibit will travel to the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

In addition to the artwork, the exhibition delves into Tanner's life and career, from his upbringing in Philadelphia in the years after the Civil War, through the artist's training at PAFA, his success as an American artist at the highest levels of the international art world at the turn of the 20th century, and his modernist invigoration of religious painting deeply rooted in his faith.

"PECO and the Exelon Foundation are outstanding corporate citizens, committed to making educational and cultural opportunity accessible to the entire community. It is a great pleasure collaborating with them," said David R. Brigham, PAFA President & CEO.

The PECO and Exelon Foundation sponsorship allows PAFA to promote the Tanner exhibit through advertising, signage and targeted outreach to the community and to educators.

"We believe that this amazing collection of beautiful and spiritual paintings will not only revive interest in Tanner, but also inspire pride in our community that this is the masterwork of a Philadelphia native," said PECO President and CEO and Exelon Foundation Board Member Denis O'Brien. "Our support of this exhibition will broaden our efforts to increase access to the arts for people of all ages and backgrounds."

"Henry O. Tanner's contribution to American art since the late 20th century cannot be overstated," said Steven Solomon, president of the Exelon Foundation. "As part of our efforts to advance understanding of diversity and tolerance, the Exelon Foundation is pleased to help spotlight the work of this significant figure in African-American history."

About PECO

Based in Philadelphia, PECO is an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC). PECO serves 1.6 million electric and 490,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania and employs about 2,400 people in the region. PECO delivered 87.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas and 39.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2010. Founded in 1881, PECO is one of the Greater Philadelphia Region's most active corporate citizens, providing leadership, volunteer and financial support to numerous arts and culture, education, environmental, economic development and community programs and organizations.

About the Exelon Foundation

The Exelon Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization funded solely by Exelon Corporation, an energy company, through shareholder dollars. The Foundation supports non-profit, tax-exempt organizations primarily within the service territories of Exelon and its operating companies. The mission of the Foundation is to encourage respect for the environment and strengthen the social and economic fabric of the community by supporting programs in the areas of environment and conservation, innovative math and science education, and diversity and tolerance.

About PAFA

Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is America's first school of fine arts and museum. A recipient of the 2005 National Medal of Arts presented by the President of the United States, PAFA is a recognized leader in fine arts education. Nearly every major American artist has taught, studied, or exhibited at the Academy. The institution's world-class collection of American art continues to grow and provides what only a few other art institutions in the world offer: the rare combination of an outstanding museum and an extraordinary faculty known for its commitment to students and for the stature and quality of its artistic work.

PECO
Ben Armstrong, 215-841-4137
benjamin.armstrong@exeloncorp.com
or
Exelon Foundation
Paul Elsberg, 312-394-7417
paul.elsberg@exeloncorp.com
or
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Heike Rass, 215-972-2031
hrass@pafa.org