CFEVA Artistic Advisor
Independent Curator
Eileen Tognini is a "Curator Collaborator Innovator" in Philadelphia, creating art-centered events ranging from large-scale, site-specific art installations to intimate salons, sculpture gardens, and unique commissioned projects. Eileen also works with private clients, both individuals and commercial entities to envision endeavors with a particular focus on local artists and designers. Locally-based restaurateur, Stephen Starr engaged Eileen to participate in a pop-up restaurant strategy that featured selected artists for the 3-day culinary experience. A design-centric initiative sponsored by GPTMC (Greater Philadelphia Marketing Tourism Corporation) commissioned Eileen and Interior designer RJ Thornburg in 2007/8 to create a boutique hotel experience at the Westin Hotel with over 30 local artists/designers.
Prior to her practice, Ms. Tognini worked for IBM for 14 years as a Marketing Executive, and then with Philadelphia-based, internationally recognized Olin Partnership, Landscape Architects, and Urban Planners. Most recently, Tognini served as Chair for Collab, a group of design professionals supporting the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Contemporary and Modern Design Collection; a member of CFEVA Board of Artistic Advisors; a member of the Drexel University Westphal Arts Council, SCEE Arts Committee, Advisory Board Philadelphia Sculpture Gym and served on the Advisory Board for Fiber Philadelphia 2012. Tognini is a past recipient of the Arts & Business Council's "Business Volunteer for the Arts" award for her efforts with the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA).
Eileen consults with non-profits arts organizations, mentors artists, and is often invited to participate in juries, panels, and competitions. Moore College of Art invited Eileen to deliver the Commencement to its 2012 Graduate Studies class.
Eileen's most recent curatorial project, Symphony in D Minor, appeared as the Centerfold feature in Interior Design, February 2013. Additional projects have been published in the Wall Street Journal, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Home, American Style, and numerous international blogs.