Strawberry's Rosenbacchanal
The 1st Rosenbach 'Zine

Strawberry's Rosenbacchanal, a comic 'zine inspired by Rosenbach Museum & Library founders A.S.W. and Philip Rosenbach, was created by local artist/writer Ellen Rosenholtz. The 'zine was released May 9, 2003 in conjunction with the museum's grand re-opening celebration following its five-year restoration and expansion project.

Strawberry's Rosenbachannal follows the adventures of Rosenholtz's self-personified character Strawberry Girl and her friends Agent Honey Bunny, Double-Oh Kitty, Funki Munki, Chief One Too Many, and Bad Cop. "Utilizing the slice-of-a-day motif from James Joyce's Ulysses, Strawberry and her friends discuss the Rosenbach brothers at what is presumed to be a traditional after work gathering place—the bar," says Rosenholtz. "As the characters discuss their lives and opinions, the relationship between the Rosenbach's collecting, business interests, and ostentatious and consumer behavior, the characters themselves spiral into an evening of decadent consumption."

Brothers and business partners A.S.W. and Philip Rosenbach were avid collectors and internationally known dealers of rare books and antiques. Founded in 1954, the Rosenbach Museum & Library is dedicated to continuing the brothers' legacy as a museum of collecting. Says Rosenholtz, "I have had a fascination with the Rosenbach since the 70's when Danny Kimberg and I would wander DeLancey Place on the way to the Whodunit bookshop. When I had the opportunity to explore the recesses of what I had previously considered to be a stoic institution, I instead discovered a world of extraordinary objects, a wonderland of absorbed time—where hours slip by and you think only moments have passed."

Home to an outstanding treasure of rare books, manuscripts (including James Joyce's original manuscript for Ulysses), and fine and decorative art, the Rosenbach aims to make these objects accessible to the public through changing exhibitions and educational programs inspired by the collections. With recent renovations complete and a new building now open, the Rosenbach seeks to expand its visitor base. Funded by the Stockton Rush Bartol Foundation, the 'zine project reflects the Rosenbach's institution-wide goal to reach new and diverse audiences. "Offering a comic book-style 'zine to promote a cultural institution like the Rosenbach is certainly unconventional," says Hirsig Family Director of Education Bill Adair. "We hope this approach will prove highly successful in reaching younger and alternative audiences—and entice a new generation of museum-goers to give us a look."

Extensively trained in the visual arts, Rosenholtz is well-established in the Philadelphia arts community, with professional experience ranging from curatorial oversight for visual and theatrical disciplines to interactive arts programming for schoolchildren. Her own artistic endeavors demonstrate her firm commitment to bringing her work to the general public.