April 25, 2018

There were so many interesting events last week in the art world. Did you get yourself a tattoo at the Delaware College of Art and Design’s ArtParty? Did you check out the new Gallery DUO in Fairville? By the way, if you weren’t able to make it to their grand opening, their business hours are Sunday through Wednesday by appointment only, Thursday and Friday from 12 to 6 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pop by and check out their beautiful second floor space! Now onto this weeks’ offerings…

Tomorrow, Church Street Gallery will host Teresa Haag’s artist talk at 7 p.m. in West Chester. I featured the opening of her exhibition in last weeks’ column, but to refresh your memory, she makes beautiful industrial cityscapes with a collage vibe to them. Stop by to learn more about her background and process. The show runs through May 5th.

The warmer weather is welcoming to outdoor art events. We have a few of those coming up as well. Street Road Gallery is currently hosting Luyi Wang as she installs a new mural onsite. I’m particularly excited to see the finished product, as murals around these parts are few and far between. Street Road has large aspirations which are evident in the unique projects they support, and the artists that they dig deep and venture far for. Wang is an award winning illustrator and artist based out of New York. The mural is an illustration from her book Reigning Heads. The mature subject matter which focuses on dystopian and surreal, is presented in a youthful, colorful manner which directly opposes it. The conversation between her stories and their illustrations is where the magic is found.

Wang describes the story: “The book reflects upon the ways in which modern society has become increasingly self-serving, narcissistic, and apathetic, filled with the Beings, who care about nothing but themselves and, who are controlled by the Heads. The mural design is based on the last page of the book and shows a happy ending with the Beings and Heads blended together, evolving into a type of new creature, one that cares about the environment and animals, and respects love. Besides the book content, this image also represents diversity. There is no doubt that we will be stronger and happier when we hold each other’s hands.” The takeaway, a lesson on empathy, is universally relevant and suits the purpose of a mural well. While the installation is occurring now, the opening reception isn’t until May 19th 4 – 8pm. Don’t worry, I’ll remind you again. In the meantime, you can view her illustrations at The Little Free Library in Cochranville through August 2018.

This weekend is a big one in Kennett Square. I mentioned it last week, but it bears repeating. First, Student Art On The Square at the American Legion on State Street, on both Saturday and Sunday from from 10 to 5, will host some fantastic local student art. I’m always blown away by what the younger generations in this area create.  After that, stop by  the Artists On The Square outdoor art event on Broad Street from Saturday ONLY from 12 to 5 p.m. I can officially say, since we are less than a week out, that the weather for Saturday is looking cooperative. Spring is FINALLY here, and what better way to celebrate it than perusing some art, jewelry, and enjoying live music and a beer garden on Broad Street? Finally, check out Contemporary Kennett(Saturday ONLY from 5 to 8 p.m. above Nomadic Pies on State Street for some local, fun art as well as live music, popcorn, and tasty treats by Sarah Bates of Brewer’s Hideaway Farm.

“The art of the Forge” exhibitors at Oxford Arts Alliance will give a talk and demonstration April 28th at 2 pm. Jill Beech, Meghan Bergman, Luke DiBerardinis, Curtis Bohn, Lele Galer, Bruce Jarrell, Ellen Durkan, Kerry Rhodes, Judy Petersen, Rob Sigafoos, and Michael Walker  are the artists on exhibit. The show was curated by Lele Galer and Rob Sigafoos.

If you find yourself in the Aston, PA area, Heroncrest Studios and Rockdale Art Center will be hosting an indoor/outdoor art event from 10 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 28th. It’s a family friendly event with music by Makin Music Rockin’ Rhythms, and Dutchman Fountains will have fountains and statues for sale and on display. 2 New Roads Studios will have open studios with art for sale as well. In addition to good food and live music, Heron Crest Studios will be open to the public and will feature the following participating artists: Lorri Primavera – jeweler, Elizabeth Breakell – oil painter. Jennie Adams – infinity scarves & jewelry. Cole Grey – acrylic painter, Christine Sirko – ceramicist, Heidi Hammel – hats & mittens from reclaimed wool sweaters, Pat Scarano – oil & watercolor painter, Jared Loss of Rockdale Music – acoustic music, Kim Fink from Sage Farmhouse and Makin’ Music.

Finally, Main Line Art Centers’ Art In Action Exhibition and Scholarship Drive kicks off on Saturday, April 28th as well. The exhibition features work by Jessica Curtaz in cooperation with the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf as well as Ariel Edwards, Elaine Lisle, Deirdre Murphy and Scott White in collaboration with a student from The Shipley School and Bernice Paul. As mentioned on their website, Main Line Art Center describes the event which will, “kick off our crowdfunding campaign designed to increase the number of need-based scholarships we grant each year to children, adults, seniors, veterans, and families. Through Art in Action, we hope to raise scholarship funds, celebrate our artistic community and honor our mission to make art accessible to everyone.” The opening event, which is free to the public, starts at 6:30 p.m. and includes light fare and a free drink ticket to those of legal drinking age. However, RSVP is required. If you can’t make it, donate to www.gofundme.com/mainlineart. The campaign ends June 2nd.

On May 2nd, Gallery 222 kicks of their new exhibition, Nurture to Nature featuring artists, Kristi Gilfillan and Joan Spillman. Show runs through May 26th. Reception will be held May 3rd, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

As always, tune into Art Watch on WCHE 1520AM from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Next Wednesday, May 2nd, tune is as  Rhoda Kahler, clay sculptor, hosts -the PAC (Public Arts Commission) with John Baker, Jimmer Breen and Diane LeBolt. Until next week!