Art Live: Summer exhibits

Posted by Constance McBride on July 21, 2020

Eleven Green Apples by David Oleski at RAL

Yes, the Covid-19 summer surge is making it trickier to stick to a schedule for in-person, live art events but it isn’t holding folks back from finding creative ways to share art. Organizers are fast becoming as comfortable producing online exhibitions as collectors are in perusing them. The Art Trust Gallery at Meridian Bank in West Chester is taking things a step further by going live on Instagram every Thursday at 5:00 p.m. with the program Eat, Drink and be Artsy.

Obstacle Ahead by Ellie Byrom-Haley at The Art Trust

Hosted by board members Liz Ruff and Andrea Della Vecchia, the half hour features an interview with an artist participating in the current exhibition titled Unmasked. The show features past and current artist board members: John Baker, Katee Boyle, Ellie Byrom-Haley, Diane Cirafesi, Emily Manko, Constance McBride, Jeff Schaller, Andrew Snyder, Lisa Strode and David Jones. Each week, Della Vechhia and Ruff visit an artist’s home for a lively conversation about their art and their contributions as a board member. And, they have a lot of socially distanced fun while doing it. Craft cocktail enthusiasts will also enjoy watching while a unique aperitif is made.

In addition to displaying works in the gallery, artists are contributing a piece for the Art Raffle. Now in its second iteration, it’s a way for collectors to gain a new piece of art at an affordable price. This time around, it also provides an opportunity to support another local business in a time of need. While the country is still coping with a pandemic and witnessing social inequities being laid bare by it, it became important to Ruff and the rest of the board to support a local black owned business, “The Art Trust Gallery at Meridian Bank joins those across the nation who are raising their voices for a more just society and an end to racism. In partnership with our exhibiting artists, 90% of all raffle sales will be donated to The Melton Center, whose mission is to support citizens’ traditionally marginalized based on economic status, gender or race.” The Art Raffle will be online during the course of the exhibition. Unmasked is on view through August 28^th. The gallery is open for normal bank hours, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (masks required).

If you are cautious about venturing to the beach for a vacation, make your staycation count by taking in Rehoboth Arts League (RAL) summer themed shows from the comfort of your home. The organization has several offerings to choose from right now. The online Summer Juried Members’ Showcase Exhibition will be available for viewing through September 20^th. This show promises an escape into a world of beautiful and serene summer landscapes. Juried by member artist Brook Hedge, the show includes work by Tina Alinskas, Alice Betts, Douglas Elliott, Brandon Hirt, Joanne Lamm, Peter Treiber and many more. A solo exhibition of works by West Chester artist David Oleski will be online through August 23^rd. David Oleski: Prime Numbers, is a collection of still-life oil paintings. Using a gorgeous pastel palette, Oleski’s paintings are always soothing to view. And, last but not least, you can take a look at RAL’s Online Members’ Sales Gallery anytime; it’s on view through December 31^st. The online gallery is filled with one-of-a-kind works including jewelry by West Chester artist and the featured Artist of the Month Hali MacLaren. Browse the Collection of the RAL via Masterpiece Online.

Work being made by Tim McFarlane in TDCs The Response Gallery

At The Delaware Contemporary (TDC) see the powerful show From Chaos to Order: Making Our Way in the New World of Covid-19 on view in an online catalog. Participating artists hail from around the world. An opening is scheduled for Friday, August 7^th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The show runs through August 23^rd in the Constance S. & Robert J. Hennessey Project Space. If you do go out to see this, be sure to take a look in the DuPont II Gallery to see The Response Gallery, an emotionally charged, un-curated show of works being created by community members and local artists including Tim McFarlane, a popular artist and professor at Tyler School of Art. This show is on view through July 26^th. Cerulean Arts' 8th Annual Juried Exhibition features a wide variety of works from Philadelphia area artists. Teresa Shields’ unique fiber piece is a knock out and Saurabh Oza’s boldly colored abstract painting stands out from the crowd. This eclectic show can be viewed online through August 9^th.

One last note: The Barnes is re-opening on July 23^rd for members and July 25^th for the public. Check the website for all safety protocols.

Whatever you do this week, support the arts!!

About Constance McBride

A native of Philadelphia, Constance McBride lived in Arizona for 16 years, where desert observations made a transformative impact on her work as a research based visual artist. Passionate about contemporary art, she was actively engaged in the local arts community. She served as a board member for several art organizations, managed an artist collective/gallery space, curated and juried several exhibitions and wrote for two arts publications in Phoenix. She taught ceramics at Shemer Art Center and Museum and exhibited her work both locally and nationally. McBride returned to Pennsylvania in 2018 and resides in Chester Springs with her husband and two dogs. In West Chester, she serves as a board member at The Art Trust Gallery at Meridian Bank and teaches ceramics at Chester County Art Association. She also teaches at Clay on Main in Oley, PA. She is a member of American Craft Council, Philadelphia Sculptors, and Women’s Caucus for Art, Philadelphia Chapter.