New Year, New Shows

Posted by Victoria Rose on January 24, 2022

G222 - Jeremy McGirl, Catbird on Fence

Chester County Art Association - JP Weber

Art is ready to show up in 2022! Galleries around the Brandywine Valley have new shows for the new year. With emerging artists, past favorites, and unusual mediums, the exhibits brighten the dark days of winter. Don’t forget to check the gallery’s website or call ahead for updated safety measures.

The Chester County Arts Association, as always, brings in the new year with vibrant exhibitions. Two shows open on January 13^th and run until February 2^nd. The Members Show in the Allinson Gallery includes art from a wide variety of artists. This juried exhibition encompasses all styles and mediums. In the Huston Gallery, the exhibit “Cracked to Creation: Healing Power of Intuitive Art” showcases the exciting art of JP Weber. A local artist who began painting after a career in banking took too many tolls on their life, Weber’s talent shines in his large-scale works. Full of vibrant colors and evocative imagery, Weber is one of the most exciting current artists in our area. The CCAA is located at 100 North Bradford Avenue, West Chester, PA. More information can be found at ChesterCountyArts.org.

Art Trust - Eve Hoyt - And Then it was Blue

The Art Trust lights up with “Neon Currents,” an exhibit co-hosted with Neon Museum of Philadelphia. The show spans both galleries, with pieces from Alissa Eberle, Eve Hoyt, Victoria Ahmadizadeh Melendez, Haley Ryane Meushaw, and others. Using the dynamic medium of neon lighting, the pieces highlight the vintage and modern alike. An Opening Reception will be held at The Art Trust on January 28^th from 5 to 8:30 p.m., with another held at The Neon Museum of Philadelphia on January 29^th from 1 to 4 p.m. The Art Trust is at 16 West Market Street, West Chester, PA. The Neon Museum of Philadephia is located at 1800 N. American Street, Philadelphia, PA. More information can be found at TheArtTrust.org.

Gallery 22 is taking advantage of the situation with a show entitled “22 Artists at G222 in 2022,” which runs through February 26^th. Curated by one of their favorite artists, Fred Danziger, the show includes three pieces by each of the twenty-two selected artists. As Danziger says, “This eclectic mix of artists, many of whom have never shown previously at G222, essentially present a unique survey of diverse answers to the question: ‘what is art?’” Artists displaying their work in the show include Elise Phillips, Shushana Rucker, Jeremy McGirl, Randall Graham, and Jennifer Baker, among others. Gallery 222 is located at 222 East King Street, Malvern, PA. More information can be found at Gallery222Malvern.com.

The Darlington Arts Center brings in local mixed-media artist Lynnette Shelley for a show that is open to the public through February 20^th. Shelley incorporates nature and animals in her vivid artwork. Her “fauxsaic” collage pieces bring to mind the stunning stained glass of gothic cathedrals, modernized with intense color and detail. Awarded “Master Artisan” status by the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen in 2021, Shelley’s work is worth seeing in person to experience the full effect. The Darlington Arts Center is at 977 Shavertown Road, Garnet Valley, PA. More information can be found at DarlingtonArts.org.

Main Line Art Center celebrates Asian and Asian-American traditions with “LUNAR: A New Year.” Curated by Adam Chau, twelve conceptual artists each contributed a piece depicting one of the animals of the Zodiac calendar. Featuring stunning pieces in various mediums, the show includes artists Isolina Minjeong, Mari Ogihara, and Collette Fu. The Main Line Art Center is located at 746 Panmure Road, Haverford, PA. More information can be found at MainLineArt.org.

The Malvern Retreat House will host its Annual Art Show from February 2^nd through 6^th. This popular event shows more two thousand fine art pieces. Featuring a juried exhibition and many local artists, the show is a gorgeous display of the talent of the Brandywine Valley and beyond. Art will be available for sale, with free admission daily and a complimentary Wine and Cheese Reception on Thursday, February 3^rd, from 4 to 8 pm. The Malvern Retreat House is located at 315 S. Warren Avenue, Malvern, PA. More information can be found at MalvernRetreat.com.

The Square Pear Gallery celebrates chilly weather with a “Winter Show 2022” through February. Snowy landscapes hang alongside quirky still lifes and pottery throughout. Local artists including Merrill Weber, Radhika Srinivas, Robing Sesan, Jack Gianguilio, Lini Stevens, and over twenty others are included. All artwork, as well as curated handcrafted items and gift ideas, is available for sale. The Square Pear Gallery is located at 200 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA. More information can be found at SquarePearGallery.com.

About Victoria Rose

Victoria Rose (she/her) is an editor, writer, avid reader, self-described geek, and fan of all things creative. Her passion for words has led to her current career as a freelance editor, and she is the owner of Flickering Words, an editing service. When not wielding a red pen (or cursor), she loves reading books of all genres, playing video, board, and word games, baking ridiculous creations to show off on the internet, or enjoying the gorgeous outdoors. She is a board member of the West Chester Film Festival and part of the Thirsty Monsters, a team of streamers from around the world who fundraise for various charities supporting LGBTQIA+ and accessibility rights. She can be found online @WordsFlickering or the Brandywine Art Guide @BrandywineArtGuide.