Rain may have dampened the streets, but it didn’t dampen the energy of the Fall Gallery Walk held Friday night in West Chester. A favorite of the local art scene, 22 galleries, event spaces, and businesses became exhibition halls for a wide variety of local artists.
“There have been good crowds all night,” said Dane Tilghman, who was showing at the Chester County Community Foundation in the Lincoln Building. “It was good to see local artists.” The Gallery Walk seemed to bring a steady stream of guests, including many familiar faces. “It has been like a family reunion,” Tilghman said.
Many participating artists snuck out from their venues for a few moments here and there but, for the most part, they were busy talking to admirers and buyers. There were many carefully wrapped packages carried through the streets and red dots on the walls, as the Walk seemed to bring many people ready to bring art home. There was something for everyone, from oils to mixed media, ceramics to carvings, to Victorian-style portraits made using one of the oldest artistic mediums: human hair.
“I do get donations, but most come from extensions that I purchase,” said Larva Jane Porter of Staghornhouse, who was exhibiting her artworks made of mixed media and intricately woven hair detailing at Hop Fidelity. She got started using the ancient technique “when I saw a wreath in a museum made of human hair.” It took some creativity to adapt the process for modern times: “I figured out how to do it by looking at old Victorian craft books,” which often required tools and materials that simply do not exist anymore.
Hop Fidelity was busy through the evening with people viewing the art, as well as enjoying the bar in the back and browsing the extensive record collection. One of the favorite elements of the Gallery Walk is bringing art to unusual spaces, encouraging people to explore the town beyond the restaurants of the Open-Air Market on Gay Street. “It is usually very robustly attended,” said Byron Greatorex, owner of Hop Fidelity. “It has been a great night.”
The Art Trust has events throughout the year, but it was a popular spot for the Gallery Walk as well. The current show, Figments, showcases works from artists Kristen Buck, Pam Lethbridge, and Lisa Muller. “I really appreciate the synergy of the artists as a whole,” said Muller. “It feels like we have known each other in a past life.” The works all flow from similar color stories, but showcase a wide range of emotions.
“One of the things that attracts people is the variety of artists,” said Steve Figgatt, one of the owners of Ginkgo Arts, an artists’ collective on High Street. From the floral graffiti of Matthew Dougherty to the avant-garde couture of Jackie Saddic to stained glass, woodworking, and painting, the artists encourage and inspire each other. “We communicate, share, and collaborate,” said Dougherty.
Randall Graham celebrated the Grand Opening of his new painting studio on Walnut Street during the Gallery Walk. “It is cool seeing artists out along with the community,” said Graham. He has already started teaching students in the new spacious, light-filled studio, but it was a great opportunity for people to wander the space. Graham had large-scale pieces as well as studies and experiments in medium, light, and brush strokes on display. “The energy of the town has been a blast,” he said.
The welcoming vibe extended past closing time at the David Katz Gallery. People wandering by stopped in to see what all the laughter was about, which led them to the other galleries around town. “He makes community,” said Mia Fabrizio, a local artist, about Katz. “He is always bringing the local, younger artists up with him.”
Along with Katz’s popular paintings, Rob Teodoro of the recently opened Corner Art Collective down on Matlack Street was showing his work at the David Katz Gallery. His vibrant, modern pop-art designs and cheeky characters were a highlight of the event, encouraging wide-ranging conversations. “We have to help each other,” said Teodoro. “Nothing defines art or what it should be . . . vulnerability is the word of the night.”
“Art is the LOVE of art,” said Katz, as people continued to trickle in while the artists began breaking down displays. “Without art, a home is just a house.” Based on the scene last night, the local community just got a lot more homey.
The Gallery Walk is held every First Friday of October and May annually in West Chester. It is presented by Sunset Hill Jewelers and Fine Arts Gallery and hosted by Downtown West Chester. Find more information at DowntownWestChester.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.
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