Brandywine Art Guide: The soul of art & music

Posted by Victoria Rose on January 27, 2024

Artwork by Dane Tilghman

Is there any more perfect pairing than art and music? Spending time looking at beautiful, evocative artworks while being treated to live accompaniment from talented musicians is a treat for the senses. In The Soul of Art and Music, a new exhibition is opening at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center on Feb. 1, artist Dane Tilghman and musician Bryan Parr come together to celebrate artistic excellence in its varied forms.

Tilghman’s bright, extravagant artworks and Parr’s one-man, one-mic, one-million-songs performances create a powerful and poignant juxtaposition.

Tilghman said of the exhibit, “I wanted to use it as a platform to expose some of the paintings I have done related to music.” The gallery will include works that he has created over the past decade. “You will see realism, you will see impressionism, and you will see cubism,” he said.

The exhibition is the first under the newly appointed Program and Development Director at Uptown, Heather Grayberg.

“Upon learning that the art gallery fell under my responsibility, I immediately knew that I had to feature Dane!” Grayberg said. “I've known him for about nine years and am truly in awe of him as both an artist and an individual.”

During the opening reception, guests will have an opportunity to meet both Tilghman and Parr, explore the gallery, and grab drinks at Max’s Foxhole Lounge, which also acts as the main exhibition space in the building. Tilghman will give an Artist Talk and answer questions about his work starting at 6:30 pm, and then Parr will close the night with his unique, soulful stylings.

“As an organization dedicated to presenting multidisciplinary arts, any opportunity to marry genres together is a pleasure and honor,” said Grayberg.

Artist works have decorated the Lounge at Uptown since it opened, but Grayberg looks forward to bringing a focus on visual art from talented local and regional artists alongside the performing arts onstage.

“As a cultural epicenter, Uptown contributes significantly to the region's identity, attracting residents and visitors alike to experience the dynamic and evolving arts landscape of Chester County,” she said.

Before Uptown was established in 2017, downtown West Chester had been missing a theater for decades. It is part of the surging local art scene, as well as the revitalization of the entire town.

“Uptown plays a pivotal role in enriching Chester County's arts and culture scene by serving as a vibrant hub for artistic expression and community engagement,” said Grayberg. “With our diverse array of entertainment and cultural events, Uptown provides a platform for local, national, and international artists to showcase their talents and fosters a sense of creative collaboration.”

Tilghman has been part of the professional art scene in the region for almost four decades. His works show the vitality of Black life and culture from the early twentieth century into modern times. They “remind viewers of the importance of caring for people of all color and creed, not only in history but in the present and the future,” as he said in his artist statement.

“Artwork should serve you at every level and every possibility,” said Tilghman. “Bringing pleasure not only to your eye but also to your ear.” The comprehensive experience on view in this exhibition is a reminder of the possibilities of art in its many interpretations.

The Opening Reception for The Soul of Art and Music will be held at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Feb. 1 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. An Artist Talk by Dane Tilghman will start at 6:30, and guitarist Bryan Parr will play at 7. The exhibition will be on view through April 1. Uptown is located at 226 N. High Street, West Chester. More information can be found at UptownWestChester.org.

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.