Category Archives: DoNBrewer

Philadelphia Sketch Club Volunteer Art Exhibit @ Art Space, Lansdowne

Lois Schlachter, @ Philadelphia Sketch Club Volunteer Art Exhibit @ Art Space, Lansdowne, 2011

Steve Iwanczuk @ Philadelphia Sketch Club Volunteer Art Exhibit @ Art Space, Lansdowne, 2011. That’s Steve reflected in the drawing on the right.

Lois & Steve have collaborated as the co-chairs of the Philadelphia Sketch Club’s Exhibition Committee for years, lately Lois is focused on her own art career, continuing to volunteer but now making new art, showing in galleries and entering competitions. Schlachter has had the unique experience of viewing virtually thousands of artworks submitted to the venerable art club’s competitions and exhibitions and now is creating her own memorable art, fractured planes, vibrant color, dreamy narratives like a mix of Charles Dumuth and Takashi Murakami. Steve Iwanczuk teaches graphic design but his drawings are surreal and photographs technically exact, in this show he shows three sides of his persona, each piece strange and deep.

Philadelphia Sketch Club Volunteer Art Exhibit @ Art Space, Lansdowne, 2011.

Mina Smith-Segal Philadelphia Sketch Club Volunteer Art Exhibit @ Art Space, Lansdowne, 2011.

Deborah Ann S. Horsting @ Philadelphia Sketch Club Volunteer Art Exhibit @ Art Space, Lansdowne, 2011.

Philadelphia Sketch Club Volunteer Art Exhibit @ Art Space, Lansdowne – Gift Shop! Many of the artists brought prints, cards and posters to sell, Art Space‘s lay-out is multi-purpose and really fun to wander through. Art Space is a major component in the art vibe of Lansdowne, many of the locals came out to the show, the support of the neighbors is so important if art is the force communities use to stay vibrant and relevant.

Dorothy Roschen @ Philadelphia Sketch Club Volunteer Art Exhibit @ Art Space, Lansdowne, 2011.

Philadelphia Sketch Club Volunteer Art Exhibit @ Art Space, Lansdowne, 2011.

John Schmeichen @ Philadelphia Sketch Club Volunteer Art Exhibit @ Art Space, Lansdowne, 2011.

Karen McDonnell & Anthony Cortosi @ Philadelphia Sketch Club Volunteer Art Exhibit @ Art Space, Lansdowne. Karen & Anthony are collaborative by nature, often taking on responsibilities others don’t want to do ensuring art events can jump off. The duo work together on their art, drawing and cutting stencils, spray-painting and decorating their canvasses until layers of memes, myths and memories are mashed-up like a DJ Shadow mix.

Rich Harrington @ Philadelphia Sketch Club Volunteer Art Exhibit @ Art Space, Lansdowne, 2011.

Volunteering is a good way to make friends, learn new things, experience different ideas and stretch social skills; sometimes it feels really good, sometimes it’s hard work but in the end people working towards a common goal, solving problems, creating opportunities, being selfless and inclusive is an art form unto itself. Thank you so much to the Philadelphia Sketch Club and Art Space, DoN LoVeS seeing his work flanking Lois Schlachter and Steve Iwanczuk‘s art, to be included in their company is an honor. Not all the volunteers are represented in this blog post many other artists are in the expansive show, take the drive out to Lansdowne to see the show, support the volunteers and the view of the city on the drive back is spectacular, a fine reward.

Photos by DoN.

DoN Brewer @ The Plastic Club Members Medals Exhibit and The Philadelphia Sketch Club Members Art Show & Sale

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DoN Brewer @ The Philadelphia Sketch Club Art Show & Sale.

Being part of an art group and observing the social dynamics in the art world is as interesting as the art. The recent artist receptions at the historic art clubs, The Plastic Club & The Philadelphia Sketch Club, drew crowds of artists to the Avenue of the Artists in Center City to celebrate the best of the best. It is so much fun to be the fly on the wall when someone is looking at your work; having pieces in both shows was especially gratifying and when people observe to DoN they remember his photos from one show or the other show it feels so good to know they remember the images. DoN entered his digital photograph from Da Vinci Art Alliance‘s Envisioning the Decameron show titled Heliotrope in PSC‘s art sale (the image will represent DoN‘s work in the forthcoming DVAA 80th Anniversary art book), an abstract found architectural detail photo that confounds observers – it looks like a painting but it’s a photo, Heliotrope is a color but it’s also a magic stone that was thought to cure the plague.

Heliotrope, digital photo & print, DoN Brewer.

Meeting artists is as much fun as looking at the art and drinking wine: painter Garth Herrick and DoN chatted about how he exclusively does commissions now, Steve Iwanzuk PSC Exhibitions chair told a story about once putting Mark Zuckerberg in his place, Chick Kelly was dressed to the nines in a dashing hat, Karen McDonnell, the Queen of Hip Hop Grafitti, looked HoT! in black, Scott Affleck posed with DoN for photos since our work is hanging next to each other…it was a really good art day.

Panoramic view of the Philadelphia Sketch Club‘s Members Art Show & Sale – that’s PSC President Bill Patterson in the middle, it was a wonderful moment when DoN saw Bill shaking hands with Mike Guinn, Plastic Club past president, at The Plastic Club’s Members Medals show, the two leaders are essential to the success of the historic art clubs.

The Philadelphia Sketch Club‘s Members Art Show and Sale.

The Plastic Club’s Members Medals Show – center bottom row is DoN‘s Rune, digital photo printed on matte paper. DoN picked this photo to go after a prize because to him it represents painting, photography and printing all at once – even though the image is glossy, the paper is matte, creating an illusion. Oh well, it’s great just to be nominated. Congratulations to Lois Schlachter for winning the Gold Medal.

Panoramic shot of the Plastic Club Members Medals Exhibit – that’s artist Yeoun Lee in both ends of the photo!

Panoramic shot of the Plastic Club Members Medals Exhibit.

Upstairs at the Plastic Club.

Both art shows end this week, DoN recommends you find time to see these important art events because they represent some of the best of Philly’s contemporary artists and what they think is their best work.

Photos by DoN.

DoN Brewer Photography: Perkins Center for the Arts, Da Vinci Art Alliance Gallery, Photographic Society of Philadelphia, The Plastic Club and The Philadelphia Sketch Club

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DoN is running this town just like a club! Art clubs, that is – with fine art photography in open and juried art shows in five major art spaces in South Jersey & Philly. The Art of the Flower show @ The Philadelphia Sketch Club is a juried competition with an enormous turnout of talented artists; DoN feels great relief that his decision to include an inkjet print photograph collage of Carnivourous Plants @ Bartram’s Garden has been recognized by the jurors to be included in the highly coveted show.

DoN Brewer, Carnivorous Plants @ Bartram’s Garden, digital photograph, Photoshop collage, inkjet print @ The Philadelphia Sketch Club‘s annual Art of the Flower Exhibition, a blind juried competition of all types of art.

DoN helped install the Small Worlds show @ The Plastic Club; the team of volunteers hung over three hundred small images through out the old town house, each room, gallery and hall is filled with a myriad selection of art. The tremendous trove of work is smooshed in but exhibitions chair Alan Klawans foresees a day when cuts will have to be made. And, listen to DoN when he says – prepare your art properly for installation and rough handling, DoN had an artist’s piece literally come part in his hands and Plastic Club President Bob Jackson spent extra hours kindly adding wire to art submitted by artists, after spending two days logging art by hand in the log book and then hanging work on the walls Bob really doesn’t need to prepare your work for you. Really, if they have to make cuts, the first to go will be poor presentation, artist Art Ostroff & DoN griped about the lost skills of presentation. Ironically, DoN was a wire offender but took his work home to fix himself – if Bob Jackson wired your art for you to be in a huge show like Small Worlds, you owe him a big favor. Speaking of favors, DoN doesn’t know who dropped out but he has five photographs included in the Downstairs Gallery @ The Plastic Club, a prestigious honor bestowed only on members in good standing. DoN is presenting a group of abstract landscape photographs from his series, light beings, several new images have been added to DoN‘s on-line gallery.

DoN Brewer, Panama Street, digital photograph, Photoshop, inkjet print, 8 x 10″ @ The Plastic Club’s Small Worlds art extravaganza.

The opening reception for Diverse Perspectives @ Da Vinci Art Alliance was super fun, DoN will write a separate review of the group show in South Philly. The group that came together organically and easily, organized an art show that DoN is proud to be a part, truly diverse, artistic and eclectic – just like DoN!

DoN Brewer Photography @ Diverse Perspectives at Da Vinci Art Alliance Gallery, 704 Catharine Street, South Philly. DoN will be hosting a discussion, Search Engine Optimization for Artists, Saturday, March 5th, 2011, 2 – 4:00 PM.

The Perkins Center for the Arts Photography 30 Show is almost over, it has been such an honor to be included in the exclusive annual photography event. The show is truly inspirational, aspirational & astounding – no kidding. As photographer Bonnie Schorske said, “…it’s a feather in your cap!” Thank you to Uncle Dave and Aunt Barbara, Cousin Carla & friends, Shoshka, Lola, Rob, Bonnie and all my friends & family who cheered me on and braved the snow to visit the beautiful mansion in Moorestown, NJ. You got to tip on the tightrope!

DoN has a new piece on display @ Bonte’s, 9th & Walnut that is a departure from the abstraction he’s known for, a church lady hat store window titled South Street Chapeaux, a documentary still life composition that Shoshka will love. The on-going show promoted by the Photographic Society of Philadelphia is a cool spot to show along with fellow photography enthusiasts; the PSoP events @ The Plastic Club are always informative, the recent talk by photographer Ed Snyder and graphic designer John Bacille about how to produce your own book was inspiring and a recent field trip to the Wistar Institute for the Nikon Small World show is exclusive and informative.

DoN Brewer, South Street Chapeaux @ Bonte’s Cafe, 9th & Walnut Streets. Thank you so much to the good people at the Photographic Society of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Sketch Club, The Plastic Club and Da Vinci Art Alliance for providing the art opportunities, diverse creative outlets and intellectual peer support in the heart of the coolest city in the world.

Diverse Perspectives @ Da Vinci Art Alliance: Bud Boehringer, DoN Brewer, Lorna Kent, Yeoun Lee, Marcy Morris, Lee Muslin, William Myers & Edna Santiago

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Sneak peek – Yeoun Lee and Bud Boehringer @ Diverse Perspectives, Da Vinci Art Alliance, February 25th – March 26th, 2011 – Reception: February 25th, 5 – 9:00PM

Diverse Perspectives @ Da Vinci Art Alliance: Bud Boehringer, DoN Brewer, Lorna Kent, Yeoun Lee, Marcy Morris, Lee Muslin, William Myers & Edna Santiago.

Opening this Friday, February 25th, 2011, 5 – 9:00PM @ 704 Catharine Street, Philadelphia. The group show is the result of the tenacity and determination of a few artists determined to keep one of the few art spaces left where they can display their work open for the winter months. DoN was invited by Da Vinci Art Director, Dave Foss without whose help this show would not have happened, to join the group after several artists could not help Bud Boehringer, who came through with the Benjamins commitment, to pull together a show. Bud said he would do an installation by himself but it turns out there is such a demand for artists to get their work in public view that literally overnight the group grew to eight artists – and, guess what? The show is fabulous with a series of events planned to bring visitors to the South Philly gem of a gallery including this weekends double receptions Friday and Sunday – free and open to the public.

DoN Brewer, Utter Blackness, digital photograph, inkjet print @ Diverse Perspectives.

DoN is exhibiting a new group of abstract landscape and architectural detail photographs; working to install the art with DVAA Director Dave Foss was not just an educational experience regarding the math of hanging a show but learning to see the thematic layout, abstract paintings with abstract photographs, representational work resonating with each other, a visual flow, he had it all laid out ready to install with the skill of a professional curator. DoN had the rare experience of arranging his own work in an art gallery, a supremely satisfying experience, and helping to show the work of friends in their best light is transcendental. But it’s nothing like the excitement DoN feels for Edna Santiago and Bill Myers for their brilliant introduction to the fabric of the art community known as Da Vinci Art Alliance, Friday night should prove to be joyful.

Edna Santiago, Art Adventure: Friday, March 4th, 4 – 8:00 PM – please visit the gallery and hear Edna’s inspirational story of the healing power of art and how she has channeled her energy into developing an art school for poor kids in a rural fishing village in Puerto Rico.

Saturday, March 5th, DoN will host a conversation, Search Engine Optimization for Artists, 2 – 4:00 PM; DoN will share tips, tactics and code to help your website be more search-able.

Like Da Vinci Art Alliance on Facebook to learn more about more DVAA Diverse Perspectives Events throughout March, 2011.

Photos by DoN.

Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition

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Barbara Keough, Three Out of Four Ain’t Bad, mixed media @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition. The Plastic Club has 36 new members and a low attrition rate due to the warm, welcoming laid back vibe of one of the longest running art clubs in America. The New Members show is exceptional in the wide variety of media from fiber arts to painting, drawing and photograph; you would think there would be a tipping point but the leadership of The Plastic Club is sensitive to the needs of artists and makes every effort to help them develop through leading workshops, critiques, Salons, and monthly exhibitions including the Downstairs Gallery (the subject of DoN‘s next post on DoNArTNeWs).

Barbara Keough‘s painting embodies the spirit of the new group joining the club, her painting is witty, fun, cheerful and beautiful – a small painting which lights up on it’s own especially in the newly refurbished Plastic Club Gallery. And the number 42, of course, is the answer to the ultimate question posed in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. The Plastic Club uses a unique numbering system which requires visitors to refer to a printed guide but also allows seeing the work for itself without being influenced by the cult of personality or reputation of the artist.

Chick Kelly @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition. Chick Kelly‘s wonderfully ebullient and erudite character shines through his paintings combining contemplative color palette with stinging symbolism and strong story telling.

Maria Viataki, Dreams of Havertown, acrylic, Alexandra Pinero, Amaris Is Hazel, oil, & Burton Greenspan, Sun Lee, oil @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition. Doesn’t this look fabulous?

S.F. Pfaffenbichler, Rock I & Rock II, oil @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition.

S.F. Pfaffenbichler @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition.

Bob Jackson & Alan Klawans un-scrolled Sylia Pfaffenbichler‘s action drawing from the Plastic Club‘s on-going series of workshops called the Moving Model, the model slowly changes poses over a period of twenty minutes forcing the artist to quickly see and commit the image to paper, the results are evident in Pfaffenbichler‘s great, joyful paintings of jazzy dancers.

Michael B. Tantaros, What, graphite & Yeoun Lee, Over the Rainbow, mixed media – DoN loves seeing these works together, the fine drawing is of Bill Myers, fellow photographer and Yeoun Lee who are both in the group multi-media art show Diverse Perspectives @ Da Vinci Art Alliance, reception February 25th, 2011, 5 – 9:00 PM, featuring the work of eight Da Vinci Art Alliance member artists. DoN will be presenting Search Engine Optimization for Artists , Saturday, March 5th @ 2:00 PM, as part of the Diverse Perspectives exhibition running throughout March in the historic gallery in South Philly.

Past president Michael Guinn and current president Bob Jackson address the new members who have joined the Plastic Club, their leadership has improved participation exponentially and upgrades to the historic building are continuous – the back yard parties are infamous, too.

Jane J. Wilkie, Blue Sky, acrylic, Reta Sweeney, Snow on Stewart Lake, oil, Cara Kendric, Song of the Dawn, mixed media and Denise Romano Bright, Wisteria in Bloom, hand colored photo @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition through February 25th, 2011. Welcome to the New Members and thank you to The Plastic Club team for providing a venue for artists to grow and develop without feeling intimidated.

By the by, DoN has been updating the Album pages on the Plastic Club website, it’s a work in progress but the pictures will bring back many memories.

Michael B. Tantaros, Who, graphite @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition; DoN is particularly drawn (no pun intended) to Tantaros‘ descriptive drawing and atmospheric naturalism. The Plastic Club is famous for it’s inspiring workshops where artists can work with a live model for 3 hours really cheaply, an important factor in creating great art.

Don McPartland, Secession man, Weather Report & Free Range, mixed media @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition.

Bill Myers, Dead Squirrel on My Bed, photograph & Robert Heiler, Winter’s Evening, watercolor @ Plastic Club New Members 2011 Art Exhibition. Bill Myers surrealistic photographs will be on view at Da Vinci Art Alliance February 25th – March 26th, 2011.

Photos by DoN.

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