YOUNG AT ART 3, Off the Wall Gallery at Dirty Frank’s
Looking for an art show that’s a breath of fresh air? Perhaps one where the artists’ love of creativity shines through — no agenda, just passion? LOOK NO FARTHER.
THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 1 to 4 PM, we will gather to welcome 22 very young artists to OFF THE WALL. They are the forces behind YOUNG AT ART 3, the newest edition of the occasional juried show we inaugurated in 2013.
Our Opening Reception will put a kid-centric twist on our normal light hors d’oeuvres — pizza, fruit salad and juice boxes, plus mini-cupcakes from our friends and neighbors at SWEET BOX — and you’ll have the chance to meet more than half the artists.
Our creatives run the gamut in age from 3-4 years old — AUGUST KILLE, STEFAN NAU and ORLA VECCHIO — up to 11 and 12 — including JAYDEN O’HALLORAN, MARY MINEI and YOUNG AT ART veterans KYLIE GROVE, MO HINCHEY-MODGLIN, SKYLAR WILLENBORG and EMI and NOA TRAVALIA.
The Travalia girls also remind us that this time around we’re showcasing sibling synergy with five such sets: EMI and NOA, ISE and SAJ EVANS MCNALLAN, DARIUS and STEFAN NAU, A.J. and SADIE PENNINGTON and CORMAC and ORLA VECCHIO.
Across their work — ranging from paintings and drawings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil, charcoal and oil stick, to photography and collage to August’s whimsical sculpture, which takes flight in our 3D case — you witness SHEER JOY.
It buoys our firm belief that each and every person is BORN TO CREATE. The love of art and art-making is genuinely innate. Life erodes this instinct rather than reinforce it — unless we lift up an artist as early as possible.
So come join us as much to elevate as to celebrate. And if your party includes other kids, more power. Yes, normally you would be carded — but not for these three hours and a little bit more (unless you order alcohol). Let’s take in great art and have fun! See you Sunday, Togo
Togo Travalia Manager OFF THE WALL GALLERY at Dirty Frank’s, NE Corner, 13th & Pine Streets, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
Suitable Arrangements: time and place, Gail Kolflat, 38 x 48 inches oil/acrylic
Reminiscent of a shadow box with 4 overlapping layers, beyond the pink liatris and blue hydrangea in the foreground, this painting presents a couple of women actively engaged in floral design activity and conversation during an evening session of flower arranging. Behind them a woman works on her creation, and in the distance through the window, cars are parked under a darkening sky – the mode of transportation for the aficionados.
Melding The Collegiate: lessons learned, Gail Kolflat, 46 x 40 inches oil / acrylic
College life! Students between classes mingle and walk on campus grounds, with a stately school building behind them. In this painting, there’s a clear dialogue between abstract and representational elements, forming the body of the composition.
Life and the Progression of Human Bonds : birth and demise, diptych 38 x 96 inches (when flat) oil/acrylic, Gail Kolflat
This is a poignant painting that highlights the maternal bond of a mother and her new daughter, and the daughter’s compassion and sorrow after the death of her mother years later. Raw human emotions transpired from two of life’s most significant events, combine and contrast making this a powerful piece.
Exciting colors and engaging themes draw viewers into the vibrant paintings of regional artist Gail Kolflat. Eye-catching, and invigorating, this one-person exhibition touches on themes of social commentary, with an emphasis on compositions featuring people involved in assorted activities and events, such as: a concert in a park, a flower arrangement class, commuters on a train, students at a university, or a lakeside interlude. Kolflat’s interpretation of Americana and genre painting is contemporary, and uniquely fresh, with distinctive hues and a stylish manner of presentation. A number of works are multi-panel, large format compositions and several have irregular shaped borders. All are painted in oil and acrylic on canvas.
“In a sense these works portray America in positive and refreshing tones that are so rare in contemporary art. It’s America at play, and it is a significant facet of our culture as is violence and drug abuse. Kolflat’s work stands alongside those artists who came before who have portrayed a segment of a population, one that describes a particular time and place. Like Impressionists with their sun dazzled boating scenes and picnics, Kolflat’s people at play describe an innocence in America that still exists.” Marilyn J Fox
Gail Kolflat is a notable east coast artist, who returned to the exhibition arena in 2013 after taking a fifteen year break while raising her daughters. She has long, strong exhibition history, and currently serves as the Membership Chairperson for the New York City Chapter of the Women’s Caucus for Art.
Midsummer Trilogy : sorting through waves of circumstance, irregular perimeter 147 x 74 inches oil/acrylic, Gail Kolflat
This piece represents two anticipatory gatherings, one of several girl friends primping and chatting, the other of male friends casually relaxing and enjoying refreshments, and finally center stage, a melding of the highlighted parties into respective pairings. The idea behind the creation of this piece flowed from a series of optimistic possibilities related to young graduates in my orbit, their coteries, encouraging news from professionals, and the glow of a positive mindset.
Artist Statement: Gail Kolflat
As an artist I find it compelling to create compositions of human society. My paintings are a recording of people today, living in our world, partaking in experiences, culture and lifestyles common to us all. Painted over a period of months, my compositions evolve much on their own. A spontaneous abstract footprint initiates every work. It is intertwined with figurative representations derived from sketches and photographs used as sources for the primary layout of a painting. The sources are then disregarded, as I prefer to improvise from that point onward, relying on a continuing interaction of realistic and abstract principles. Using human forms, objects, landscapes, and buildings, I invite the viewer into a world he/she can recognize, understand and share – as if at the scene, participating in an event, or surmising a situation. The abstract elements “free the viewer from the monotony and predictability of a too real vision.” My work consists of singular or multi-panel assemblages, executed with a broad use of color. Color is of great significance, appealing to emotions and mood. I allow myself to use any pigments that seem appropriate for a painting; instinct derived from experience. Observing and delving into the interplay of shapes, textures and colors is what drew me into the visual arts. I focus on groupings of people – who they are, where they are, why they are there, the ambiance surrounding them collectively as well as individually. Tapestries, textiles, Art Nouveau, modern abstract painting, Impressionism, the human condition and numerous venues in Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City continue to serve as inspiration for my work. The greatest contributing factor to the development of my art is a need to create.
Entertainment and Amusement: summer fare, summer fair, 82 x 59 inches, triptych, oil/acrylic, Gail Kolflat
Thank you to Gail Kolflat for the content of this post.
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art Ability at Bryn Mawr Rehab, Chester County Open Studio Tours, Linda Killingsworth, COLORED PENCIL , Emily McGuigan, ACRYLIC, Kathryn Noska, WALNUT OIL, Kathryn Noska WALNUT OIL, Meg Quinlisk, GLASS MOSAIC
Art Ability, Chester County Open Studio Tours, at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital
Art Ability at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital will be participating as a host gallery stop along the tour route for the annual Chester County Open Studio Tour! Guests are invited to view and purchase works by four local “pop-up studio” artists, as well as shop our Art Ability consignment collection. We will be featuring artists Linda Killingsworth, Emily McGuigan, Kathryn Noska and Meg Quinlisk. Collection tours are also available.
There are 143 artists and 63 studios participating on the tour this year. We have partnered with businesses and other supporters of the arts in the community to offer a variety of ways to see and collect art.
It is not an exclusive club and there are no membership fees or dues. Just come out and enjoy our one weekend of open studios.
Plan your day and get out early to ensure you have art on your walls by Monday!
May 3, 5-9 pm: First Friday Opening Sun, May 19, 2-4 pm: Art & writing workshop led by the artist Wed, May 29, 6-8 pm: Closing Reception/Poetry Reading
All events are free and open to the public.
Rare Orchid
Let it blossom in its time Let it unfold of its own accord Slowly gently imperceptibly Like that rare orchid you spoke of, Mom It’s multiplied In my window in the light of my window protected by the pine and nestled in peace Brand new bold stems have come It’s you. I made it, Mom. I made it through the grief. I’m happy now. I’m living again. Changed and sustained by your life and death I love you. You fell into my soil like the leaves from the trees Bountifully nourishing my essence I grow, strong, deep, solid I can touch the sky I touch the sky indeed. You smile. Ever my encourager, now you are my guide, my holy being. Remember how we said as you were leaving this earth: “I place myself in the hands of holy beings.” I do that now, while still on earth. Thank you. Always. That line that stretches back Before time And forever That’s where I meet you
HOUSEGallery April First Friday opening reception :
Autumn Wallace : How could I say no to you?
Autumn Wallace uses her artwork as a means to address social change. Illustrating individuals as large, curvy beings with slightly distorted features, she aims to encourage viewers to see beauty within the ‘imperfect’. Most recently, Ms. Wallace received a Creative Arts, Research and Scholarship Grant to study at the National Museum of African Art and National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Titled “The Origins of Respect[ability],” her research paper focused on themes of queerness and femininity, specifically within the Black community.
We invite you join us for Autumns reception on April 5th.
Michelle Marcuse
Would a No by any other name smell as sweet?
Shut-out, Shut-In, or Shut-Up? That big, hard wall sprung by dismissal creates so many wonderful possibilities! Where, oh where will that sharp left turn bring you? Before you Google what tools you need to split a second for that decision, be aware that in April at HOUSEGallery, Autumn will use experimental thought exercises assisted by paint and clay to lead a guided exploration of the prospects at How Could I Say ‘No’ to You?Come discover your ways here.
About Autumn Wallace
To Autumn Wallace, Faux-Pas is a destination island where anything is possible. On this island [floated in a small undisclosed Philadelphia enclave], Autumn blends daily life with their borderline obsessions. Prominent features of the island’s attractions include 90’s cartoons, Baroque aesthetics, and ‘Adult Materials’ arranged in painting and sculptures, stirring up narratives of chaotic [con]fusion. Why? Eluding reason boosts emotional response, makes viewers voyeurs, or participants–no bystanders. Here, absurdity is the moderator and we’re all in for the ride. www.autumnwallaceart.wordpress.com/www.instagram.com/veggiemon/
HOURS by appointment
Location HOUSEGallery1816 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Thank you to Michelle Marcuse for the content of this post.
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