DoN is co-chair of the Absolutely Abstract show November 7 – 30, 2008, at the Philadelphia Sketch Club, prospectus’ have been mailed, you can download one here. DoN designed the art card with the help of committee chair Deb Riccardi and PSC’s Barbara Murray.
The Enclaves is a cool art space that’s been tapping into the talent pool of DaVinci Art Alliance members. Debra Leigh Scott contacted David Foss of DaVinci to inquire about art that would portray a new spirituality perspective and was offered thirty or more portfolios to puruse. Debra visited Girard DiFalco‘s studio and chose a mystically groovy collection of pop-art ecclesiastical paintings imbued with symbolism, saturated with rich color and contemporary, almost futuristic, images of religious icons. Paired with Sallie Ann Glassman‘s dreamscapes, with scary narratives of running in your sleep naked and deep south impressionism, the show is nervy and hard edged. DoN likes the Enclaves, the parties are always cool, the locale is colorful and imaginative and Debra really works hard to promote the artists. DoN says drive like a bat out of hell out to Penrose Ave., parking is easy and secure and the warm daylight of the gallery is perfect for viewing the colorful spooky creations, Halloween is coming.
Girard Di Falco @ The Enclaves. Photo DaVinci Art Alliance newsletter.
Muralist, David Guinn recently completed dual murals at 47th and Baltimore Ave. in West Philly. The twin tableau’s depict a vibrant, emerging neighborhood populated with hard-working Philadelphians, charming craftsman style architecture, diverse business’ and warm family life. Quinn captures the vibe of the ‘hood including many of the personalities with strong mark-making, assured coloration and thoughtful consideration of the context of his assignment. Quinn’s mural does not ghetto-ize the empty lot, formally a movie theater, it brings real art with references to Breugel, Hockney, and Rockwell to the street accomplishing a daunting task of satisfying many opinions and staying true to his art. DoN videotaped the ceremony and hopes to have a clip online soon.
David Quinn‘s mural @ 47th & Baltimore.
Detail of mural by David Guinn.
David Guinn @ the dedication to his dual murals. All David Quinn mural photos by Alden Cole.
Inliquid’s art auction was a feast for the eyes, jam-packed with hundreds of artworks from some ofDoN‘s favorite Philly artists: Alden Cole, Francine Strauss, John Karpinsky, Lependorf/Shire,Burnell Yow!, Tremain Smith, Genevieve Coutroubis, Carol Cole, Brooke Hine…OMG! Amy Stevens‘ cake photos, and Susan Abrams‘ hand made paper photos. So much great art for such a good cause – read about it at InLiquid’s site. The Icebox consistently installs the best of the best; the evening offered wonderful, affordable opportunities to own a cool objet d’art.
Alden Cole’s luminary sold at silent auction! Holla!
Francine Strauss’ Totem Fetish Doll, 2003.
John Karpinski @ The Icebox.
dadart tell’s DoN he’s not,”…a Gay Republican, I’m a straight constitutionalist.”
Warren Muller @ The Icebox’s InLiquid Auction event.
Alden Cole with his Aldenized art chair @ Outsider Folk Art Gallery @ Goggleworks.
Ostensibly, the star of the show is self-taught artist Harriet Wiseman with her Modigliani-esque paintings of ladies and mise en seine on wood, palettes and ledger covers. Wiseman told DoNshe had never heard of Modigliani until people started telling her about the resemblence to the master and others like Chagall and Kokoschka – nice company to keep! She began studying art books in the library and soon understood the references; Wiseman is extremely prolific and has truly established a unique style all her own.
Oil painting by Harriet Wiseman @ Outsider Folk Art Gallery.
Wild Palms II, paint on cardboard, Jim Bloom @ Outsider Art Gallery.
Owner, George Viener, is an extensive self-taught art collector and expert in contemporary folk and outsider art; at one time he held 250 of Blooms paintings. Curator Emily Christenson toldDoN that Jon Clark of Home and Planet in Bethlehem cherry-picked the most angst-ridden pieces for the superb show held earlier this year in his gallery.
Alden Cole‘s dumpster-diver art perfectly suits the space, it wasn’t long before someone took the painted, re-upholstered chair off it’s pedestal to take a load off and it seemed as if everyone took a turn sitting on the art-chair. Alden’s fantastical luminaries softly glowed around the room, it was super-fun to watch the patrons with dropped jaws staring at the hypnotically changing lights.
The Goggle Works in Reading is a wonderful art space with five floors of studios and galleries as well as a recently installed LED light show in the windows of the old brick facade brightening the downtown scene with art and innovation. DoN and friends are planning a trip back to Reading to view more, more, more…
Alden Cole will be participating in the Philadelphia Open Studio Tours as well as an up-coming show at Smile Gallery, make sure you visit his gallery/studio in South Philly the second weekend in October.
Panoramic shot of Outsider Folk Arts Gallery in Reading, PA.
