Category Archives: Philadelphia Artists

Philadelphia’s art scene is vibrant, ever-changing, combining technique and technology for new visions of reality, creating a transformative influence on life-style in the urban community and beyond.

Membership

Philadelphia Museum of Art Introduces New Membership Program for Artists

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is introducing two new memberships designed especially for artists. Starting this month, the Museum will provide a free lifetime membership to each of the approximately 2,000 living artists whose work is represented in the permanent collection. In addition, the Museum will initiate a new discounted Artist Membership, available to all working artists. To launch this program, the Museum is offering the Artist Membership at a reduced price from February 24-28, 2016, during the first five days of the major exhibition International Pop.

Timothy Rub, The George D. Widener Director and CEO of the Museum, said: “Artists are the heart and soul of any art museum, and we must recognize them as such. The Museum should always be accessible to them because they draw inspiration from our collections and, in turn, help us to inspire others.”

An Artist Membership is available for anyone working in any of the many media that are represented in the collection. Artists will be asked to show how they share their work with the public, at the time of the purchase of a membership. This can take the form of a website, Instagram account, Etsy page, Facebook, or publicity material from an exhibition. With the purchase of an Artist Membership, artists will receive unlimited free admission to the Main building, Rodin Museum, the Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building, plus the two historic houses in Fairmount Park, Mount Pleasant and Cedar Grove, managed by the Museum.

The membership will provide admission and special exhibition tickets for all children (18 and under), previews of select exhibitions, members-only tours, trips to regional cultural attractions, programs presented by artists, curators, authors, and scholars, e-newsletters and a discounted $10 general admission for guests. Special parking rates in the Museum’s garage include the first hour free and $8 for the next four hours. Artist Members will also receive 10% off on Museum dining and shopping during every visit, a 20% off Store coupon, a 20% off Granite Hill restaurant coupon, and 20% reduction in the cost of educational programs and audio tours.

On Saturday, February 27, the Philadelphia Museum of Art will host an Artist Membership Welcome Lounge from noon until 5:00 p.m. Activities that day include a group photograph that is scheduled at 1:00 p.m. in the Great Stair Hall, and The Rose Susan Hirschhorn Behrend Lecture: Roadmap to International Pop, presented at 2:00 p.m. by Darsie Alexander. Ms. Alexander is the lead curator of the exhibition International Pop and Executive Director of the Katonah Museum of Art. She will be joined by Erica F. Battle, the John Alchin and Hal Marryatt Associate Curator of Contemporary Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to discuss the ways in which Pop artists took the world by storm.

Artist Membership Rates

FREE Artists whose work is represented in the Museum’s permanent collection.

$40 One-year Artist Membership. (This membership is available for $25 if purchased at the Museum from February 24 to 28, 2016.)

On Saturday, February 27, the Philadelphia Museum of Art will host an Artist Membership Welcome Lounge from noon until 5:00 p.m. Activities that day include a group photograph that is scheduled at 1:00 p.m., and a lecture with Darsie Alexander Roadmap to International Pop, presented at 2:00 p.m.

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The Philadelphia Museum of Art is Philadelphia’s art museum. We are a landmark building. A world-renowned collection. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors—through scholarly study and creative play—to discover the spirit of imagination that lies in everyone. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the Museum surprising, lively, and always memorable. We are committed to inviting visitors to see the world—and themselves—anew through the beauty and expressive power of the arts.

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Inspiration

Looking at Other Artists for Inspiration, Robert BohneFrederick John Mulhaupt, Gloucester, Sotheby’s

Looking at Other Artists for Inspiration

by Robert Bohne’

I discovered long ago in my career as an artist that painters, just like writers, can suffer from what I refer to as painters block. Trust me on this. Plenty of people have written on this subject, and what works for me may not necessarily work for you, but I’d like to share what I’ve found to be a very effective way to, not only work through this issue, but to push your work to the next level. And it’s totally painless. As a matter of fact, it’s actually fun.

I, like most if not all artists have times when I just can’t seem to produce. My solution is something that came naturally to me, and it’s quite possible that you deal with this issue the same way that I deal with it. A simple trip to a museum. If you’re lucky like me, you have a wide variety of museums in your area to choose from. It doesn’t have to be a major museum. As a matter of fact, some of the smaller museums offer an environment very conducive for an artists to relax and to meditate on the works of those who are considered to be the best of the best. Why a museum instead of a gallery? Galleries are great, and now and then you will find an exhibit of an exceptional artist who’s work you can relate to, but why not set your sites high?

Will you be able to learn more from studying the works of an up and coming landscape painter or from studying a Daniel Garber? Now you could argue that at one time, Garber was an up and coming landscape painter too. But the idea here is to look at the best of the best. If you’re fortunate enough to be in an area rich with museums, I would suggest that you find a specific artist, style or genre that you are interested in, and focus on that. For example, I’m interested in representational work, with a focus on landscape and cityscape. For representational landscape, I can visit the Brandywine River Museum. There I can study Garber, The Wyeth’s, William Lathrop, Redfield, and a host of others who’s work is good enough to be included in the worlds greatest collections.

Looking at Other Artists for Inspiration, Robert Bohne

The Poetry of Nature: A Golden Age of American Landscape Painting at Brandywine River Museum of ArtMarch 19, 2016 to June 12, 2016, Louisa Davis Minot (1788-1858)

I study the technique, the composition, the palette, I even study the matting and framing of works. After all, presentation should not be overlooked. Keep in mind that this works for any type of art. If your style is similar to Paul Cézanne, go to the Barnes Foundation. Marcel Duchamp? Go to PMA. The idea here is to study the work of those who inspire you.

There are other way’s of doing this too. A good collection of books on your favorite artists is always a good place to start. And let’s not forget a search of Google Images. I was recently studying the works of Frederick Mulhaupt, a turn of the century landscape painter who’s work I have always admired, in an attempt to discover what it was that made so many of his paintings appealing to me. Using the Google image search, I was able to see pages and pages of Mulhaupts, and I discovered a common denominator. The use of strong diagonals in his compositions. Something that I could look for in nature when choosing a scene to paint, and something that I can use when composing a painting.

And last, but certainly not least, you should surround yourself with art that you love. And this doesn’t have to cost a fortune. I’ve built a sizable collection of beautiful and inspirational artwork on a budget. Much of it bought at auction and at thrift stores. I’ve learned from years of experience that you should buy what looks to be exceptional work, regardless of whether or not you recognize the name of the artist. Quite often I buy works that are unsigned, and quite often I’ll find a signature or some other identifying marks that will help in identifying the artist. If it’s affordable and it inspires you, buy it. Even if it’s just a good reproduction.

Looking at Art for Inspiration, Robert BohneUnsigned drawing bought for $20 at auction. Signature found on back – Harry Becker (British 1865 – 1928), Collection Robert Bohne’

To sum it up, most of the accomplished artists that I’ve studied with have reached the same conclusion. That the most important thing an artist can do to advance his or her artistic ability, is the constant analytical study of great works of art.

Paint on. Robert Bohne’

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Walk

Philadelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryPhiladelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryTheresa Stigale

Philadelphia Photo League’s Photo Walk Exhibition at the

National Realty Art Gallery

by Laura Storck

I recently attended the Philadelphia Photo League‘s Photo Walk Exhibition at the National Realty Art Gallery in Old City on First Friday — and WOW! This exhibition documents very beautiful and insightful images from neighborhoods across the Philadelphia area from the varied perspectives of members of the Philadelphia Photo League.  

Philadelphia Photo League at National Realty Gallery

Philadelphia Photo League at National Realty Gallery

Philadelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryPhiladelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryMike Klusek, South Kensington (top}, Fitler Square (bottom)

Over the course of several months, the PPL documented several neighborhoods as part of an on-going photo walk series. The creation of the work was coordinated by the PPL’s “neighborhood expert”, photographer Mike Klusek. This impressive exhibit will be on display through early March.

Philadelphia Photo LeaguePhiladelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryTrevor Mayo, Navy Yard

Philadelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryPhiladelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryJudy Murray

Philadelphia Photo Society at National Realty GalleryPhiladelphia Photo League at National Realty Gallery, Jennifer Brinton Robkin

Philadelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryPhiladelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryJano Cohen, Brewerytown

The history and mission of the Philadelphia Photo League (PPL):

The Philadelphia Photo League is a cooperative of amateur and professional photographers who have come together around a range of common social and creative causes. The League was founded in July 2012 by a group of Philadelphia area photographers / activists who are committed to social change through the use of documentary photography. Our core mission is to help civic organization drive change through the use of photography. Our organization was inspired by the historic New York Photo League which was active from 1936 to 1951 and included among its members some of the most noted American Photographers of the mid-20th century.  

In 1936 a group of young, idealistic photographers, formed an organization in Manhattan called the Photo League. Their solidarity centered on a belief in the expressive power of the documentary photograph and on a progressive alliance of ideas and what photography could become. A unique complex of school, darkroom, gallery, and salon, the League was also a place where you learned about yourself. One of its leading members was Sid Grossman who pushed students to discover not only the meaning of their work but also their relationship to it. This transformative approach was one of the League’s most innovative and influential contributions to the medium. Sixty years ago, the Photo League fell victim to Cold War witch-hunts and blacklists, closing its doors after 15 intense years of trailblazing – and sometimes hell-raising – documentary photography. From unabashedly leftist roots, the group influenced a generation of photographers who transformed the documentary tradition, elevating it to heady aesthetic heights. We hope to continue, and advance, this legacy.

We pursue our mission by creating a unique environment, where all types of serious photographers, using all types of media, can gather together to share knowledge, ideas and inspiration – plus enjoy a sense of community, while fostering positive change in our world.

The PPL is actively seeking members in order to actively contribute to it’s growth and influence.  If you are a devotee of documentary or street photography, and have an interest in social causes, consider joining today. The PPL is open to all photographers, from amateur to professional.

See their amazing work on the PPL Flickr page, check out the official blog , or follow them on Facebook.  The Philadelphia Photo League advertises their upcoming events via their meetup page: photo walks, classes, critiques, and exhibits, and photographing events to support and document social activism and awareness.  Monthly meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, at The Philadelphia Building, 1315 Walnut Street at 7 p.m.  Come meet the members of PPL, see their work and accomplishments, network, and socialize. I’ve been a member of the PPL for 2 years and I currently serve as an assistant event organizer and communications leader. Feel free to reach out to me or any of the other members of the PPL leadership team if you’d like to share any social causes or events that need promotion towards a greater awareness.

Philadelphia Photo League At National Realty GalleryPhiladelphia Photo League at National Realty Gallery

Written and photographed by Laura Storck

Laura Storck Photography ARTIST. SCIENTIST. PHOTOGRAPHER. ROCK STAR.: https://laurastorck.wordpress.com/

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Wonder

NGCB – EPHEMERAL from Michael McDermott on Vimeo.

Don’t you wonder sometimes?

I’m really honored to be working with Nora Gibson Contemporary Ballet again this season. Our new work EPHEMERAL is our grandest to date. Seven dancers, lighting design by Dutch artist Katinka Marac and an evocative score of environmental elements and sonic stillness.

michael3

EPHEMERAL
Christ Church Neighborhood House Theater, Philadelphia
February 19 – 21, 2016. Tickets can be purchased online also running concurrently will be a dance-film festival that Nora has curated.

David Bowie Night

michael2

Last month planet Earth lost one of its a greatest visionary artists of the last century: David Bowie. David’s music and style had a huge influence on me. As I tweeted the morning of his death: “He taught the world it was ok to be different, it was ok to experiment, it was ok to change.”

In two weeks I’ll be part of an all-star night of Philadelphia musicians playing Bowie’s music. I’ll be playing keyboards with some (very talented) friends. I don’t want to spoil the surprise but we’ll be playing two songs from my favorite Bowie album as well as his last epic artistic statement.

DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE NIGHT
Thursday, February 11at 8 PM
The Fire
412 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123
$8 / 21+

Liberation Through Hearing During the Intermediate State

michael mcdermott, Don't you wonder sometimes?

March 19, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. – March 20, 2016 at 7:00 a.m.

the fidget space 1714 N Mascher Street Philadelphia
$10 – $20 sliding scale

This is going to be a 12-hour long concert of sleep music! Bring a sleeping bag, pillow and blanket, enjoy some dream tea and snuggle in for 12-hours of dream drones and tape loop lullabies. I’ll be performing ambient music all night with visuals from Alex Bond focusing on themes of Bardo, reincarnation, Dream Yoga and sleep (un)consciousness.

To get a taste of the kind of music you’ll hear, please check out my 2014 sleep music album, Quiescent. It’s an eight-hour mix of music for the four sleep cycles.

Thank you to Michael McDermott for the content of this post.

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Objet D’art

Objet D'art: Photography Exhibition, Church St. Art & Craft Gallery of Mt Holly, NJ, Jeff Stroud

Objet D’ Art, Group Photography Exhibition at Church St. Art & Craft Gallery, Curator Jeff Stroud

Call to all local photographers! March Photography Exhibition Church St. Art & Craft Gallery of Mt Holly, NJ, has invited me to curate this year’s photography exhibition which will be held in March 2016. The theme this year is:  Objet D’ Art:  A small object that is valued because it is beautiful or interesting; an object that artist value.

The theme here is to show your creative artistic side by exhibiting small objects you find in your home, everyday object you use or collection, or any small found objects that catch your imagination while creating a single image of fine art.

Drop off dates Feb 26-28th during business hours WednesdayFriday 11-6:00 pm, Saturday 10-6:00 pm. Sunday 12-4:00 pm 

There is a $10 submission fee.  You may submit up to 3 photographs, framed and properly wired for hanging.  The show will run from March 2nd through the 26th and we will be holding a meet the artists reception on March 12th from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Open to the public and there will be refreshments served.

I look forward to hearing from you as well as curating this exhibition. You are welcome to invite friends and share this post with other photographers.

Objet D’art: Photography Exhibition, the exhibit for the month of March at Church St. Art & Craft Gallery will be non-juried and curated by our guest photographer Jeff Stroud.

Theme: Objet D’ Art:  A small object that is valued because it is beautiful or interesting; an object that artists value. 

“The theme here is to show your creative artistic side by exhibiting small objects you can find in your home, everyday object you use or collect or small found object that catch your imagination while creating a single image of fine art with blurred/bokeh background.” – Jeff Stroud

Objet D'art: Photography Exhibition, Church St. Art & Craft Gallery of Mt Holly, NJ, Jeff StroudFor any questions regarding the theme or medium, please contact Jeff at jeffstroud.52@gmail.com

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Red Bubble: Jeff Stroud – Nature Spirit Photography

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