Category Archives: Prints

Art prints by Philadeelphia area artists

Ren & Win, “Mysterious Lines” @ Smile Gallery

Ralph “Ren” Dillard @ Smile

 Ralph “Ren” Dillard, PAC, oil @ Smile Gallery curated by Lilliana Didovic.

Ralph “Ren” Dillard @ Smile

Ren Dillard, Blue Smoke, oil.  Ren explained to DoN that he is finally finding his voice in painting, a spoken word artist (he has promised to perform at the show’s closing on 12/7), his art is about meditation, human commonality, promoting nationalism and personal pride.  Dillard’s work has a defined narrative concerning urban life and cultural icons but is also searching inward to find peace through meditation, introspection and transcendental non-judgmental.

Ralph “Ren” Dillard @ Smile

Ralph “Ren” Dillard, We Are One, oil.  From hip-hop heroes like 2Pac to inner dream-scapes, Ren’s painting seems to be searching for truth, justice and the New American Way.  The trans-cultural tribalism of the city and the struggle to remain calm in the face of the storm is certainly reflected in the dichotomy between thug life and the art of living well.

Ralph “Ren” Dillard @ Smile

 Ren Dillard, Ren’s Labyrinth, oil.

Ren & Win @ Smile Gallery

Vichaya “Win” Mukdamanee & Ralph “Ren” Dillard Mysterious Lines @ Smile Gallery.  The tableau of two artists from opposite sides of the world bouncing ideas back and forth with the urban pop aesthetic of Ren’s paintings and the abstract expressionism of Win’s prints is a synopsis of contemporary culture.  Win’s bold, architectural black and white prints are a striking counterpoint to Ren’s wildly colorful meditations yet the conflicting styles reflect a youthful, modern perspective of the world.

Vichaya “Win” Mukdamanee @ Smile

Win Mukdamanee, City Element # 4, print 3 of 8.

Win Mukdamanee studied art at Suankularb Wittayalai School in Bangkok Thailand (with Smile Gallery’s owner, Ken Tutjamnong’s, former professor) and is now pursuing his Master’s degree at Pratt Institute in NYC.  Primarily a sculptor, Win’s prints certainly exude an architectonic flavor yet are painterly, vibrant and fluid.  Mukdamanee quickly applies ink in splashy yet controlled strokes on plastic film then runs in through a press on beautiful papers, then frames the resulting image in quiet white mats.

Vichaya “Win” Mukdamanee @ Smile

Vichaya “Win” Mukdamanee @ Smile Gallery, 22nd & Chestnut Streets.

Frankly, it was difficult for DoN to get good photos of Win’s work since the black under glass reflects back the photographer, all the more reason to visit Smile and contemplate the juxtaposition of styles which curator Lilliana Didovic has so capably displayed to both artists advantage.

American Color Print Society – 70th Exhibition

The American Color Print Society is celebrating their 70th anniversary with their 70th member exhibition at The Plastic Club which is coincidentally 70 years old.  The exhibition includes not just color prints (the group came together because many galleries only allowed black and white prints) but many excellent examples of black and white prints.  Like many other art forms, the boundaries have expanded to include mixed media, collage, textile and more.  With works submitted by artists from all over the country this show is a mixture of styles, tastes, techniques and ideas from abstract expressionism to atmospheric naturalism to impressionism to pop incorporating every type of printmaking imaginable.

American Color Print Society - 70th Exhibition

Marlene Grolnic, Ancestral Headgear, collagraph/collage.

American Color Print Society - 70th Exhibition

Elaine B. Rothwell, Poker Cross. 4 plate color etching.

American Color Print Society - 70th Exhibition

Ron Wyffels, Untitled, etching/drypoint/drawing.

American Color Print Society - 70th Exhibition

Carole J. Meyers, Check It Out, monotype.  Meyers explained to DoN how she paints an image on thin plastic sheets with water-based inks then pulls them through a roller to produce her expressionistic prints.

 American Color Print Society - 70th Exhibition

American Color Print Society 70th exhibition @ The Plastic Club on the Avenue of the Artists.

American Color Print Society - 70th Exhibition

Carole J. Meyers, Holding Court, monotype.

American Color Print Society - 70th Exhibition

Thelma Grobes, Acrobat And Horses, etching.

Lois M. Johnson American Color Print Society - 70th Exhibition

Lois M. Johnson, (The Cowgirl in the City), was awarded the lifetime achievement award by The American Color Print Society.  Johnson has taught printmaking at The University of the Arts for 40 years and is preparing to retire.  A native of North Dakota she has made a great impact on the art scene in Philadelphia by helping aspiring print-makers realize their potential.  DoN asked Lois how she reacts to the popular skate-punk esthetic so prominent with today’s youth and she responds that she doesn’t judge but reacts to what is put before her, helping her students improve technique and style, the substance is up to the artist.  The American Color Print Society sponsors a printmaking scholarship for students attending UArts, DoN‘s sure the school is going to miss Lois Johnson’s influence and tenacity.

Lois M. Johnson American Color Print Society - 70th Exhibition

Lois M. Johnson was honored with a solo exhibition in the Board Room of the Plastic Club; Johnson’s prints mix photography, drawing, scribbles and metaphorical references to her western roots and metropolitan style.

American Color Print Society - 70th Exhibition

The American Color Print Society was awarded with a certificate of appreciation from Philadelphia City Council on their 70th anniversary and exhibition.  Congratulations!

Philadelphia Open Studio Tours – Center City West

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: ANN KOIVUNEN

The Center for Emerging Visual Artists

Studio Tours and Exhibitions  Manager

215-546-7775 x 13, ann@cfeva.org

 

 

POST

 

This October,

 

Find the Visual Artists


in Center City West!

 

DoN Brewer

 

Kevin Broad 

Artwork by Don Brewer and Kevin Broad (L to R)

 

Philadelphia Open Studio Tours 2009

 

Featuring:

 

24 Artists in Center City West

 

Studio Tours on October 10-11, 2009

…

 

Blowout Birthday Party on Friday September 25

 

Friends of CFEVA Guided Tour on Sunday October 4

 

Selections from The Studio Opening Reception on Thursday October 8

 

Citywide Studio Tours during the first two weekends in October

Over 300 participating artists and community partners

…

 

Philadelphia, PA – This October, The Center for Emerging Visual Artists™ is pleased to bring you the 10th Annual Philadelphia Open Studio Tours. Join over 300 professional visual artists, local businesses, arts organizations and galleries to celebrate 10 years of studio art!  Artists and event partners in every neighborhood from Chestnut Hill to South Philly will open their doors free to public in the largest event of its kind in Philadelphia.

 

This year, the Open Studio Tours is happy to feature the following artists in the Center City West neighborhood:

Madeline Adams

Betsy Alexander

DoN Brewer

Kevin Broad

Mark Bullen

Estelle Carraz-Bernabei                                                                                                                                           Carraz-Bernabei

Elizabeth Core

Deborah Deery

Jerry-Gerard Di Falco

Eric Frantz

Katherine Fraser

Carolyn George / CRG Studios                                                                                                                                George / CRG Studios

Thomas Kohlmann

Melanie Miller

Ted Mosher

Maria Nevelson

Nicole Pellegrini

Paul Rider

Carlo Russo

Jane Steinsnyder

Lauren Sweeney

Aleksandra Vasic-Lalovic

Angela Victor

Ernest Villareal

Burnell Yow!


In addition, we are working with Heavy Bubble, Icon Magazine, PhillySide Arts, The Center for Emerging Visual Artists, Tsirkus Fotografika, and Utrecht
as Community Partners to provide support and information about the event. Visit philaopenstudios.org for detailed information about participating artists and community partners.

 

The 10th Anniversary Festivities are just around the corner! For details on the comprehensive schedule of POST-related activities, including artist workshops, receptions, exhibitions, neighborhood parties, and more, visit philaopenstudios.com/Events.aspx. Following is a schedule of this year’s official events:

 

Blowout Birthday Party
Friday September 25, 5 – 10pm

The Institute of Contemporary Art at 36th and Sansom

Kick off the POST season with a party at  the ICA: Cake, candles, drinks, entertainment by Jasa Li, Tsirkus Fotografika, and projected video installation of and by participating artists. This is one you don’t’ want to miss!

Artist Studios EAST of Broad Street
The weekend of October 3-4, 2009, noon-6pm
All tours are self-guided and free

Visit artists working in South Philly, Bella Vista, Queen Village, South Street, Center City, Old City, Northern Liberties, Kensington, Fishtown, and Port Richmond

Artist Studios West of Broad Street
The weekend of
October 10-11, 2009, noon-6pm
All tours are self-guided and free

Visit artists working in Germantown, Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, East Falls, Manayunk, Roxborough, West Philly,  North Philly, Fairmount, Center City, and Graduate Hospital
 

POST Guided Tour
Sunday October 4, 1 – 4 pm
Meet at 1521 Locust Street
Want to visit artist studios, but not sure where to start? Join us for the Friends of CFEVA Guided Tour, and enjoy select artist studios with transportation and refreshments provided. Tickets are $75 each; reservations required. To reserve a space or for more information, contact the Center for Emerging Visual Artists at 215-546-7775 x16 or holly@cfeva.org.

Selections From The Studio
Opening Reception, Thursday October 8, 5 – 7 pm
Exhibition runs from Monday September 28 to Friday October 16, 2009
Group exhibition featuring POST artists selected by Julien Robson, PAFA Curator of Contemporary Art. The Gallery at the Center for Emerging Visual Artists is located at 1521 Locust Street, Lower Level, and the Gallery Hours are noon to 4pm M-F.

…

For a full list of artists; high resolution images; profiles of specific artists;
or more details on events, promotions or sponsorship,
please contact Ann at 215-546-7775 x13 or ann@cfeva.org

…

 

Objects & Things @ The Plastic Club

Curator Alan Clawens insisted all entries must be work created outside of the historic art club on Avenue of the Artists, Camac Street, the theme being still life in any media; the Plastic Club artists reached deep into creative reserves to bring work that represents they’re own style yet meet the criterion of the show.  There’s nothing like listening to an artist explain how they’re work meets the rules – it would make a great reality show but in this case everyone seems sincere in bringing their best.

Objects & Things - Marie Davis Samohod

Marie Davis Samohod, Parting of Ways, acrylic.

Objects & Things - Elizabeth H Macdonald

Elizabeth H. MacDonald, Tin Can, relief print.

Objects & Things - Michael Kuncevich

Michael Kuncevich, Facets, monotype.  Kuncevich took first prize in the Philadelphia Sketch Club’s Miniatures Show.  The delicate coloration and high concept of this print is a master class in composition, technique, style and skill.

Objects & Things @ The Plastic Club

Debra Campbell Goodyear, Lemon Aid, photograph, Veronica Schmude, Wheel, digital print and Alden Cole, …And Delicious, mixed media.  Isn’t this a beautiful tableau?  DoN LoVeS that Veronica & Alden are hanging together since they’re both DoN faves.  DoN‘s looking for Ms. Goodyear.

Objects & Things - Mina Smith-Segal

Mina Smith-Segal, Terracotta Head, watercolor.

Objects & Things - Anders Hanson

Anders Hansen, Wild Onions, ink & graphite.

Object and Things @ The Plastic Club

E.S. Holmes, Pipes, acrylic, Thelma Segal, Mexican Paper Flowers, watercolor, Paul Perez, Artist, photograph and Dom Loschiavo, Lunch at Le Magnolie, color print.

Objects & Things - DoN Brewer

DoN Brewer, light being (David Arneson), digital photo.

The Plastic Club is an oasis of creativity, friendship, camaraderie and support; not just a club, it’s a think tank, a hide-out, a studio, a gallery, a place to learn and experiment without fear.  Fear is the mind-killer.

ArtFirst @ University of Princeton Medical Center

artfirst

Tiffany Wallops the Drome” by Bridgette Riversmith won an honorable mention award; DoN LoVeS the idea of whacking a monster with a frying pan, demonstrating the strength, fearlessness and determination of people living with disabilities.

ArtFirst is an artshow in it’s 7th year, developed with the intention of promoting artists living and working with disabilites; the show in the University of Princeton Medical Center was well attended by patrons resulting in sales and support for talented artists using art to express themselves whether they have to paint holding a brush with their mouth, reach out from a wheelchair or struggle with pain. The term disabled seems to be a misnomer when the quality of the art stands on it’s own – DoN is honored to be included in this outstanding cadre of talented artists.

artfirst

Musician Adam Parker-Lavine entertained the crowd with beautiful, unobtrusive music -if you need a musician for an event, this artist has a wide repertoire sure to entertain your guests.

The ArtFirst team put together an outstanding party, drawing patrons to the medical center to enjoy an open bar, fabulous food and dedicated volunteers who helped to make sure that the art sells.

artfirst

Philadelphia artist Clifton Anderson’s still life paintings are brilliantly colored, expertly painted and visually captivating. Clif is an art teacher in Philly, a member of the Philadelphia Sketch Club and a cello player with the Jefferson orchestra – this is one brilliant artist who doesn’t let a wheelchair keep him from doing anything. DoN was so pleased to see a friend at the show and to hear that he was explaining to patron’s that DoN‘s photos are award-winners, surely helping to make some sales. Thanks, Clif!

artfirst

Elayna Alexandra is a self taught artist working in digital media; her work incorporates drawings, photographs, digital manipulation and her own x-rays. Elayna won 2nd prize; DoN is inspired by her mixed media works and her willingness to expose the inner beauty of a disabling physical problem. The two of us kept high-fiving as sales, prizes and compliments came our way.
artfirst

Girl with a Mirror“, sculpture by Arnie Segal. DoN & Arnie are developing a website for Philadelphia area artists with disabilities called NUVISIONS for Disabled Artists. Arnie encouraged DoN to participate in the show; it’s difficult to “out” oneself as a disabled person but this show is such high quality, so well managed and supported by kind and understanding leaders and patrons, it’s easier to deal with the stigma and continue to create art.

artfirst

Etching, “Each to it’s Own Kind” by Michael Jameson.

DoN chatted with a patron about the symbiotic relationship between crows & wolves, how they are totem animals and work together to find food. DoN advised her to buy it; at first she said she couldn’t afford it but all of a sudden she decided she couldn’t leave without this fine, expressive etching. The first rule of sales? Ask for the sale!

artfirst

DoN Brewer’s “light beings (Dora & Pablo), light being (Leo Seeger) & light being (Barbara Gittings)” @ ArtFirst, University of Princeton Medical Center.