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Oil

Maria Kurtzman, Winter Quadriptyck, oil on board 152nd Annual Small Oils Exhibitions First Award

The Philadelphia Sketch Club’s 153rd Annual Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings

The Philadelphia Sketch Club‘s 153rd Annual Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings will run April 8 – 30, 2016 in the Sketch Club’s historic main gallery located on 235 South Camac Street, The Avenue of the Artists, Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Sketch Club‘s 153rd Annual Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings affords an opportunity for today’s artists to connect with many of the great artists of the past. Artists can have their work exhibited in this prestigious exhibition, just as Eakins, Anshutz and N.C. Wyeth did.

The 153rd Annual Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings, presented by The Philadelphia Sketch Club, represents one of the longest running and most prestigious juried exhibitions in the country. This year’s show runs from April 8 through April 30 with a free public reception with awards presentation on April 17 from 2 to 4 PM. The exhibition will feature over 150 works by prominent and emerging artists.

The exhibition awards are not just certificates and cash, but also the R. Tait McKenzie Small Oils Medal. Dr. McKenzie was not only an artist who created Olympic medals, he was also a physician who developed many of the modern theories of physical therapy. He designed a medal specifically for this exhibition. In addition to the three Best in Show awards, there will also be special awards for the best landscape, still life, portrait and abstract. Traditionally, the exhibition also features a work by each of the three jurors.

R. Tait McKenzie, Small Oils Medal, bronze, 3″ diameter

This year’s Jurors are Alex Kanevsky, Alice Oh and Bill Scott. Originally, in 1863, this show was established to enable artists to display a number of small examples of their works, with the hope that a patron would order a larger painting. The size limitation on the paintings is no larger than 20” x 20”. Prior medal winners in this exhibition have included Paulette Van Roekens, John Folinsbee, Alice Kent Stoddard, Arthur Meltzer, Antonio Martino, Dorothy Van Loan, John Redmond, Doris Silk and Al Gury.

The Philadelphia Sketch Club is a volunteer driven organization, with local artists contributing time and resources toward its mission since 1860. Gallery hours are 1pm to 5pm Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free for the general public.

Founded in 1860, The Philadelphia Sketch Club is America’s oldest artists’ club. The mission of the Club is to support and nurture working visual artists, the appreciation of the visual arts, visual arts education, and the historical value of the visual arts community.

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MLMME12

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Mary Liz Memorial Masters Exhibition 2016

at Off the Wall Gallery at Dirty Frank’s

As many of you know, we usually open a show the Thursday after it goes up. This time, our festivities fall a week later, but the staggered logistics have no correlation to the practically staggering talents on display.

We’re speaking, of course, of our 2016 MARY LIZ FELLOWS — painter BOB GORCHOV, photographer WENDY PLOGER and assemblage artist/sculptor WAYNE URFFER -who are a week off the usual trajectory but right on target with their art. High marks are in order because the MARY LIZ MEMORIAL MASTERS EXHIBITION, named for our founding director, is the greatest honor we can bestow on artists in our community.

So without further ado, we cordially invite you to the show’s 12th renewal — MLMME12, for short – which opens its seven-week run THIS THURSDAY, MARCH 10, with a 7-10 PM OPENING RECEPTION featuring our favorite drinks, light hors d’oeuvres, fabulous conversation and a chance to meet the artists. You may already be familiar with one of more of our esteemed trio, who rank among our most accomplished artists.

The paintings of BOB GORCHOV have won over our hearts even since “the red coat” lit up the Wall in December 2008. Ten shows later — yes, MLMME12 is fitting his 12th outing in this space! Bob has lost none of his bewitching use of color or emotional buoyancy. Each time we see a new canvas, it’s like experiencing Bob’s work for the first time. Some might try to make a connection between this immediacy and his background as a self-taught artist, but we resist the notion of pigeon-holing the invigorating creativity that has defined 35 years of painting and drawing.

Even the artist cannot put a finger on what might emerge from the next canvas. “I rarely know how a painting will turn out,” says Bob, “and this is part of what makes the process interesting for me.”

WENDY PLOGER‘s journey from Brooklyn to 13th Street is a story we like to tell. Our friend Gail Stolp, a bartender here at Dirty Frank’s and at Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar, discovered Wendy’s photography and introduced us. Two years passed before Wendy’s work appeared at the end of 2013, to great acclaim, with diptychs humorously pairing disparate street photographs. The next year her intriguing, gender-bending series became the hit of our Autumn Invitational. Now, amazingly, Wendy brings us TWO ENTIRELY DIFFERENT bodies of work (!): tintypes, created with traditional wet-plate photography, and digital collages “projecting” Wendy’s strong female portraiture against natural settings.

This different pacing for the artist holds a new-found sense of satisfaction. “A few years later, with well over a hundred professional shoots under my belt,” Wendy says, “I have felt the need to slow things down in this age of instant gratification and pinpoint accuracy.”

Fewer and fewer MARY LIZ FELLOWS began their OFF THE WALL careers under the curatorial watch of our founding director. WAYNE URFFER is an exception, having enjoyed a boffo debut here before Mary Liz’s passing in 2004. He’s also only the second artist ever to be named a Fellow for the second time, following in the footsteps of Bob Jackson, a fellow master of the assemblage. Wayne’s work is always richly layered and rewarding. He brings ponderous questions to the floor of our 3D space (and, in this case, the Wall) – ranging from pop culture to religious zealotry, existentialism to addiction but he does so is such an accessible, non-judgmental manner, leaving much to the viewer’s interpretation, that you never feel the weight of agenda.

In fact, you may feel he sometimes enters the creative space with an open mind, too, “My process is to gather materials that capture my interest and allow them broadly to dictate the size and composition of my work,” says Wayne.

You can readily see why we’re so excited about MLMME12. What we love most about this show is that it’s as much about mastering media as it is about the lifeblood of art: experimentation and evolution. Whether you are encountering Bob’s paintings, Wendy’s photos and Wayne’s boxes for the first time — or simply rediscovering them — you’re in for a rare treat.

We look forward to seeing you Thursday!

Togo Travalia, Manager, OFF THE WALL GALLERY at Dirty Frank’s, NE Corner, 13th & Pine Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Thank you to Togo Travalia for the content of this post.

offthewallgallery@gmail.com

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Natural

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Natural Flow, the Paintings of Gerry Tuten, John Thornton Films

“Through March 12, 2016, The Wayne Art Center is hosting a dazzling exhibition of landscape based abstractions by metalsmith turned painter Gerry Tuten. Although these paintings have echoes of DeKooning, Tàpies, Soutine, Cy Twombley, and the late garden paintings of Monet, they remain resolutely her own.” – John Thornton

The purpose of The Wayne Art Center is to provide both instruction in the studio, and to build appreciation of the visual and performing arts through our many exhibits, lectures and programs. The Center affords artists an interdisciplinary venue to share, learn, exhibit and perform. Specifically, The Wayne Art Center carries out its mission in the following ways:

By providing instruction in all phases of the fine arts, contemporary crafts, music, culinary arts and drama.
By offering exhibitions, performances and special events for artists and community of the greater Main Line area and Delaware Valley.
By reaching out to our community with instructional programs for persons with special needs. These programs use art for therapeutic value.
By providing a gathering place for artists and students to both share and lend support toward improving the cultural climate.

Gerry Tuten, Natural Flow

“My painting is a venture inside and outside of myself seeking freshness and change. I thrive on challenge, action and awakening in my painting. I am intensely curious, exploring the micro and macro levels of the natural ecology. When the image begins to “break up” or erupt, my excitement rises. I transfer this excitement and freedom to the viewer through movement, color and texture of paint over surfaces. Here in the process of painting I allow myself to break all the rules. Trusting my intuition I can let go of the “work of art”. The painting is just a place to free myself – to surrender to process. The medium of paint speaks stronger than words. Clarity is distilled out of movement and change. The paintings come as gifts.

The elements of earth, water, fire, air and space give form to all life and play a prominent role in my inspiration. By exploring organic natural forms and the visceral textures of paint with spontaneity and freedom I play at mark-making and application while trying to stay ahead of my grasping mind. Through close observation my art explores imagery living in the natural world – insects, birds, reptiles, mammals, plants, trees, flowers and minerals in a myriad ways. I am overcome by the abundance and beauty of nature. If I can allow my paintings to run free then I can find delight and joy.

My aim is a constant search for subtle and not so subtle energies in our visual world as well as the tension between things and expression. Painting is a way for me to move through life having a relationship with the Beloved. The paintings are the record I leave behind of my journey into spirit. They are in gratitude for my life. – Gerry Tuten, June 2015

The Wayne Art Center
413 Maplewood Ave., Wayne, PA 19087
610-688-3553 · 610-995-0478 fax

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Home

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Wayne Klaw, Disconnected (2016), archival injket, Home, Markeim Arts Center

HOME

by Laura Storck

This exhibit is truly a diverse collection of images based on the idea of “home” from the myriad viewpoints of 35 local photographers. To be honest, I looked forward to seeing others’ interpretations of this topic with incredible anticipation and intrigue.

Richard Montemurro, Cozy Corner (2016), pigmented archival inkjet print

“There are many items throughout our home that are photographable and from time to time have been photographed. Most of them have been taken for granted as household decorations or ignored until I decide to photograph some of them. Such is the case with these figurines, tucked away on a shelf in a dark corner of our living room, behind a table lamp. Often seen and taken for granted – until now.” – Richard Montemurro

Melissa Hellwig, Mabel (2015), digital photograph

Mabel by Melissa Hellwig: “Home is where the heart is and my heart is my beautiful daughter, Mabel. I took this photo during her monthly photo shoot when she turned 6 months old. She loves having her picture taken!”

What is home? According to the prospectus: “Home” will be a show of images that presents compelling photographs on any of the aspects or themes of “home”. Images submitted should be those that the photographer connects to an idea of “home” – this is inclusive of any definition or personal connection and could be home sweet home, home run, home town, home stretch, homey, home free, home base, etc.

Ellie Wright, Twenty Gammons Road (2012), laser print

“Twenty Gammons Road passed into memory February, 2012. Its passing was attended by its most recent resident as witness to the 94 years of shelter it provided beginning in 1918. Twenty Gammons Road is survived by the memories of life lived within its walls.” – Ellie Wright

Christine Foster, Joey’s House (2013). archival giclee print, shot on film with a Holga

Pat E. Fitzgerald, Homemade Apple Pie (2015), chromogenic print

“Ever since I ate a piece of Carolyn’s homemade apple pie, I have not been able to eat one that is bought at a store, served in a restaurant, or homemade by anyone else. As you can see from the photo, the consistency of the crust enhances its taste, but what makes Carolyn’s apple pie so perfect is that every apple slice is deliciously soft–there isn’t one hard apple slice in the entire pie!” – Pat E. Fitzgerald

Sandra C. Davis, Home Invasion-Stealing Fruit (2015), archival pigment print

“The Home Invasion series are images which will be published in book telling the story of old toys that have been put away in a box and left forgotten in the basement. They come to life and make their way out of the basement and into the home to begin making mischief while the humans sleep. Did you ever wonder how that piece of fruit ended up in the middle of the floor? Or what happened to that other sock? How did that book get knocked from the shelf? Perhaps they are in your home and are answer to those unsolved mysteries.” – Sandra C. Davis

Erik James Montgomery, Home (1998), chromogenic print

“My friend and I participated in a community outreach at a housing project in Newark where residents received free food and clothing. While there I noticed an elderly woman looking at us from a distance through her window. I was intrigued so I grabbed my camera and took the first photo. As I walked closer to the subject I saw all of the broken and boarded up windows in her building. Amazingly, she secured her windows with store grates! I’ve seen a lot of peculiar things over my life but having store grates inside someone’s apartment was incredulous.

I approached the senior and asked if I could take her picture. She obliged and then told me that she has lived there for over 40 years and has seen her community decline because of crime and drugs. I asked her why she doesn’t simply move away from there because it’s so dangerous. She replied, “Baby, I can’t leave, this is my home.” Her weighty words taught me that compassion plus commitment is the foundation of any community.” – Erik James Montgomery

When I was invited by curator Norm Hinsey to participate in the group photography show themed HOME at the Markeim Arts Center, I wasn’t quite sure I wanted to participate. To me, the word home evokes ideas of a warm, fuzzy, safe, and nurturing place — also a place of which I have never felt connected. After much pondering, Billy Joel’s ballad “You’re My Home” came to mind. Yes, that’s it. This song resonates with me. Home for me is not a physical place, but a feeling. Relationships. Comfort. Self-acceptance. Authenticity. Love. “Look within yourself”, my inner voice whispered, “and you’ll find your meaning.”

Laura Storck, Revelation as a Wife and Mother (You’re so cramped here.), 2011, silver gelatin print

After much recollection and pondering, I realized that because of my nomadic spirit and constant cravings, the concept of home isn’t a place, it’s a sensibility. It’s the notion of feeling secure within myself.

My image “Revelation of a Wife and Mother (You’re so cramped here.)” was a decisive moment for me. Several years ago, I had just started a Holga camera and darkroom class at the University of the Arts and was playing around with the new detachable flash that had arrived in the mail. While watching a Serbian film with English subtitles made in the late 1960’s, I randomly snapped a photo while firing off the flash to figure out how it worked. It wasn’t until printing the enlarged 120mm film image in the darkroom did I hold a clear vision of what I had captured — not just a black and white image of my messy living room, but a snapshot which perfectly conveyed how I truly felt on that cool October afternoon in 2011.

Anne M. Ferara, Grandma’s China (2016), chromogenic print

“This image evokes memories of home and family gatherings.” – Anne M. Ferara

Ola Wilk, Suzy (Walkersville, Maryland), 2014, chromagenic print

“Suzy, a proud teenage horse trainer and show competitor, at the entrance to a trailer on her horse farm in rural Maryland.” – Ola Wilk

Steve Tornone, Home-cooked Meal (2015), silver halide print

Lionel Goodman, Home Sweet Home (2015), archival pigmented inkjet

“This photograph of a Roma (gypsy) was taken summer 2014 on the busy Paris left-bank boulevard, Rue Vaugirard. It is noteworthy that the photograph depicts a common Parisian street scene well before the Syrian migration. These (illegal) homes on the street frequently include tents, babies and even pets. Except for the Champs Elysees right-bank quarter they are generally tolerated by the police. These Roma encampments in Paris reflect a long standing internal European migration problem.” – Lionel Goodman

I draw much contentment and energy from the beautiful relationships I’ve formed over the years. Most of all, I’m learning to feel completely whole by allowing myself to pursue my deepest interests and passions without abandon — my art — thus evolving to self-actualization (finally) without judgment but with encouragement, patience, and pride. This is home to me — being comfortable in my own skin. I haven’t made it home yet but the journey is an interesting, poignant, and exciting adventure.

Collection of Norm Hinsey, Marvin’s Photo Album, Polaroid SX-70

Participating artists in HOME include: Anne Ferara, Ava Hartline, Blaise Tobia, Christine Foster, Dave Magyar, Ellie Wright, Erik James Montgomery, Geoff McClain, Gloria Whitney, Heather Siple, Hope Ardizzone, Joan Wheeler, Joel Blum, Joseph Gilchrist, Kate McGovern, Kevin Provost, Laura Storck, Lionel Goodman, Melissa Hellwig, Ola WIlk, Pat Fitzgerald, Peter Burt, Richard Montemurro, Ruth Haines, S Gili Post, Sandra Davis, Scott Johnson, Sky McClain, Steve Tornone, Susan Spitz, Valerie Williams, Vera Hinsey, Vera Resnik, Wayne Klaw, and Whit McGinley.

Curator Norm Hinsey is a photographer, as well as director of CREON Gallery in New York City. He has curated several shows at the Markeim, including MYSTERIOUS, ALL NATURAL, INSPIRED, EYE OF THE BEHOLDER, and PORTRAIT. CREON has recently shown a retrospective of photographs by Krzysztof Zarebski; and hosted EXPOSED, an exhibition that included work by Ellen Carey and Amanda Means exploring new and unique photographic processes.

HOME will be on exhibit at the Markeim Art Center, 104 Walnut Street
(Lincoln Ave & Walnut St) Haddonfield, NJ 08033 through March 5, 2016, 856-429-8585 info@markeimartscenter.org

Written and photographed by Laura Storck

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

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurastorck/

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Twitter: @Laura_Storck

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Billy Joel – You’re My Home (Live 1981)

Membership

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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.)

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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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