By LeLe Galer, Columnist, The Times
This first Friday in July is a First Friday Art Stroll for the towns of West Chester, Kennett Square and Phoenixville. Make sure to mark your calendars for this Friday, July 3rd and check out the various opening receptions, and pop up shows throughout the towns. First Fridays are a great way to introduce you to these wonderful downtown locations. Make sure to reserve ahead for dinner, as the restaurants can get booked-up quickly on First Fridays!
Kennett Square’s Mala Galleria is featuring the oil paintings of David Katz in their July installation entitled “Musical Chairs”. The show’s opening reception is during the Kennett Square First Friday Art Stroll, Friday July 3rd from 6-9pm. David’s work is always interesting and fun. Juxtaposing various realistically painted objects with one another in unusual ways, his paintings are a visual delight and reflect the humor and talent of the artist. Come to Mala on Friday and meet David Katz and enjoy his lively conversation and engaging “Musical Chairs” exhibition.
Musical Chairs by David Katz
David says, “The Chair Series was started by first making a collage from collected images.. either arranged or just allowed to drop to from a base for each painting. All are painted to music…..” By the way, Mala’s June exhibit “Pedal” successfully donated 15 bikes for the Urban Bike Project which supports Wilmington communities by providing access to bicycles as a healthy, affordable transportation option. Cheers to Mala!
In downtown Kennett Square, The Longwood Art Gallery, which just celebrated its 30th anniversary, is continuing their exhibit of the award-winning work of watercolor artist Jack Giangiulio with “Sailboats” for the month of July.
Jack enjoys taking simple shapes found in nature and making them more interesting and entertaining. He seizes the moment to capture a scene where natural light affects the color of the immediate surroundings. The July Art Stroll Reception will be held on Friday, July 3rd from 6-9pm where you can enjoy great art, lively conversation, wine, cheese and live music by Dr. J. Visit this gem of a gallery just a few doors up from Mala Galleria and other artist studios that are open to the public for the evening.
Robin in Snow Plain by Bobby Wolf
Also in Kennett Square, Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery has three scheduled artists for their July Thursday pop-up shows (from 4-8pm every Thursday). This Thursday, July 2, from 4-8pm, photographer Bobby Wolf will show his latest works. Popular at so many local art shows, Bobby continues to experiment with his love of the medium. A former track champion, Bobby was stricken with cancer just after high school. Confined to a wheelchair, and in between surgeries, Bobby was mentored by his former track coach Charlie Shank and photographer John Bosler.
Bobby discovered a love for photography and you can see his passion for the art and all of nature in each of his wonderful images. I hope people will come out to see Bobby Wolf’s new show and continue to encourage him in his work! Several other local wineries also showcase local art, including Ten Gallon Hat and Penns Woods Wineries in Chadds Ford.
In Phoenixville, the Phoenix Village Art Center will exhibit a “Celebration of Latinos-Hispanos Art in Phoenixville” from July 3 – August 3. The show features the artworks of renown Latino artists Roberto Carlos Andrade Jijena, Nestor Diaz-Valentin, Lourdes Barajas, Carmen Sanchez-Martinez and more. The exhibition reception is July 3rd from 6-9pm, and both the art titles and conversation will be in Spanish and English; -sounds like a wonderful idea for a show! Also in Phoenixville, The Art Gallery at Franklin Commons continues to show its wonderful “Flight” exhibit for another two weeks.
Ironiasii by Roberto Carlos Andrade Jijena
The Delaware Valley Art League (DVAL) had a glorious week for their Plein Air show at the Valley Forge Battlefield, which will be on exhibition at the Valley Forge Visitor Center in the Center’s gallery through September 12th. Every month, DVAL members are encouraged to exhibit at a large variety of venues throughout the area, and every month there are meetings with artist demonstrations, and get-togethers, where artists exchange information and news. If you would like to learn more about DVAL, its shows, or become a member, visit www.delawarevalleyartleague.com.
Plein Air workshop at Valley Forge by Delaware Valley Art League
