"Collection" introduces Philadelphians to the idea of a locally grown art community

Erica Prince - Ryan Foley from Vox Populi's "Collection" exhibit.Collecting art may seem like an expensive process, reserved only for those with the time and funds to seek out and purchase pieces. "Collection", a new exhibit from the 25-year-old artist collective Vox Populi, is working to change that misconception. Organized by Vox Populi member Beth Heinly and executive director Andrew Suggs, "Collection" brings together more than 60 works that have been collected and hung in the homes of Vox Populi members and board members. The hope is to open a discussion on collecting and introduce the public to artists from the Philadelphia-area and beyond.

When walking through "Collection," it’s clear that in planning the show it was important to the curators that the space feels familiar and homey. Planters, records, books, chairs and couches are throughout the four galleries, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the same atmosphere in which these pieces are often appreciated. A cell phone tour invites visitors to get comfortable, stay awhile and listen to the stories behind the pieces.

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"No Bicycle Parking" to give Philly bike riders a chance to share their stories

A bike wheel on Broad and Spruce Streets. | Photo by Raphael XavierWith spring nearly arrived, we can expect to see a lot more bicycles cruising Philadelphia streets. Unfortunately, this also means we’re likely to see a lot more stripped and abandoned bikes too. Ever had your bike stolen or stripped? The artist Raphael Xavier wants to hear from you. Visit his exhibit “No Bicycle Parking” on display at the Painted Bride Center from March 21-22, to tell him your story.

Xavier, who is also a performing artist and documentary filmmaker, has spent the past 10 years photographing more than 400 abandoned and stripped bikes. Many of the photos were taken in Philadelphia where Xavier currently lives; others are from cities he visited while touring for his professional dance career.

During the two-day exhibit, Xavier is hoping to collect handwritten stories to be used in an upcoming book featuring the bike photographs. The exhibit is on displayed in the Café Gallery (Hours: 12-8 p.m.), and will be welcomed with an artist’s reception tomorrow from 5-8 p.m. Xavier will be selling a limited selection of prints as well. 

“No Bicycle Parking” at the Painted Bride Art Center (230 Vine St.,) free admission

Taxonomy of Trash is finding beauty in the discarded, help share their work!

The members of the Taxonomy of Trash project (from left to right): Tim Eads, Raul Romero, Austen Brown, Stacey Doughtery, Carlos AvendañoPhiladelphia artist Tim Eads has garbage on his mind—and he’s using Kickstarter to spread the word. He and his team are hoping to raise $7,500 by February 24 to help build a mobile trash analysis laboratory, publish a book of photographs and hold a multimedia exhibition.

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Shades of Green: Local artists repurpose their work to create a new eco-minded exhibit

SHADES OF GREEN is on exhibit at the Delaware Center for Horticulture until Dec. 2.

As a printmaker and mixed media artist, I spent years using harsh chemicals. My hands were a mess. So, I started greening my art methods, changing all my inks to water-based ones and reusing materials and papers whenever I could. Of course, as a mixed media artist, it’s hard to throw anything out—trash is my medium of choice. I am forever picking things up from the streets, although I make sure to not any toxic materials.

In June 2011, I read an article in Grid about how artist Tom Judd uses found cardboard in his projects. It sparked an idea for my group of 25 ARTsisters to make art from the old art we all have in our closets. ARTsisters is a group I founded in 2005 when I realized my long-time friend and fellow artist, Leslie DeBrocky, functioned as more than a friend in discussing and helping me with my art. She understood the process and could really understand the highs and lows involved in the challenges of being a professional artist.

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Barrels of Fun: Mt. Airy artists beat the blues

While useful, the typical blue rain barrel isn’t exactly beautiful. So, when the Philadelphia Water Department donated five barrels to the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District this past April, the Mt. Airy Art Garage, a community art nonprofit, volunteered their creativity. Neighborhood artists were recruited and soon word spread, attracting more local artists—adults and kids—to be involved. The Water Department has since donated six more barrels with plans to contribute another nine. The barrels will be used to water flower baskets and tree wells on Germantown Avenue.

For more on the Mt. Airy Art Garage, visit mtairyartgarage.org.

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