Gallery Night to offer free cultural events

By Jen McShane
Collegian Staff
April 16, 2008

Philadelphia is widely renowned for its artistic and cultural values and contributions. From big museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art to the hundreds of small art galleries, art thrives in this city, with plenty of opportunities for artists to exhibit their creations.

In an effort to create more awareness about art culture, the Center City district is holding its fourth annual Gallery Night April 18. During the event, 18 galleries all over Center City will be holding special exhibitions and events at no cost from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Not only are all the events free, but there will also be complimentary receptions at various areas for guests to enjoy. Most of the 18 galleries are located between 12th and 20th streets, and between Chestnut and Pine streets. This makes it easy for visitors to walk between the galleries, essentially enjoying a night on the town and the Center City atmosphere.

Galleries participating in this eclectic night of art include Absolute Abstract & Absolute POP, Lisa M. Reisman Et Cie, Philadelphia Art Alliance, Satellite Gallery, Philadelphia Sketch Club, Plastic Club, Samuel T. Freeman & Co, TD Banknorth, the Art Institute of Philadelphia, the Gershman Y and the Print Center.

Absolute Abstract and Absolute POP will be exhibiting some of its more unusual art. A gallery known for its unusual pieces and photographs, it is widely known for selling decorative, frameless art for walls.

“We wanted to be the ‘go-to’ place for affordable decorative art and to provide a venue for up-and-coming artists to showcase their work in an approachable and relaxed setting,” said David White, co-owner of Absolute Abstract and Absolute POP. On Gallery Night, it will be showcasing its newest exhibit, “Absolutely Philadelphia,” with various photographs of the city.

 The Art Institute will be offering a reception at its exhibit with a sobering message. On Gallery Night, the Institute’s exhibit is titled “Broken Levees: Photos of Post-Katrina New Orleans.” The exhibit will include photographs depicting the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, taken by Associated Press photographer Rick Smith.  

 Famous watercolor painter Mike McDonnell will be at the Sande Webster Gallery on Gallery Night demonstrating how he uses his medium to produce paintings. McDonnell mixes the surreal with ordinary objects to create still life paintings. A reception with the artist begins at 6 p.m.

 Outer space is the theme at the Satellite Gallery, where world-famous artist Vincent Romaniello will showcase his paintings. Romaniello has an unusual style, mixing media to create both sculpture and painting. He utilizes paint in such a thick pattern that it creates a three-dimensional painting, which borders on sculpture.

“There is no paint or painting in the traditional sense,” said Romaniello, when describing his style. Not only is his style very unique, but Romaniello’s work often depicts scenes of earth, as imagined from a space craft or satellite.

 

To truly enjoy Philadelphia’s art culture, grab the subway and head into Center City for this night on the town of free art, food and scenery.

mcshanej2@lasalle.edu