Masterstrokes

MASTERSTROKES: When our jury singled out JEAN PLOUGH for BEST ACRYLIC STROKES, it was about these four paintings in UNDER $100. For our audiences, it has been the continuation of a love affair with the artist’s work. It all began nearly three years ago when, at the request of long-time OFF THE WALL artist and lifelong friend Jeff Thomas, she submitted paintings to our online pandemic auction SAVE DIRTY FRANK’S, which benefited our staff. The rest is history, with the most important chapter being Jean’s turn in MARY LIZ MEMORIAL MASTERS EXHIBITION 17 during spring 2022. That tour de force was an unprecedented solo outing in the most significant slot on our calendar, which included a rotation of new work in the middle of the show — something we hadn’t done since Mary Liz herself ran our gallery. It was necessary because MLMME17 had nearly sold out in its first month, and admirers of these pieces should know...yes, Jean has sold out yet again!

“Figure”
10 x 10
acrylic on canvas
95.

“SPORT UTILITY”
10 x 14
acrylic on canvas
95.

“Out, Damn Spot”
9 x 12
acrylic on board
95.

“Crabs”
10 x 10
acrylic on board
95.

Peace on Earth, Good Will to You

No angels or seraphim are we; all the same, best tidings of the holiday to all of you...as we count down to the end of 2023 AND the final days of UNDER $100! It’s hard to believe we’re in our last week, which promises several posts to run down award winners and new artists, introduced to our community through our most popular juried show. PHIL SUMPTER, who visited recently from his home in Puerto Rico after taking our community by storm with his solo show last fall, ONCE AND FUTURE FRONTIERS, is neither new nor, in this case, an award-winner. However, Phil is among the most veteran and most beloved OFF THE WALL artists — not to mention the only one in here with multiple prints. They are signed giclée of this timely holiday dove. Two are still available for purchase at this writing. So come in tonight, when we open at 8:00, and buy yourself a Christmas present!

PHIL SUMPTER
“Peace Dove”
14 x 11 framed
10 x 8 print
signed giclée of
watercolor and ink original
95.
signed, framed prints available

Come Unhinged Tonight

Yesterday’s MARGIN/MARGIN closing reception was great because it featured an OFF THE WALL artist (Heather Raquel Phillips) in a partner’s space (William Way). Let’s try to one-up that TODAY (FRI 11/10), with an opening reception for a phenomenal multimedia artist long attached to our community — KAREN RODEWALD — in a gallery co-founded by another OFF THE WALL artist: Harvey Weinreich’s SIDE STREET GALLERY (812 Chestnut Street, Studio 2E). In a 5-8 PM reception, Karen will unveil her newest works on paper, from photography captured from unexpected vantage points to multimedia works that celebrate the simple joys of making marks and continuously dabbling with color. Adapting something she once told us, Karen’s visual experimentation may strive for exactness but always, ultimately, embraces and celebrates our imperfect, at times tumultuous world. We look forward to seeing you this evening!

Last William Way Reception until...'25?

We are always excited when an OFF THE WALL artist has an opportunity to share their work with a larger audience, no matter where that show happens. When that person is the amazing interdisciplinary artist HEATHER RAQUEL PHILLIPS and when the space is WILLIAM WAY, our neighbor and sister arts organization that is about to reinvent their home and revitalize their mission with a major capital project over the next 18-24 months, there is even greater urgency around getting the word out. Such is the case with CLOSING RECEPTION TONIGHT (11/9, 6-9 PM) for MARGIN/MARGIN, an electrifying collection of Heather's storytelling photography that sparks conversations about sexuality, desire, non-conformity, power, race, self-determination and much more. We look forward to seeing you there tonight — and we look forward to collaborating with William Way over the next year-plus, beginning with their annual juried show (accepting entries about INTIMACY, now through 11/27), which will go up on our Wall and in our 3D case in January.

HEATHER RAQUEL PHILLIPS
“Leather Family”
digital photograph
part of MARGIN/MARGIN
at William Way LGBT Community Center

An Early Treat for 48 Artists

Far better than candy is the news for four dozen in our community that they are the artists our jury has chosen for the 2023 edition of UNDER $100! More exciting still is that 12 of them will be making their OFF THE WALL debuts when the show hangs on Saturday, November 18, and officially opens on Thursday, November 30. As our audiences know, this is perhaps the most highly anticipated of our juried shows, with its affordable price point and fortuitous timing, which traditionally kicks off holiday festivities — and holiday shopping! — at DIRTY FRANK’S. CONGRATULATIONS to all! (Artists, please look for emails today notifying you of which works were accepted.) And, of course, HAPPY HALLOWEEN.

The Stuff of Legends

We proudly call PHIL SUMPTER an OFF THE WALL artist, but he is so much more. Today, from 4 to 6 PM, Phil, man, myth, creative pioneer, Black cowboy, uncompromising sculptor, draw-it-if-it-sings-to-you 2D artist, consummate educator, life-changing mentor, activist-with-the-spark-of-a-Revolution-in-his-Soul comes calling from his home in Puerto Rico. Join us in welcoming him back to Philly and to Frank’s, listening to his stories (we forgot to say “raconteur” above...Phil can tell a story with the best of them!) and raising a glass. Plus there will be a surprise announcement at 5:00. (Yes, we might have emailed you about that yesterday...but SHHHH…mum’s the word til Jody announces the news.) See you for an unforgettable Happy Hour!