REEMERGE Program

15th Annual Summer Juried Show

RE EM ER GE

June 5 – August 5, 2022

Off the Wall Gallery Dirty Frank’s

NE Corner, 13th & Pine • offthewallgallery.org • @otwdirty franks

What’s Next August 7 — October 7

2022 Midsummer Invitational Opens Thursday, August 11, 7–10 pm

October 9 — November 18

Back in the Saddle: Phil Sumpter Rides Again Opens Thursday, October 13, 7–10 pm

Thursday, October 20

Deadline for entries to UNDER $100

November 20 — December 29

UNDER $100 17th Annual Year-ending Juried Show Opens Thursday, December 1, 7–10 pm

December 30, 2022 — January 13, 2023

New Year’s/Mummers Hiatus

on cover, from top, left to right: Elena Masrour’s “Supper God,” Mason Carter’s “The Sunrise Sunset Theatre,” Heather Raquel Phillips’ “What Actually Matters.,” Donald T. Williams’ “Black Longevity Matters,” Jennifer Barrile’s “Strange Days,” Joseph Eggleston’s “Casey,”Micaela Pirzio-Biroli’s “Daddy death waits at the end of the road,” Emma van den Akker’s “In Pursuit of Something Greater,” Polly Davis Chalfant’s “Get me out,” David Helwer’s “Chickens Talking,” Holly Wynn’s “Everybody’s Watching”

We, the Jury

Rarely has a jury been tasked with a sterner test than were the arbiters of REEMERGE. The nuances of our theme — how did the pandemic impact your art and art-making? — demanded long deliberation to represent a wide range of emotions and approaches, across an equally broad array of media. Our experts were up to the challenge. We remain grateful for their thoughtful, diligent service!

ANDERS HANSEN artist and musician; member, The Plastic Club.

JENNIFER LANDE culinary and visual artist; singer. member, National Art Honor Society and Diversity and Cultural Committee, Vorhees Township, NJ. Instagram: @buildabettertable NATALIE HOPE McDONALD writer and fine artist. nataliehopemcdonald.com nataliehopemcdonaldfineart.com nataliehopemcdonaldilllustration.com Instagram: @nataliehopemcdonald KAREN RODEWALD artist and instructor.

JODY SWEITZER artist; instructor, University of the Arts; curator, Off the Wall Gallery; member, The Plastic Club. jodysweitzer.com Instagram: @jodylynnsweitzer

Rarely in history do all artists—no matter how they identify, where they live, create and find inspiration—have a common touchpoint impacting their work. The pandemic was such a shared event….

In This Together

This is how we framed our call for entries for REEMERGE, our first summer juried show in three years, which seeks to turn the reason for our absence into a compelling theme.

The result — welcoming 42 artists from across our community and as far away as South Carolina and Kansas, including 19 artists brand-new to this space — has transcended all expectations.

Their art, spanning 70 works, speaks eloquently to the pandemic’s singular, enduring impact on their art and art-making. For some, it has shifted points of view and awakened new themes. Others chose to document the borders and limitations of their altered existence and possibly to dream of a different tomorrow. Still others use art as therapy, for themselves and for the viewer.

This diversity of perspectives puts the power of shared experience front and center. After all, even as the pandemic has forced us apart, it has ironically brought us closer together. We have all been affected, our lives indelibly marked, our livelihoods perhaps endangered, our social circles surely constrained.

When art and life intersect so authentically, a show can invite everyone in the room to engage with the art in deeply personal ways. We are all navigating these same harrowing, frustrating, unpredictable times — together. We know how we felt and how we feel, the resilience we have gained, the fears we still harbor.

We hope, above all, that this is a safer, healthier summer than the last two, and we welcome you —vaccination card in hand of course — to return and continue exploring REEMERGE, from now through August 5.

Jody Sweitzer Curator

Togo Travalia Manager

Emma van den Akker

(top left) “In Pursuit of Something Greater” oil on canvas 10 x 8 300.

This piece represents the grandiose feeling of isolation during the pandemic— simultaneously separated from everyone else in isolation and also thrust into a global community as the world experienced the pandemic collectively.

JURY AWARD

WHAT A STRANGE TRIP IT’S BEEN Follow Emma on Instagram @emmavdart

Linda Lee Alter

My art always carries a message for the viewer, but only recently have I begun to design metal “street signs” as a way to reach out to the public. My hope is each sign will help bring people closer together by reminding us we are all members of the human family and we all share our fragile planet. (bottom right) “Time for Peace” digital line art on vinyl with laminate, mounted on aluminum 28 x 17 320.

Jennifer Barrile

During COVID’s bleak onset, I didn’t make art for months.

Eventually I found my groove again. Spending time outdoors with my husband and daughter helped to lift spirits, and my time in nature spilled over into my art—painting landscapes and cityscapes, using my imagination to create something fun. (bottom left) “Strange days” ink on cardboard and cut paper 10.5 x 8.5 170.

JURY AWARD

seven stages of covid: sHock and freefall Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jensimaginings

Jim Biglan During the pandemic I had gelato delivered to my door. It helped. (top left) “Love Oneself” acrylic on wood 22 x 16 275.

Follow Jim on Instagram @vaughn_biglane

Gabe Branch The pandemic really forced a re-evaluation of long held beliefs/ assumptions about the world; or rather it exposed this underbelly of unexamined realities regarding the nature of both living in a privileged system, as well as creating art from that position of unexamined privilege. For me this took the form of a self-reckoning as I ask: “What is it that I think a cis-gendered white male has to say that’s in any way relevant?” (top right) “The beauty of man; or I’m still having doubts about the patriarchy” oils and acrylics and mixed media 12 x 12 50.

Follow Gabe on Instagram @gabebranchart

Gary Bulwicz

I made this piece during the pandemic to examine how differences of opinion and opportunists rule your life—and the consequences that result. (middle right) “Form and Pressure” 12 x 15 photograph, watercolor, lacquer 55.

Follow Gary on Instagram @garybulwicz

Mason Carter

These Blendini City neighborhoods were created thanks to drawing skills I acquired during the pandemic. They represent my isolation-induced emotions and represent a longing for community, togetherness, and thriving local commerce that is relationshipdriven, not transactional. (bottom and middle left) “The Hat District” pen and pastel on paper 20 x 24 900.

“The Sunrise-Sunset Theatre” pen and pastel on paper 18 x 21 600.

JURY AWARD

BEST DYSTOPIAN UTOPIA Follow Mason on Instagram @masonfromblendini

Polly Davis Chalfant

Isolated and shut down, I watched a fractured nation struggle with managing a massive human crisis, exacerbated by shocking political theater...surrounded by intense social uprising and unrest...and ending with a violent insurrection at the Capitol. All of this fueled a personal artistic response to all the events of a yearlong nightmare. I experienced new and unexpected feelings towards my fellow humans—reflected in the art I created during that time. (top left) “Get me out” acrylic on canvas 22 x 18 675.

JURY AWARD

seven stages of covid: any chance of escape? (middle right) “Oh my god” acrylic on canvas 22 x 18 675.

Huchen Courouleau

(top right) “Little Flo” oil on canvas 14 x 14 120.

The smile re-emerges after the treat. (middle left) “Little shadow” oil on canvas 10 x 10 100.

The sun re-emerges from shadow with a sense of coolness and luxury.

Follow Huchen on Instagram @huchencourouleau

Olivia Duffy

During most of quarantine, I found myself daydreaming often about fun adventures and relaxing vacations I might one day be able to take. I turned these fantasies into fun ceramic objects as a physical representation of dreamy days ahead. (bottom) “Dreamy Pool” ceramic 7 x 5 x 1.5 150.

Follow Olivia on Instagram @ohduffy

Joseph Eggleston

The creative process has always been a mostly solitary act for me as a painter. During the last two years, I have found it to be even more isolating in terms of sourcing my subject matter, what subject matter I am drawn to, the limitations of the edge of a canvas, etc. All of this has led me to rethink color, composition and proportions.

I’ve found myself rethinking how I approach my work so I can try to be more mindful of what type of conversation I want to have if/ when I do have those harder-tocome-by chats about art. (Also during the pandemic, I have been re-watching a lot of horror flicks.)

“Close-up (Portrait Pink)” 4x4 oil and acrylic on canvas 60.

Follow Joseph on Instagram @joseph.eggleston.art

Jessika Carvajal Garavito

This is a strong message of support for the BLM movement after the different events that occurred at the beginning of the pandemic year.

All of Joseph’s work is on canvas.

(top right) “Our Reality” digital illustration 16 x 12 30.

(left column and middle) “Casey” acrylic and wax pastel 12 x 12 400.

Gina Giles

JURY AWARD

seven stages of covid: TIME TO BINGE “Crop (Cadmium Orange)” oil and acrylic 8x8 200.

“Crop (Yellow Oxide)” oil, acrylic, wax pastel and charcoal 8x8 200.

“Crop (Azo Yellow)” oil, acrylic and charcoal 8x8 200.

Follow Jessika on Instagram @yessika_illustration

My work is a collection of colorful and whimsical textile pieces meant to inspire joy in these tough times. This piece is soft, playful and accessible for the young and the grown. (bottom right) “Dolce Primavera” 29 x 18 yarn and glitter 750.

Follow Gina on Instagram @artfully.gigi

Felix Giordano

I became a painter so I wouldn’t have to huckster my stuff. It speaks for itself. (top right) “Large Recrucifixion” oil on canvas 18 x 24 700.

Follow Felix on Instagram @felixgiordano

Bob Gorchov

These paintings, done during the pandemic, express in different ways one overarching theme: disorientation. For me—and I guess for many others—the COVID pandemic has upset the apple cart and the images it has engendered in my mind have mainly to do with the fleetingness and fragility of life. Still, on we go….

Bob’s paintings are acrylic, ink and watercolor on canvasette. (middle right and middle left) “homage to Emma Amos (inspired by her 1994 painting ‘Work Suit’)” 25 x 19 250. “woman & bird with shoe” 19 x 25 230.

Follow Bob on Instagram @bobgorchov

Ariana Groce

COVID has caused a lot of isolation over the last two years, which in return led to reflection.

I had time to reflect on my community and myself. (top left) Within” acrylic and glass on canvas 15 x 11 50.

Anders Hansen

The thing that has kept me sane through this time of limitations has been drawing outdoors, in good weather and bad; sometimes cold and wind are especially inspiring. I have two favorite places that call me back time and again and never disappoint. (bottom left and bottom right) “Bird Sanctuary” 24 x 18 Ink and graphite on paper 200.

“Storm” 18 x 24 Ink and carbon on paper 200.

David Helwer

Daniel Levine

(top left) David Helwer “Chickens Talking” acrylic on canvas 16 x 20 300.

(middle left) “The road from faith to” 18 x 24 acrylic and charcoal on canvas 750.

My “COVID Kitchen Paintings” are self-portraits in my kitchen during the initial lockdown. While engaged in this series, I allowed my mind to wander through my childhood as a boy growing up on a farm in Kansas. I did my best to let the little boy inside of me do most of the painting.

JURY AWARD

best expression of lockdown syndrome

Basak Kilicbeyli

During quarantine, stuck in my apartment for two months, I used materials at home to interpret simple and everyday sights, such as cooking, taking who knows how many trips to the bathroom, having dinner, and trying to keep clean the place I live in 24/7 with a cat. As someone with mild agoraphobia, even though it seemed like I was in an endless loop, I reminded myself not to get used to it, and to make art as a commentary on those days.

Assemblages are 8x6 and 50. each. (right column) “The Hygiene,” “The Loo,” “The Meal,” “The Pot” Follow Basak on Instagram @basakkilicbeyli

My work has always dealt with memory and the romantic, albeit unreliable, stories that make up a personal history. Sometimes you’re the hero, sometimes the villain; more often than not it shifts back and forth. I layer various materials to illustrate the recontextualization of the self.

Follow Daniel on Instagram @boxyteeopatra

Asya Livshits

My work is often a study of what’s going on around me. It could be the past, present or future. If I want to find out how something works or what a place is like or what is the meaning of an event, I paint it. (bottom left and bottom right) “Belmar 2” oil on panel 11 x 14 400.

“A Storm” oil on panel 14 x 11 600.

Follow Asya on Instagram @acbkabasbka

Jessica Maietta

The pandemic made me realize life is too short to be working a job I don’t enjoy. I left my 9-to-5 to pursue art making full time. I now tattoo and show art full time. The style of my art has evolved rapidly and I create every day. I am more confident in my brush strokes and find it easier to become inspired. (middle left and top left) “Landscape” 11 x 11 pen and ink on paper 150.

“Motif” 11 x 11 pen and ink on paper 150.

Follow Jessica on Instagram @jessica.maietta

Elena Masrour

These paintings were drawn when the COVID-19 crisis began in the world. When vaccination started in the United States and some European countries, the people of my country, Iran, did not have access to the vaccine due to government corruption and political sanctions against Iran, while the death toll was increasing every day. In the fall of 2020, an uprising against the government took place, and thousands of young Iranians were killed or arrested on the streets.

Since I was away from my studio —inspired by the events of that year in quarantine and American comic books—I drew these paintings with paper and marker, the only media I had on hand. (top right) “Supper God” marker on paper 11 x 14 250.

JURY AWARD

seven stages of covid: time to hoard (bottom) “Turd King” marker on Mylar 12 x 16 350.

Follow Elena on Instagram @elenamasrour

Jaime Massey

I am an artist living, working, and painting in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Throughout the pandemic, my work has focused on the streets and people around me. (middle right) “Hoist Joint Water” 15.5 x 12.5 poster color on paper 375.

Natalie Hope McDonald

Re-emerging from the pandemic inspired me to explore new materials that harken back to the 1970s, an era that (not unlike today) also sprang from the aftermath of a tumultuous decade of war and civil unrest. I like to think that after spending so much time locked down—now facing an uncertain future regarding COVID and quite literally life-anddeath clashes between political factions—that there might be a vital return to decadence, the stuff of disco and unbridled escapism, whether as a way to cope, heal or just be free. I chose Mylar as not only a nod to Andy Warhol’s silver factory but also for it’s mirror-like quality, so that we see ourselves in the art.

“THE PARTY IS NOT OVER” acrylic paint on Mylar 16.5 x 12.5 300. UP, best of show) Follow Natalie on Instagram @nataliehopemcdonald

Rae McLaughlin

As many people did during the pandemic, I experienced tremendous loss of a romantic and platonic nature. These pieces deal with my anger, rage and sorrow over these relationships.

All of Rae’s embroideries are 4” round and 65.

“Bite Me,” “Blow Me,” “Bottom,” “Queer Wrath” and “Suck It” Follow Rae on Instagram @slutthirstcrafts

Christy E. O’Connor “Tea Time in Turbulence” is an examination on class, income inequality, ritualistic practices and isolation in a world turned upside down. It is a sullen reminder that throughout history, the uncertain times of plague and pandemic spurred the masses to either hide away in isolation or refuse to believe the severity of the situation—and act recklessly.

We are projecting Christy’s video in our 3D case as part of a three-artist installation. (still at bottom right) “Tea Time in Turbulence” performance/video installation runtime: 19:48 Follow Christy on Instagram @christyoconnorart

Heather Raquel Phillips

In unpredictable pandemic times, we have witnessed not only the horror of a virus that claimed more than a million lives but also the ever-present societal sickness that seeks to keep us divided over difference — in particular, skin color. We slowed down and stayed in. We focused less on money and more on the value of human life. We saw a beautiful moment of solidarity around the world aimed at changing these atrocities. As we return to blindly overworking and losing touch with ourselves, we must ask ourselves, how will we remain committed to reimagining our collective consciousness? (top) “What Actually Matters.” digital photograph 13 x 18 150.

50% of proceeds donated to The Philadelphia Black Giving Circle

JURY AWARD

seven stages of covid: REALITY CHECK (still just below) “Flowers For a Pandemic” video installation runtime: 3:11 We are projecting Heather’s video in our 3D case as part of a three-artist installation.

Follow Heather on Instagram @heatheraquel

Micaela Pirzio-Biroli I make art as an act of love for the people, places, and communities that sustain me, and as a way to immortalize the strength that these forces pour into my life. The work I have created in the face of COVID simultaneously celebrates and laments these relationships, finding a place for love and beauty in a world that has long been falling apart. (bottom) “Daddy death waits at the end of the road” woodblock relief triptych on paper 30 x 16 150.

JURY AWARD

NOT OUR FIRST PANDEMIC ...and WON’T BE OUR LAST Follow Micaela on Instagram @micaelapb.website

Dolores Poacelli

THE PANDEMIC DIARIES, my art series and my book, are an obsessive reaction to the pandemic lockdown — a group of 103 collages combining satire, serious issues and art to express the politics and isolation of the first year of the pandemic.

“Social Distancing” 14 x 11 cutout letters pasted on paper 250.

You can purchase signed, inscribed copies of Dolores’ book at our Opening and by request.

Follow Dolores on Instagram @poacelli

Gene Renzi

At the start of the pandemic, like everyone, I had to work at home doing the lumen silver prints. In year two, I was back in the darkroom making large silver prints like the one of the Barnes.

This kept my art growing. (left column, “Lumen #2” at top) “Barnes Museum Entrance” medium-format photograph gelatin silver print, copper-toned 22 x 18 (10 x 10 print) 250.

“Lumen #2” gelatin silver lumen print 14 x 12 (10 x 8 print) 150.

“Lumen #4” gelatin silver lumen print 14 x 12 (10 x 8 print) 150.

Follow Gene on Instagram @generenzi

Diana Riukas

My video was created from the perspective of conspiracy theory.

What was really going on and was it a pandemic or plan-demic?

We are projecting Diana’s video in our 3D case as part of a three-artist installation. (still at bottom right) “What’s Really Going On?” video installation runtime: 2:00 Follow Diana on Instagram @artfully_blind_with_diana

Karen Rodewald

These small visual expressions refer to the WTF, manic ennui experienced during the lockdown.

Frustrated by the lack of suitable emojis, I made my own. (top right) “Unhinged #2” 14 x 11 mixed media 85.

“Unhinged #3” 14 x 11 mixed media 85.

“Unhinged #4” 14 x 11 mixed media 85.

Gloria Rohlfs I’m attracted to bold colors and shapes and continually inspired by an interest in the environment, psychology, sociology and human rights. My recent paintings reflect emerging from hard times, blossoming, and moving outward toward new horizons. (middle right) “Horizons” 12 x 12 acrylic on canvas 200.

David Siegelman

It was a beautiful day outside in May 2020 — though due the circumstances, only a few people were out doing what they were doing. As we passed several buildings, a boy ran out to his window and gently placed his hands on the glass with a sad lonely look on his face, which to this day, I will never forget. (top left) “Boy in the Window” digital photograph 8x8 95.

Follow Dave on Instagram @oldcitydave

Robb Spath

My collection explores a skeptical future — a rise in internet bullying answered by over-policing safe spaces, as well as a look at how we regard our surroundings and natural resources. (left column) “Digital Transition” 12 x 12 125.

“Grocery Shopping” 14 x 11 100.

“Masquerade” 12 x 12 150.

Follow Robb on Instagram @armedrobbery810

Alex Spragens (top right) “The Kitchen @ 1220” oil on panel 16 x 13 1200.

Follow Alex on Instagram @alexspragens.art

Jeff Thomas

(bottom right) “Shopping at the Safeway, San Francisco, 1971” 25 x 14 paper, ink, acrylic and latex on hanger 250.

This is a reworking of a pencil drawing done years ago. The finishing colors are new. (middle right) “The Sculpture, a Man and Beaver Collaboration” found cherry tree log 24 x 8 x 8 450.

This collaborative piece was carved by the Schuylkill River Beavers of West River Drive and cut and presented by Jeff Thomas. If sold, it will be presented with a dozen lamented 8x10s of the site and project.

Follow Jeff on Instagram @jeffthomasartt

Terence Thompson Lockdown gave us silence that was scary and isolating, silence that showed us what is and who is most important. This silence offered me the freedom to listen, hear and create on a connected level like never before.

my first solo show in decades.

Most of my recent work has been influenced by “current news” and themes that always show up in my work: systemic racism, family, responsibility, love. The pandemic slowed me down but didn’t derail me. It’s actualy made me a more empathetic, eyes-wide-open person.

(top right) “bird freed” paper, tape, clothes and dust 14 x 14 100.

(middle right) “Black Longevity Matters” digital print of watercolor original 18 x 15 50.

Follow Terence on Instagram @my.name.is.turtle

Wild Type

Isolation is like a sine wave fluctuating between creative liberation and delusional entrapment. Like many of us, I was devoid of human contact save for phone calls, social media, and adventures to imaginary worlds. (top right and middle left) “screenwalker” acrylic and watercolor on paper 20 x 16 180. “that 2020 vibe” acrylic and watercolor on paper 20 x 16 200.

Follow Ori on Instagram @wildtyping

Donald T. Williams

The pandemic stands out as a time when I had little control over my life. In the days leading up to the shutdown, I was preparing for

JURY AWARD

seven stages of covid: HOPE RISING Follow Donald on Instagram @artforeal

Holly Wynn

Being stuck inside forced us to spend a lot more time on social media. And it left some of us with the nagging feeling we’re always being observed, since the content we’ve consumed in place of face-to-face interaction seems designed to make us feel that way. (bottom left) “Everybody’s Watching” mixed media 11 x 14 50.

JURY AWARD

seven stages of covid: PARANOIA Follow Holly on Instagram @artbyhollywynn

CALL FOR ENTRIES CALL FOR ENTRIES Seeking art in all media (2D, 3D, multimedia) NOW to October 7. NO ENTRY FEE! Submit up to 5 works of art by email. 48” limit in combined dimensions (height+width) Our all-time top-selling juried theme returns! for 2D. $10 per piece hanging fee. $600 Again, it’s EASY and FREE (no up-front fee)in tocash enterprizes. your art.

UNDER

$100 20 r e b o t c O , y a hursd T : E N I L D A E ENTRY D 17th Annual Year-ending Juried Show 16th Annual Juried Exhibition November 14––December December29,26, 2021 November 20 2022

Off the Wall Gallery AT DIRTY FRANK’S

SUBMIT... Up to 5 works in all media (2D, 3D, video), with titles,

prices, sizes, media and a two-sentence statement

LIMITS... 2D work needs to be no more than 48” in combined

dimensions (height+width); 3D must easily fit in our case.

NE Corner, 13th & Pine, Philadelphia WHERE? Email everything to offthewallgallery@gmail.com. offthewallgallery.org @otwdirtyfranks WHEN?

Now to Thursday, October 20 at 11:59 PM Accepted artists will be announced by October 25.

$$...

It’s free to enter BUT there is a $10 hanging fee for each accepted work, funding $600+ in cash prizes.

OffNE Corner, the13th Wall Gallery AT DIRTY FRANK’S & Pine, Philadelphia offthewallgallery.org @OTWDirtyFranks