Art for Sale, Philadelphia
Where to find art for sale, Philadelphia
Within Philadelphia’s historic square mile is the Old City Arts District. Once an industrial area, many of its structures became artist hangouts and homes. During the 1980’s and ‘90s, there was an incursion of art galleries and other creative spaces. The Old City is now a desirable residential neighbourhood with many cultural and architectural gems to behold. On and around North 2nd Street, just off Market Street, is home to many of Philadelphia’s galleries. Galleries include:
Artist-run Muse exhibits abstract, conceptual, and representational work.
Nexus Gallery
Also artist-run, the Nexus continually showcases high quality pieces from local artists who often make it ‘big’ soon after. There are many one or two person exhibits, which occasionally include internationally-reputed artists.
One of Philadelphia’s finest ceramic, glass, fiber, and wood-art specialists. The collection also incorporates paintings, photography, and sculpture.
Chestnut Hill neighbourhood is also home to many art galleries and restaurants, but particularly specialises in antique shops. There are also many cultural events held here all year-round. It is a beautiful district with a great community to match. Galleries include:
Specializing in early 20th century American art, the gallery has a focus on showcasing the works of the Pennsylvania Impressionists. You will also find work from 19th century American and European through to contemporary pieces.
Ruka
The majority of the collection is comprised of southern Asia works. Works include fiber-art, jewellery, small furniture, decorations and tea sets.
Well known galleries in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Museum of Art holds over 225,000 pieces of art including masterworks from Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp. Millions of people have seen the museum, even if they have not visited it, as you will notice the steps are from the film Rocky.
Outside of France, the Rodin Museum in Philadelphia hosts the largest collection of works by Auguste Rodin. One of his best-known works, The Thinker, is located in the courtyard. Inside, you will be able to see The Kiss (1886), Eternal Springtime (1884), and The Age of Bronze (1875-76).
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, established in 1805, is known best for its collection of 19th and 20th century American art. Many scholars visit the museum to get a better understanding of American art history. The organization has a good program for educating the public of all ages. The museum is an advocate for local art and that of its students, and often displays the work in various exhibits throughout the year.
Art Events in Philadelphia
In 1991, the Old City Art Association began First Fridays to promote Old City galleries. All the galleries open up their doors as a collaborative event on the first Friday of every month.
In September, two concurrent sixteen-day festivals are held in venues throughout Philadelphia. The events are called The Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe. Both support performing artists from around the world and provide a great atmosphere to enjoy innovative works.
Artists from Philadelphia
Alexander Calder (1898-1976), also known as Sandy Calder, was best known for inventing the mobile. He was also a sculptor and artist, and created children’s toys.
Realist painter, Andrew Newell Wyeth (1917-2009), was known as the “Painter of the People” and was a well loved American artist of the mid 20th century. His artistic focus was the American landscape and the people inhabiting it.
James Browning Wyeth, son of Andrew Wyeth, is a contemporary realist painter, also focusing on the countryside and its inhabitants.