From July 16 to August 4, the Freedman Gallery at Albright College will host “Take 10,” an exciting summer exhibition showcasing the work of ten incredible artists from Berks County and the surrounding region. The show includes the works by Abby Ryder, Amy Forsyth, Brianna Shimer, Dolores Kirschner, Erika Hewston, Jane Runyeon, Khalil Allaik, Kristen T. Woodward, Linda Adlestein and Rich Houck.
“Take 10” artwork features a vast array of mediums, from painting and printmaking to photography and sculpture in wood and ceramic and highlights the talent and creativity within our local community. Unlike many other Freedman Gallery exhibitions, all artwork on display is for sale, and participating artists have agreed to a 50% commission to help the non-profit gallery with future programming.
An opening reception for the show will be held on Sunday, July 16, from 2-4 p.m., and a closing reception will be held on Aug. 3, from 5-8 p.m. The gallery is also open during the run of the show from July 16 through Aug. 4 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 1-4 p.m.
About the “Take 10” artists:
Abby Ryder, Lancaster, Pa., translates her love of drawing “anything with a face” to elevated screen printing techniques that allow for a cleaner line and more expressive piece of work.
Amy Forsyth, a professor of art at Lehigh University, has used her experience in wood working with traditional tools to create pieces with improvised elements.
Brianna Shimer, the Ceramic Studio manager at Goggleworks Center for the Arts, explores the uses of functional pottery in relation to the maker and the user.
Dolores Kirschner, the founder and director of non-profit arts organization Clay on Main, explores themes in science, holes in our lives and urban decay through experimental ceramics techniques.
Erika Hewston, the retail and gallery exhibitions director for Peters Valley School of Craft, is a textile artisan that strives to create woven and quilted pieces that allow the viewers to escape the insanity of everyday life.
Jane Runyeon, a former professor at Albright College, is an abstract artist who is greatly inspired by the natural world and the creative process itself.
Khalil Allaik, a multidisciplinary artist known for his futuristic interpretations, takes much of his inspiration from the universe and the things we will be unable to explore in our lifetime.
Kristen T. Woodward, a professor of art at Albright College, explores the relationship between animal welfare and environmental stewardship through mixed media paintings.
Linda Adlestein, represented by Schmidt Dean Gallery in Philadelphia, is a photographer who is captivated by nature, architecture and the happenings of everyday life.
Rich Houck, currently working for the Center for the Arts, is a mixed media painter who creates expressive paintings of nature and cityscapes.
“I am thrilled that the Freedman Gallery is resuming a summer exhibition focused on regional artists after a decade-long hiatus, and I am equally excited to showcase the creativity and ingenuity of ten truly inspired and inspiring fine artists who live and work among us,” said David Tanner, dean of arts and cultural resources at Albright. “While art may have, and grow to have, an extremely important monetary value, the true worth is the impact art can have on our every-day lives and the value it brings in inspiring life-long creativity and curiosity. I know I have a favorite piece from each artist that I’m hoping to take home myself, and I can’t wait to see what resonates with others.”
