Popular Philadelphia Art Galleries

By Helen Georgette


Visitors who believe that Philadelphia's art scene tops with Robert Indiana's Love sculpture and the Rocky statue will be thrilled to understand that the City of Brotherly Love is teeming with places to find quality fine art. American history may be prominent in most people's minds when thinking of Philly, but the culture that flows throughout the city is equally as wonderful as Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell. A colorful local artistic community thrives in the city of Philadelphia and the huge number of Philadelphia art galleries available makes their work easily available

First Friday in Philadelphia

Seeded across the city - from the outdoor mosaics of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens to the Picasso's hanging in the Museum of Art - there are galleries in Philadelphia that cater to genres from eclectic to conventional. Lots of the galleries are situated in the Old Town district and are open for viewing during the favored "First Friday" art events.

Slingluff Gallery

Found in Fishtown and owned by Jonathon Slingluff and his wife Leigh, Slingluff offer monthly exhibits that can range all the way from local street art to contemporary art from around the globe. This is proving to be one of the more popular Philadelphia art galleries because of the ever changing exhibits that appeal to introductory art aficionados as well as those with a rather more practiced eye.

Locks Gallery

Housed in a stately 3-story building in Philadelphia's Washington Square, Locks Gallery enjoys a rep as among the most popular art galleries in Philadelphia. Utilizing its influence in world art circles, it has helped raise the profile of a few local artists such as Jane Irish, Edna Andrade and others.

The Clay Studio

Part of the Old Town gallery district, The Clay Studio was opened to give new artists a place to display their creations and work. It has now developed into the number one place in Philadelphia to see and purchase unique art. Along with the gallery and store, The Clay Studio also offers classes for those desiring to develop their own works.

Schmidt-Dean

For over 25 years Christopher Schmidt has been displaying his art and that of others from his Chestnut Street gallery. An ex "Best of Philly" winner, Schmidt exhibits a large range of work includingpainting, sculpture and photography, mostly by local artists.

Biello Martin Studio

Michael Biello and Dan Martin, with architectural designer Carlo Fiammenghi have banded together to bring one of the most eclectic art spaces in the country to Philly. This Old Town studio/gallery evokes the salon atmosphere of Europe, where works of all mediums are on view.




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