Have you ever dreamed of browsing a famous art gallery late into the night hours while enjoying cocktails and light bites? Then allow me to share with you my experience attending this year’s Art-ish hosted by the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Live performances, multiple DJ sets, and art activations were just some of the highlights that made the night special at the annual event that invited art lovers, patrons, and supporters of the arts to browse, mingle, and dance after dark in the famous museum.
BrownStyle Magazine was invited to cover Art-ish in March, and of course, being not only a lover of the arts but an artist myself, I was ecstatic.
The theme for the cocktail affair was Visionaries, which according to the museum, paid tribute to “individuals who’ve disrupted conventions throughout history.”
Throughout the night, eventgoers were encouraged to explore the museum’s collection of over 240,000 pieces, as well as engage with the local artists who were present that night. I was excited about connecting with those in attendance to learn about the importance of supporting the arts and what it meant for them to be there that night. I was truly inspired by my conversations.
Conversations With Lovers Of The Arts
As a member of the art community, multi-hyphenate creative Yasmina B. Richardson believes events like this are key to keeping the arts alive.
“Art is life and life is art. It’s a symbiotic relationship and it helps us express ourselves. It connects us. It helps us to heal. And it’s also fun,” Yasmina notes, adding if you view art from the proper perspective, it can teach you to see things differently.
I also spoke with friends, Tara Acosta and Briar Smith, who were invited to the event by one of the DJs playing a set that night. Tara, a local hairstylist, explained that she is an advocate for the arts. So much so, that she created a wall in her salon to highlight work from artists.
“Art is one of the most important outlets a person can have. In my salon, we do a featured artist wall and we rotate artists quarterly,” she explains.
Briar, who enjoys writing, shared candidly how she doesn’t often go to art museums. However, she expressed that she truly appreciates the beauty of art. “I feel like art is humanity’s jewels […] Some little piece of beauty that humans are able to reach into themselves, take out, and give to the rest of the world,” she describes.
Local entrepreneur Erica says her love for art is fueled by her daughter, who is a young artist. “Coming to art museums is always inspiring for me because I get to see her potential and what she can be. I think art adds a layer to our understanding of where we are, where we’ve been, and where we will continue to go,” she explains.
Her companion at the event, Saleem, who is also an entrepreneur and an electrician by trade, found himself inspired by the artwork on the walls.
“I like to imagine what’s to come. That’s something I do more clearly when I’m here at the museum,” he explains, noting the event’s visionary theme.
When I asked if he’d be willing to share his vision for the future of Philadelphia, Saleem expressed his hopes of seeing more positive spaces become available to the community. Erica agreed, adding the ACCESS Program by Art-Reach provides $2 admission to over 80 museums, theaters, gardens, and cultural sites throughout Greater Philadelphia and Delaware to make arts and culture more accessible for lower-income families. (The only requirement is a qualifying state-issued ACCESS/EBT card.)
“Not everyone gets to be a part of events like this because of cost and the barrier it presents,” she reminds us. “Access Art gives you entry for $2 per person. Now, that access also includes the Philadelphia Zoo!”
Exploring Art With An Open Mind
One of the activations that caught my eye, but I unfortunately was unable to personally participate in was “Echoes of a Future Past” by photographer Gregory Wright.
Wright, who was assisted by Azella Gardens, helped those who participated in his activation reconnect with the past dreams and goals that may have been laid to the wayside with double-exposed shutter-dragged portraits. (See some of the brilliant portraits that were shot at Art-ish.)
Wright’s portraits were a stunning and beautiful artistic rendition of each participant’s past and present self, as well as an encouragement to move boldly towards the life and goals they want to live and fulfill.
“Most were confused at first thinking this would be a simple portrait, but once they opened up, I had great conversations with some of the guests about their dreams for the future,” Wright tells BrownStyle readers.
I was also inspired by the “Christina Ramber: A Retrospective” exhibition. Her work is a rendering of imagery that pushes boundaries when it comes to feminine and erotic art. Her work lies somewhere between figurative and abstract, which I could deeply relate to as my art does the same in a very different way.
Each of her pieces felt like an exploration into a world of my own making, slightly prompted by an outside force. Her work will be on display until June 1st, 2025 in the Morgan, Korman and Field galleries at the PMA.
My Takeaway From My Experience At Art-ish
These conversations and experiences were not only eye-opening to me but also affirming in knowing and understanding the importance of art and what it means to those willing to spend time engaging with it.
I wholeheartedly believe in the importance of art and know that it is needed now more than ever.
In times like these where the news and media outlets are constantly bombarding us with all of the heaviness and chaos that is happening in the world around us, I believe it’s important to have something like art that can serve not only as an anchor but as a reminder that there is also beauty and wonder to be found in the world.
All in all, Art-ish was everything it promised to be and served as a reminder that the arts are not only alive and well, but that they connect our humanity and are absolutely necessary. I look forward to next year!
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Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
