Artist Profile: Andrew Gardner
I interviewed longtime Roxborough resident Andrew (Andy) Gardner at his home and took a tour of his workshop studio space in his backyard. Andy has lived in Roxborough his entire life, save for a few years when he was out of the area for college, and later when he was out of the country on a tour of duty with the U.S. Army. He is semi-retired plumbing, heating and remodeling contractor and enjoys collecting local art. In his words, art is important to him "basically, because I like art." His love for art started at a young age and passion lies within the "creative dimensional arts," that is, various forms of sculpting. His favorite materials to work with are found objects, whether it be discarded items or objects found in nature.
Up until about a year ago, he was very involved with the Manayunk-Roxborough Art Center (MRAC), an artist cooperative located on Green Lane in Roxborough. MRAC is the primary art institution in Roxborough and offers classes and workshops for adults and children. Member artists are given multiple opportunities each year to publicly exhibit their artwork. Andy's sculptures have been featured many times in these group shows and he has served on their leadership team volunteering countless hours of his time. Although MRAC does not have a lot of money to work with, he believes that "the more people that could get involved would be an asset to them." Andy is not heavily involved with the art center any longer due to frustration over the "political issues" and plague the board and art center leaders.
Up until about a year ago, he was very involved with the Manayunk-Roxborough Art Center (MRAC), an artist cooperative located on Green Lane in Roxborough. MRAC is the primary art institution in Roxborough and offers classes and workshops for adults and children. Member artists are given multiple opportunities each year to publicly exhibit their artwork. Andy's sculptures have been featured many times in these group shows and he has served on their leadership team volunteering countless hours of his time. Although MRAC does not have a lot of money to work with, he believes that "the more people that could get involved would be an asset to them." Andy is not heavily involved with the art center any longer due to frustration over the "political issues" and plague the board and art center leaders.
"What does a creative community look like to you?
Does Roxborough live up to your expectations, or fall short?"
In addition to community involvement through MRAC, he hopes that some of local children's needs can be met at the numerous daycare and after school programs in Roxborough. If asked, he believes, local artists would be willing come into schools and day cares to teach an art lesson, or help develop art curriculum: "kids love art and if you're starting young, who knows what'll happen ... and artists then could get involved, very easily, with a few hours of time spending time with the children where they are." When asked about the current state of the arts in Roxborough, Andy replied that it is "not great, we're way behind Manayunk right now, it would be a nice thing if we got more art things going on here, it would be great." I see Andy as an agape artist within Roxborough. His art is created mainly for personal transformation and physical well-being. However, through his job as a local contractor, his sculptures, and his involvement with MRAC, he fully embraces the community and seeks to care for the "needs of people including improving their quality of life" (Corbitt & Nix-Early, 2003, p. 105).
artist profile: Amy Gardner
I interviewed Amy Gardner in her studio in her house on Green Lane in Roxborough. Amy, along with her husband, Francesco, owns an interior residential painting business. Amy was born in Roxborough and has lived in this community her entire life. Her life as an artist started at age seven when her dad gifted her a broad wood drafting table he had rescued from a trash pile. Her playful artistic expressions in various media reflect her curious spirit. Since she was a young child, photography, book-making, jewelry-making, ceramics, painting, batik and stained glass have remained her favorite modes of expression. Formal training in these media during high school at Penn Charter and at college at Rutgers fostered her creative identity. Looking around at the materials in her studio, she told me with a smile on her face, "I just love it, I have to do art."
Amy sees Roxborough as a safe community with fun playgrounds, a good library, interesting shops, and well-kept beautiful old homes. Amy and I both feel very fortunate to have Fairmount Park and Gorgas Park closeby. Center city is a short distance away yet "you can be in the woods in silence in three minutes, which I love." Amy is not blind to problems that should be addressed: "Roxborough needs a better 'main street' with shops that aren't just nail salons or 'cash-for-gold' shops, somewhere where people can go and have a nice walk, like in Chestnut Hill." From her perspective, the main issue that affects our community's children is the lack of local public schools that offer a safe and stimulating educational environment. As an artist in the community, she does not feel that her artwork contributes to the life and health of the community, however, her involvement with Manayunk-Roxborough Art Center impacts the residents of Roxborough in small way. She was a teacher for children's art classes and has exhibited her stained glass creations and paintings in their annual member shows. In addition to serving her community through MRAC, she has volunteered at the Roxborough Development Corporation (RDC) and the Friends of Gorgas Park.
Amy sees Roxborough as a safe community with fun playgrounds, a good library, interesting shops, and well-kept beautiful old homes. Amy and I both feel very fortunate to have Fairmount Park and Gorgas Park closeby. Center city is a short distance away yet "you can be in the woods in silence in three minutes, which I love." Amy is not blind to problems that should be addressed: "Roxborough needs a better 'main street' with shops that aren't just nail salons or 'cash-for-gold' shops, somewhere where people can go and have a nice walk, like in Chestnut Hill." From her perspective, the main issue that affects our community's children is the lack of local public schools that offer a safe and stimulating educational environment. As an artist in the community, she does not feel that her artwork contributes to the life and health of the community, however, her involvement with Manayunk-Roxborough Art Center impacts the residents of Roxborough in small way. She was a teacher for children's art classes and has exhibited her stained glass creations and paintings in their annual member shows. In addition to serving her community through MRAC, she has volunteered at the Roxborough Development Corporation (RDC) and the Friends of Gorgas Park.
"Do you think that artists can serve the needs of Roxborough?"
Turning local "eyesores" into public art, such as highly visible murals, and adding trees along the street is a way that she envisions a more beautiful Roxborough. Amy would love to contribute a mural on a large abandoned brick facade on Roxborough's main drag. She sees how the recent mural painted on Ridge Avenue by the Philly Mural Arts Program created a positive buzz among her neighbors and sees potential in community art endeavors. Her dream to change communities through the arts reaches outside of Roxborough, too. One day she would love to be hired as a muralist for the Philly Mural Arts Program. Amy is an agape artist. Her interest and involvement in various local organizations (MRAC, RDC, Friends of Gorgas Park) are ways that she works for Roxborough's "holistic social transformation" to bring about economic, political, social and spiritual change (p. 105). Her dedication to art and her community is helping to improve Roxborough for future generations.
artist profile: Francesco sessa
My interview with Francesco Sessa took place at the home he shares with his wife, Amy. Francesco has lived in Roxborough for five years. Prior to living here, he lived and worked in his hometown of Florence, Italy. He has a Masters degree in Criminal Law but currently is self-employed as an interior house painter and as a fine art landscape painter. Art and music are powerful forces in his life; he is continually amazed how a "canvas is a door to new dimensions, new worlds." He remembers art becoming more and more important to him during his childhood, around age six or seven. He never took art or music classes, instead he taught himself how to paint and draw by looking at masters' works in cathedrals and museums in and around Florence. He did not seek instruction in painting or music because he wanted to "discover these things on [his] own." He uses mainly oil paint, occasionally acrylic, for his idyllic Italian landscape scenes. The unique quality of oil paint honestly captures the light and the mood that make his paintings so evocative.
As a resident who has not lived in Roxborough his entire life, he offers a unique perspective on the needs of the community. He sees that Roxborough lacks a public space where residents can congregate for food, conversation and exchanging ideas. His solution: a piazza, certo ("of course")! He agrees that Gorgas Park fills part of this role within the community, but because it is rather sprawling, neighbors need a smaller area with benches for long chats about politics, religion, current events and issues that affect the neighborhood. In addition to a piazza-like public space, he sees a need for more cultural activities for both adults and children, better paved streets, and more beautification projects. Improving the high school and the leadership and function of the RDC are other major areas of concern within Roxborough. The schools and the RDC must be more effective so that young families are drawn to the community, rather than move out of it.
As a resident who has not lived in Roxborough his entire life, he offers a unique perspective on the needs of the community. He sees that Roxborough lacks a public space where residents can congregate for food, conversation and exchanging ideas. His solution: a piazza, certo ("of course")! He agrees that Gorgas Park fills part of this role within the community, but because it is rather sprawling, neighbors need a smaller area with benches for long chats about politics, religion, current events and issues that affect the neighborhood. In addition to a piazza-like public space, he sees a need for more cultural activities for both adults and children, better paved streets, and more beautification projects. Improving the high school and the leadership and function of the RDC are other major areas of concern within Roxborough. The schools and the RDC must be more effective so that young families are drawn to the community, rather than move out of it.
"If you could change one thing in your community through your art-making, what would it be?"
Francesco describes Roxborough as neighborly, family-oriented and "more tranquil than the city yet more stimulating and exciting than the suburbs." He acknowledges that Roxborough has a small "art scene" and that a community-wide appreciation of the arts is lacking, but not altogether absent. Francesco is involved with MRAC and frequently exhibits his paintings in area cafes, galleries and art fairs. He hopes that by talking about art with friends and neighbors, their awareness and appreciation of art will grow. Increasing the dialogue and visibility of art within the community are his primary role as a local artist. He feels that "artists have power" and that their art can be used for change. This is a statement that is aligned with the concerns with prophetic artists. Francesco understands his critical role as a voice that raises "awareness of the need for change" within the community (p. 98). Like an agape artist, he understands the importance of healthy relationships within Roxborough. Francesco feels a "social responsibility" to engage neighbors in dialogue about art and hopes that the community will grow to acknowledge and embrace the transformative power of the arts.
artist profile: lauren todd
Art has always been important to me. Most of my childhood memories involve crayons, homemade play-doh, watercolor sets, stamps, jewelry-making and drawing horses. At an early age my parents noticed my artistic skill and provided me with materials for me to express my creativity. They enrolled me in arts camps and after-school classes at the local art center to further develop my skills. When the time came for me to decide what I wanted to pursue in college, I had no doubt or hesitation that my future academic and professional endeavors would focus on art.
I grew up in the greater Philadelphia area and attended Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in Plymouth Meeting. I pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, majoring in Painting, and also received a minor in Art History. After college I moved to Lancaster where I had a painting studio and was able to be an active member of the vibrant arts culture in Lancaster City. Philadelphia once again became my home nearly two years ago when I moved to Roxborough. Roxborough is a working-class neighborhood in the northwest section of Philadelphia. Residents here are proud of their heritage and proud to be Philadelphians. I feel safe and respected in my community.
Since my move here I have slowly begun to establish a connection to Roxborough and its residents. I have also started to form a social network of local artists involved in MRAC. I do not feel that Roxborough is a community that highly esteems the arts but I am proud to say that our community has an established community art center, even though from my perspective, its influence and reach are small. Over the last two years, I have learned a lot about Roxborough and the issues that it faces. One community need that is evident to me is that community developers and local entrepreneurs need to invest heavily in improving our "Main Street." The business section of Ridge Avenue lined with storefronts, nearly half of which are empty, has the potential to attract visitors, business, culture and fun into Roxborough.
I feel that the cultural life of my community lacks excitement and diversity despite sharing a border with neighborhoods that have rich cultural lives (e.g. Manayunk, Chestnut Hill). In Roxborough, I have easy access to stores, parks and other valuable amenities, yet I typically look outside of my immediate community to be stimulated intellectually and creatively. Although I do not currently play a significant artist and community role, I feel that artists have the capacity to affect change here.
I feel the deepest connection to God when I create. I am deeply satisfied and spiritually fulfilled when I help others discover the art within them. I see myself as an agape artist because I am deeply empathetic, hopeful, and have compassion for "the least of these." I hope to use my gifts as an artist bring about "the kingdom of God in the lives of people, communities, and society" (p. 98).
I grew up in the greater Philadelphia area and attended Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in Plymouth Meeting. I pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, majoring in Painting, and also received a minor in Art History. After college I moved to Lancaster where I had a painting studio and was able to be an active member of the vibrant arts culture in Lancaster City. Philadelphia once again became my home nearly two years ago when I moved to Roxborough. Roxborough is a working-class neighborhood in the northwest section of Philadelphia. Residents here are proud of their heritage and proud to be Philadelphians. I feel safe and respected in my community.
Since my move here I have slowly begun to establish a connection to Roxborough and its residents. I have also started to form a social network of local artists involved in MRAC. I do not feel that Roxborough is a community that highly esteems the arts but I am proud to say that our community has an established community art center, even though from my perspective, its influence and reach are small. Over the last two years, I have learned a lot about Roxborough and the issues that it faces. One community need that is evident to me is that community developers and local entrepreneurs need to invest heavily in improving our "Main Street." The business section of Ridge Avenue lined with storefronts, nearly half of which are empty, has the potential to attract visitors, business, culture and fun into Roxborough.
I feel that the cultural life of my community lacks excitement and diversity despite sharing a border with neighborhoods that have rich cultural lives (e.g. Manayunk, Chestnut Hill). In Roxborough, I have easy access to stores, parks and other valuable amenities, yet I typically look outside of my immediate community to be stimulated intellectually and creatively. Although I do not currently play a significant artist and community role, I feel that artists have the capacity to affect change here.
I feel the deepest connection to God when I create. I am deeply satisfied and spiritually fulfilled when I help others discover the art within them. I see myself as an agape artist because I am deeply empathetic, hopeful, and have compassion for "the least of these." I hope to use my gifts as an artist bring about "the kingdom of God in the lives of people, communities, and society" (p. 98).
reflection
I chose these three artists because they are some of the first people I met when I first moved to Roxborough. It was serendipitous that they also happened to be creative souls! Andy, Amy and Francesco were the first contacts in my local artist network. I decided to interview them at their homes so that I could see them in their work spaces. Observing their shelves of materials, finished and unfinished artworks, and collections of inspirational artifacts (such as photographs, copies of famous artworks, newspaper clippings, fabric swatches and sketches) helped me to understand their creative processes and expressions in a more profound way. I video-taped their responses to capture everything they said to aid me in the process of writing the artist profiles. Some of their responses were long and occasionally off-topic so I tried to edit the videos down, but had difficulty. I decided to only include one taped response from each artist. If I had proficient video editing skills I would have liked to stitch all of the responses together.
I learned a lot about the needs of Roxborough, specifically the need for more community art involvement, through this assignment. Two of my interviewees are life-long Roxborough residents so they offered a deeper understanding of the community which enriched the interviews. If I were to do this assignment again, I would seek out local artists with whom I have absolutely no prior connection, and I would interview celebratory and prophetic artists.
REFERENCES
Corbitt, J. N. and Vivian Nix-Early. (2003). Taking it to the Streets: Using the Arts to Transform Your Community. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
I learned a lot about the needs of Roxborough, specifically the need for more community art involvement, through this assignment. Two of my interviewees are life-long Roxborough residents so they offered a deeper understanding of the community which enriched the interviews. If I were to do this assignment again, I would seek out local artists with whom I have absolutely no prior connection, and I would interview celebratory and prophetic artists.
REFERENCES
Corbitt, J. N. and Vivian Nix-Early. (2003). Taking it to the Streets: Using the Arts to Transform Your Community. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.