Gross McCleaf Gallery

Women have been the cornerstone of operations and exhibitions at Gross McCleaf since Estelle Shane Gross opened her gallery in 1970 on the second floor of 1713 Walnut Street. Over 50 years later, Gross McCleaf Gallery is commemorating its rich history during (re)Focus 2024, a citywide festival celebrating women-identified and BIPOC artists.

"Fortitude at 50: A Resilient Five Decades at Gross McCleaf Gallery" features Martha Armstrong, Jan Baltzell, Joan Becker, Elizabeth Geiger, Eileen Goodman, Penelope Harris, Heidi Leitzke, Bertha Leonard, Ying Li, Ann Lofquist, Chelsey Luster, Bethann Parker, Nicole Parker, Jane Piper, Kimi Pryor, Mary Putman, Celia Reisman, Mickayel Thurin, Leigh Werrell, and Lauren Whearty with self-portraits, dreamy narratives and formally complex still-life and landscape paintings. The works suggest a deep reflection of the self and a strong point of view conveyed through their distinct subjects and styles. The exhibition represents women artists in all stages of their careers who have helped shape the Gross McCleaf Gallery legacy and brand focus toward what Sharon Ewing, former owner and director, refers to as “painterly realism” – representation in painted form.

In this context, the word “representation” can mean at least three things - the depiction of the physical world in art, the gallery-artist relationship, and the existence of a demographic group within the field. In this show, women artists represent in all meanings of the term. They are both seeing and being seen. Fortitude at 50: A Resilient Five Decades at Gross McCleaf Gallery poses (at least) two essential questions: After 50 years, do audiences still need to be led to see women artists? What does “representation” in the arts mean in 2024? Fortitude at 50 invites you to engage the legacy of women being represented at Gross McCleaf Gallery as you ponder what remains unresolved regarding feminism in the visual arts and beyond.

In conjunction with the exhibition, pictures, documents, and memorabilia from the gallery’s archives will be on display. Additionally, excerpts of recorded interviews from: Marina Pacini’s 1989 interview with Estelle Gross for the Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Art; Sharon Ewing; longstanding exhibiting artist, Martha Armstrong; artist and former staff member, Bill Scott; current owner/director, Rebecca Segall, assistant director, Morgan Hobbs, and registrar, Emma Rose Cook, will be available.

Exhibition Dates:
January 17 - March 9, 2024

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 10, 1 - 4 pm
View a preview of the group exhibition on www.grossmccleaf.com/exhibitions

Curated by Morgan Hobbs & Elizabeth Johnson
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"South Street", 60" x 52", Gouache, Joan Becker

"Crepe Cart", 22" x 20", Oil On Panel, Leigh Werrell

"Study For Ben Franklin Bridge", 32" x 40", Oil On Canvas, Martha Armstrong
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Next Thursday! Jeffrey Reed: Doonfeeny Studies opens at Gross McCleaf Gallery with an Opening Reception on Saturday, January 13, 1-4 pm. 🎨
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"Belmullet"
6" x 5"
Gouache
Jeffrey Reed .reed.792

Jeffrey Reed: Doonfeeny Studies
January 11 - February 3, 2024

Preview Reed's paintings on our website, www.grossmccleaf.com/exhibitions
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"Breeding Lilacs Out Of The Dead Land"
36" x 48"
Oil On Canvas

Benjamin Passione: No Time to be Shy
January 11 - February 3, 2024
Opening Reception: Saturday, January 13, 1-4 pm
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🖼️🥂 Ringing in 2024 with colors brighter and visions bolder. View some of our favorite moments from this year, and join us at Gross McCleaf Gallery for another year of artistic exploration and wonder in 2024.

Happy New Year to our art-loving community!
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Join us in just two weeks for the opening reception of 'Jeffrey Reed: Doonfeeny Studies'. Enjoy an opportunity to meet Jeffrey Reed in person and experience the show's compelling pieces at Gross McCleaf Gallery.

Opening Reception: Saturday, January 13, 1-4 pm

On view:
January 11 - February 3, 2024

"Breaking Sky", 12" x 12", Oil On Canvas, Jeffrey Reed

"Salt And Shadow", 44" x 44", Oil On Panel, Nicole Parker

As we nestle into the cozy embrace of this holiday week, "Salt And Shadow" serves as a beacon in the night—a gentle reminder that even the quietest moments hold a spark of the coming New Year's promise.

Here's to a season of reflection, warmth, and the gentle anticipation of joy to come.

Virtual Installation courtesy of , inquire at [email protected] for more!
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Nicole Parker: Folklore
December 2023

Coming Soon in January...

Benjamin Passione: No Time to be Shy
January 11 - February 3, 2024

Opening Reception: Saturday, January 13, 1-4 pm

"Portrait In Orange Circles", 32" x 24"
Oil On Canvas, Benjamin Passione

A "Three Dog Night", as this painting is titled, relays a night so freezing cold it requires three dogs sleeping in the bed to keep warm! (This phrase also playfully nods to the famous 1967 American rock band by the same name.)

As we embrace the festive spirit, we extend our warmest wishes to our remarkable community of artists and art enthusiasts. May your Holiday season and the close of 2023 be filled with joy, creativity, and warmth!
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"Three Dog Night", 16" x 16", Oil On Mounted Linen, Nicole Parker

Coming Soon in January! Save the Date for...

Jeffrey Reed: Doonfeeny Studies
January 11 - February 3, 2024

Opening Reception:
Saturday, January 13, 1 - 4 pm

Gross McCleaf Gallery
127 S 16th St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
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"Stonington House", 6" x 6", Gouache, Jeffrey Reed .reed.792
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Come bid adieu to our stunning exhibitions at Gross McCleaf before 5 pm!

We invite you for one last encounter with Morgan Hobbs: Chronolith, Nicole Parker: Folklore, and The Gift before we embrace a new year of artistry and creativity together.

With hidden, exciting details abound (ex. the delightful mouse detail above), seize this final chance to step into these artist's worlds at Gross McCleaf Gallery.
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Holiday Hours:
December Exhibitions: Thru Saturday, December 23
Gallery Closed: December 24 - January 3
By Appt: January 3 - 10
January Exhibition: Open Thursday, January 11
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This 'swooping' Martha Armstrong Vermont landscape is on view for the final two days of our current group exhibition, The Gift, featuring work from a selection of Gross McCleaf artists.

Much of the work in the show is currently subject to an amazing Holiday promotion, so don't miss this magical time to view beautiful artworks and give the gift of creativity by stopping in before 5 pm on December 23rd!
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"Swooping Yellows, Vermont", 28" x 26", Oil On Canvas, Martha Armstrong
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Save the Date this upcoming January for...

Benjamin Passione: No Time to be Shy
January 11 - February 3, 2024

Opening Reception: Saturday, January 13, 1 - 4 pm

Gross McCleaf Gallery
127 S 16th St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
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"Lonely Landscape In Blue", 42" x 60", Oil On Canvas, Benjamin Passione
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"Food Is Still Hot"
8" x 6", Oil On Mounted Linen
Nicole Parker

Nicole Parker: Folklore is on view for its final week at Gross McCleaf, view the beautiful works and explore our Holiday Promotion through this Saturday, December 23rd, 10 am - 5 pm!
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View the exhibition at the link in bio 👆
Visit www.grossmccleaf.com for exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes artist content 🎨
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A verdant volley set amidst serene trees can be seen in artist Celia Reisman's Green series.

View the small landscape works through this Sat, Dec 23rd in The Gift: a small artworks group exhibition.

Discover additional details about The Gift's Holiday Promotion by visiting:
www.grossmccleaf.com.
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"Green - Badminton", 8" x 10", Oil On Silk Panel, Celia Reisman

"Green - Farm", 8" x 10", Oil On Silk Panel, Celia Reisman

"Green - Four Trees", 8" x 10", Oil On Silk Panel, Celia Reisman

Nature's audience appears in "Neighborhood Watch" by Nicole Parker. View these glowing gazes thru December 23rd in Nicole Parker: Folklore for its final week!

Experience the beauty of artworks virtually installed on your walls to experiment & transform your space. DM or email us to inquire!
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"Neighborhood Watch", 48" Diameter, Oil On Mounted Linen, Nicole Parker
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Golden lights punctuate the snow-still silence in "Snowdrift", on view in Nicole Parker: Folklore through December 23rd. Make your plan to view the exhibition before its closing next Saturday.

Gallery Hours:
Wednesday - Saturday
10 - 5 pm
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"Snowdrift", 10" x 8", Oil On Mounted Linen, Nicole Parker
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"Reflector", 24" x 28", Oil And Papier-mâché On Canvas
Morgan Hobbs

Morgan Hobbs: Chronolith
On view through December 23
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Gallery Hours:
Wednesday - Saturday
10 - 5 pm

Explore our Holiday Promotion!

Find the perfect artwork to make this an unforgettable Holiday season.

Reach out at [email protected]!
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"Ornaments", 21" x 29", Watercolor On D'Arches Paper, Eileen Goodman

Folklore Prints - Nicole Parker

"Come Watch With Me", 18" x 22 (13" x 15" Framed), Five-Plate Etching

"Clearing", 10" x 10" (12" x 12" Framed), Etching

"Ghost Stories", 11" x 13" (13" x 15" Framed), Two-Plate Etching

"Far From Home", 10" x 16" (12" x 18" Framed), Etching

(Editions Available)

Nicole Parker: Folklore
On view through Dec 23
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Inquiries:
[email protected]
215.665.8138

View colorful pigments in small artworks by Christine Lafuente, on view through December 23rd at Gross McCleaf Gallery.

Contact us for info on our Holiday Promotion!
[email protected]
215.665.8138
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"Pigment And Bottles", 9" x 12", Oil On Canvas, Christine Lafuente
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"Here, Half A World Away," is a 44" grass-filled, arch-shaped oil on panel featuring in one of our new artist interviews: "Basically Just Grass Forever".

Featured Interview:
Art Sync: Basically Just Grass Forever
Conversation with Nicole Parker
Read on our website, or by clicking the link in our bio 👆

Nicole Parker: Folklore
On view through December 23rd
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"Here, Half A World Away", 44" x 44" (Arch), Oil On Panel
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"Philadelphia City Hall" by Morgan Hobbs. A 30" x 24" work of oil & papier-mâché on panel, bringing the landmark's intricate markings to life. 🏛️

Featured in: Art Sync: History Eats Itself
Conversation with Morgan Hobbs
Available now to read on our website, or at the link in our bio.

Morgan Hobbs: Chronolith
On view through December 23
Gross McCleaf Gallery
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"Philadelphia City Hall", 30" x 24", Oil And Papier-mâché On Panel, Morgan Hobbs

Nicole Parker: Folklore

"The Great Escape"
30" x 24"
Oil On Mounted Linen
Nicole Parker

On view at Gross McCleaf through December 23rd
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Gallery Hours:
Wednesday - Saturday
10 - 5 pm

Brrr...❄️🎨 Ann Lofquist's "Swoope Snow II" captures the gentle light and serene stillness of a Winter's day in Virginia.

View it in 'The Gift', a group exhibition of small artworks at GMG this December.

Get in touch to hear about our Holiday Sale!
[email protected]
215.665.8138.
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"Swoope Snow II", 7.75" x 16.75", Oil On Panel, Ann Lofquist

🎉 Reception Day Today! 🎨
Join us for an afternoon filled with conversation and inspiration (and snacks) at Gross McCleaf Gallery, today from 1 to 4 PM. We're thrilled to celebrate the extraordinary exhibitions of Morgan Hobbs: Chronolith, Nicole Parker: Folklore, and The Gift, a Group Exhibition of Small Works.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique moods of each artist and connect with them in person, as well as fellow art enthusiasts.

See you there!
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Reception: Saturday, Dec 2, 1 - 4 pm
at Gross McCleaf Gallery, 127 S 16th St