09/18/2026
Ted here: Back in 2014-15 (and before), there was a smart wave of new art venues in the area that gave up-and-coming artists a chance at showing their artwork.
Lessa Helm at 3rd Street Studio was one, and Hannah Dobek and Richard Reilly at Metropolis Collective was the other.
Established venues were around but none with the welcome-mat out for originality. I was an artist looking for a place outside my home gallery, and both these locations were quite receptive. Lessa had an open approach to letting you do what you wanted for your one-person exhibition, and Hannah had her way of announcing a topic that would corral the admirable oddities of artists (including me) into showing their art at their gallery. In both instances, the atmosphere was electric and non-conforming. There were creative possibilities in the air.
The shows became reunions for the independent border-breaking artists, as well as patrons. Landscapes change but the artist core does not. I’m proud to be hosting Hannah Dobek at my gallery as an acknowledgement and moment of payment. My acknowledgement is what the art community already knows about her creative prowess. The payment is from me. Back 12 years ago, she vouched for my inclusion in Metropolis. That was my independent launchpad.
Art is supported by community.
See what Hannah has been up to with a visit during tomorrow’s 3rd in the Burg and October’s 3rd in the Burg with her daughter Ivy’s artful photography.
Photo— Art Association of Harrisburg
