The Plastic Club

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The Plastic Club

The Plastic Club is the third oldest art club in the United States. Located in Center City, Philly. Members include well-known Philadelphia artists.

Since 1897, The Plastic Club has been devoted to the promotion and preservation of the visual (plastic) arts in Philadelphia. The busy gallery schedule offers regular salon exhibitions for members and non-members, as well as special solo and group exhibitions by invitation. The name "Plastic Club," suggested by Blanche Dillaye, referred to any work of art unfinished, or in a "plastic" state. The t

erm also refers to the changing and tactile sense of painting and sculpture. Among the founding members of The Plastic Club were the "Red Rose Girls" -- Violet Oakley, Jessie Willcox Smith, and Elizabeth Shippen Green -- outstanding artists of their time. The name was given to this group of talented women by their teacher Howard Pyle. Although initially formed as a women's group, The Plastic Club has always hosted exhibitions and lectures by prominent men and women artists. Membership was expanded to include men in 1991. The Club's home is a historic double townhouse located on one of Philadelphia's "little streets" in the heart of the city. Built in 1824, it housed the club's spacious studio, gallery spaces, offices and dining facilities. The club purchased the property in 1909, and expanded it to include the house next door in 1910. In the past ten years the building has undergone many renovations so that it now functions like a 21st century building, but still retains its 19th century charm. We are happy to have the venerable Philadelphia Sketch Club as our neighbor to the north on Camac Street. At one time there were several other clubs here, including the Cushman Club, now in private hands, which earned the alley the nickname "Little Street of Clubs". On October 21 2001, the historical value of our tiny street was formally recognized by the City of Philadelphia with the designation "Avenue of the Artists".

07/31/2024

Join us this SATURDAY, 8/3 at 7 PM, for the opening of the WORKSHOP / MODELS / MONITORS SHOW, the August 2024 exhibit! Free and open to the public!

This is an on-site show for everyone involved in the Plastic Club workshops: attendees, models and monitors, featuring both visual and live performing arts! There will be light refreshments, and the garden will be open, weather permitting.

All visual work has been created by models or workshop monitors, or by workshop attendees at Plastic Club workshops. Prizes are awarded by vote-in-box throughout the month.

See Tracey Landmann's solo show, ON THE WATER EVERYWHERE, paintings celebrating water and the vessels on it, in the Bob Jackson Gallery. Tracey will also have a 2nd reception on Sunday, 8/18 from 2-5 PM.

Both exhibits on view through August 29, 2024.

Learn more: https://www.plasticclub.org/events

Images by Tony Gordon and Tracey Landmann

07/22/2024

Time is running out! ⏰

Janice Moore's solo exhibit, Eclipse and Shadows, is on view in our Bob Jackson Gallery through Wednesday, 7/24!

This body of work began in 1986 when an eclipse tossed semi-circular shadows on a New York City sidewalk in her neighborhood. Shortly thereafter, when beginning an artwork, Janice would find a place to sit where the sun cast shadows of branches and leaf shapes onto the page. She would begin to tracing the shadows, and look at them long enough to begin ‘seeing’ them in colors.

Learn more: https://www.plasticclub.org/events/janice-moore-eclipse-and-shadow

Shown: "Rain Forest" by Janice Moore

07/22/2024

⏳ A REMINDER! ⏳

Friday, 7/26 and Saturday, 7/27 from 10 AM to 3 PM are pick-up dates for those who entered work for the July 2024 exhibit, IN THE DISTANCE!

Drop-off will also take place at the same time for the WORKSHOP/MODELS/MONITORS SHOW. Don't forget to pre-register online! All 2D work must be properly wired for hanging upon delivery.

Details and info: https://www.plasticclub.org/opportunities/workshop-models-monitors-show

If you can't make it to the Club to pick up work, please reach out to [email protected] to make alternate arrangements.

Shown: "Cape May, NJ" oil, by Frank Aeillo

07/17/2024

CALL FOR ART - Workshop / Models / Monitors show, the August 2024 exhibit

Only work that has been created by models, monitors, or by attendees in a Plastic Club workshop is eligible for this show.

* Drop-off is on Friday 7/26 and Saturday 7/27 from 10 AM - 3 PM

* Pre-register online: https://www.plasticclub.org/opportunities/workshop-models-monitors-show

* No hanging fee!

* Up to two(2) entries per person.

* Size limit, 42" in any direction, including the frame

* Accepting all media, including sculpture.

* 2D artwork must be properly wired for hanging!
- Use stainless steel picture hanging wire and “D-rings” (available on Amazon or at retail framers, art supply stores or hardware stores).
- Please, NO sawtooth picture hangers.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Image: "Ted" by Joe Cashore

07/16/2024

🌟COMING SOON!🌟

Join us on SATURDAY, 7/20 at 7 PM, for Le Plastic Club Cinémathèque! FREE and open to the public! 📽🎞🍿

We'll be watching:
* An Animator's Guide to Weir Farm National Historic Site (Karl Staven, 2014, 5 min): During a two-week residency at Weir Farm in Connecticut, local animator Karl Staven made this.

* The Old Man and the Sea (Aleksandr Petrov, 1999, 22 min): Ernest Hemingway’s novel is brought to life using an animated paint-on-glass technique. Oscar winner for best animated short in 1999.

* The Wind Journeys (Ciro Guerra, 2009, 117 min): A musician goes on a quest to return the devil's accordion to its previous owner. [Spanish with English subtitles]

PLEASE NOTE: Movie Night will be taking a break in August for a brief summer vacation, but will return in September!

07/15/2024

Our next virtual BOOKS, ART, AND CULTURE session will be held on Wednesday, 7/17 at 7 PM!📚🎨🎭

We meet on the third Wednesday of the month (usually) to share and discuss recent inspirations and intrigues, or long-time favorites, from the world of books, the arts, and culture (low, high or middle). Not a typical book club - this is a more open, inclusive and free-form sharing of discoveries and passions from the world around us. Hosted by Diane Podolsky and Bob Lee. Free and open to all!

No registration necessary. Join us on Zoom at the appointed time. Details: https://www.plasticclub.org/books-art-culture

Image: Yellow Tunnel Book by Neila Kun

07/07/2024

Congratulations to all who joined in today's festivities for Opening Reception - IN THE DISTANCE, prize juried by Nicole Eiland of Eilandarts Center.🏆

The award winners:
* First Prize - "Colliding Clouds", photograph, by Angelo Benedetto
* Second Prize - "Midnight Moon", acrylic, by Rick Stratford
* Third Prize - "Travelers", resin, iron, acrylic paint, by Vavàra Fern

Honorable Mentions:
* "New Hope PA from Lambertville", acrylic, by Kathleen Hogan
* "Hay Harvest at Newtown", photograph, by Gene Renzi
* "Flash", oil, by Laurel Grady
* "Ocean Swell", digital painting, by Ted Gutswa

See several works in our online gallery: https://www.plasticclub.org/events/in-the-distance

A very special thank you to everyone who braved the heat to support this wonderful show! On view in our galleries until Thursday, 7/25.🎨✨

06/24/2024

⏳ A REMINDER! ⏳

Friday, 6/28 and Saturday, 6/29 from 10 AM to 3 PM are pick-up dates for those who entered work for the June 2024 exhibit, MEMBERS CHOICE!

Drop-off will also take place at the same time for IN THE DISTANCE. Don't forget to pre-register online! All 2D work must be properly wired for hanging upon delivery.

Details and info: https://www.plasticclub.org/opportunities/in-the-distance

If you can't make it to the Club to pick up work, please reach out to [email protected] to make alternate arrangements.

Shown: "Underneath Huts" by Daniel Neufeld

06/17/2024

Our next virtual BOOKS, ART, AND CULTURE session will be held on Wednesday, 6/19 at 7 PM!📚🎨🎭

We meet on the third Wednesday of the month (usually) to share and discuss recent inspirations and intrigues, or long-time favorites, from the world of books, the arts, and culture (low, high or middle). Not a typical book club - this is a more open, inclusive and free-form sharing of discoveries and passions from the world around us. Hosted by Diane Podolsky and Bob Lee. Free and open to all!

No registration necessary. Join us on Zoom at the appointed time. Details: https://www.plasticclub.org/books-art-culture

Image: Yellow Tunnel Book by Neila Kun

06/12/2024

Repost by via Instagram:

Thanks to workshop monitor Peter for filling in when the model couldn’t make it. Oil on panel.

06/09/2024

🌟COMING SOON!🌟

Join us on SATURDAY, 6/15 at 7 PM, for Le Plastic Club Cinémathèque! FREE and open to the public! 📽🎞🍿

We'll be watching:

💫 Cartoon: Super-Rabbit (Chuck Jones, 1943, 8 min, Bugs Bunny) - Professor Cannafraz creates a "super carrot" and uses it on his test subject – Rabbitus idioticus americanus (Bugs Bunny), who immediately acquires temporary superhero abilities that need to be replenished with additional super carrots! Chaos ensues...

💫 The Best Years of Our Lives (Dir. William Wyler, 1946, BW, 172 min, Winner 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture) - A 1946 American drama directed by William Wyler and starring Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, Virginia Mayo, Harold Russell, Cathy O'Donnell, Hoagy Carmichael. The film is about three United States servicemen re-adjusting to societal changes and civilian life after coming home from World War II (and their families adjusting to them). The three men come from different services with different ranks that do not correspond with their civilian social class backgrounds. It is one of the earliest films to address issues encountered by returning veterans in the post World War II era. Features dramatic cinematography by Gregg Toland and a very fine musical score by Hugo Friedhofer.

05/20/2024

⏳ A REMINDER! ⏳

Friday, 5/24 and Saturday, 5/25 from 10 AM to 3 PM are pick-up dates for those who entered work for the 110th MEMBERS MEDAL SHOW!

Drop-off will take place at the same time for the June 2024 exhibit, MEMBERS CHOICE!

* This show is for members only!
* Up to 2 entries will be accepted!
* No size limit! However, reach out in advance for pieces larger than 42 inches in any direction.
* Don't forget to pre-register online! All 2D work must be properly wired for hanging upon delivery.

Details and info: https://www.plasticclub.org/opportunities/members-choice-2024

If you can't make it to the Club to pick up work, please reach out to [email protected] to make alternate arrangements.

Shown: "The Village", acrylic on canvas, by William J. Timmins.

05/08/2024

Join us on SATURDAY, 5/11 at 7 PM (Note: NEW TIME!!), for Le Plastic Club Cinémathèque! FREE and open to the public! 📽🎞🍿

We'll be watching:

* Big Time Sensuality (Stéphane Sednaoui, 1993, 5 min): Icelandic pop singer Björk sings a song from her debut album while dancing on the back of a flatbed truck driving through Manhattan.

* The Day I Became a Woman (Simone De Beauvoir, 1994, 78 min): Three short stories of women in Iran struggling to find their freedom. [Persian with subtitles]

* Only Yesterday (Isao Takahata, 1991, 118 min): While traveling to the Japanese countryside, Taeko recalls her days as a fifth grader in 1966. [Japanese with subtitles]

05/05/2024

What an amazing afternoon! Congratulations to all who joined in today's festivities for the 110th Members Medal Show, prize juried by Tom Judd.🏆✨

The award winners:

* The Plastic Club Gold Medal - Regina Barthmaier

* The Plastic Club Silver Medal - Michael Guinn

* The Zeigler Prize - Rob Cox

* The Dorothy Invernizzi Guinn Memorial Prize for Excellence in Realism - Daniel Neufeld

* The Dorothy Wackerman Hutton Prize - Alan Lankin

* The Eric Porter Prize for Excellence in Photography - Gene Renzi

* The Frederick W. Reiniger Prize for Abstraction - MD Long

* The Vera E. Hansen Prize for Beautiful Representational Work - Mitchell Landsman

* The Karen Frank Prize for Still Life - Robin Brownfield

* The Raymond K. Naylor Prize - Tom Callis

* The Ellen and Martin Davenport Prize for Excellence in Watercolor - Donna Cotzen

* Five Honorable Mentions. - Anders Hansen, Gwen Harper, Bonnie MacAllister, Peter Cottingham, and Carol Tashjian

See most works in our online gallery: https://www.plasticclub.org/events/members-medal-show

A very special thank you to all artists and supporters of this wonderful show! On view in our galleries until Thursday, 5/23. 🎨

04/23/2024

⏳ A REMINDER! ⏳

Friday, 4/26 and Saturday, 4/27 from 10 AM to 3 PM are pick-up dates for those who entered work for the April 2024 show, WORKS ON PAPER!

Drop-off will also take place at the same time for 110th MEMBERS MEDAL SHOW. Don't forget to pre-register online! All 2D work must be properly wired for hanging upon delivery.

Details and info: https://www.plasticclub.org/opportunities/110th-members-medal-show

If you can't make it to the Club to pick up work, please reach out to [email protected] to make alternate arrangements.

Shown: "Clematis" by Denise Branco

04/18/2024

Join us on SATURDAY, 4/20 at 7 PM (Note: NEW TIME!!), for Le Plastic Club Cinémathèque! FREE and open to the public! 📽🎞🍿

* Cartoon: Ding D**g Daddy (Dir. Fritz Freleng, 1942, 8 min): One of the great World War 2 cartoons! After having no luck with the ladies, a dim-witted dog falls in love with "Daisy", a metal statue of a female dog in a garden, failing to realize that "Daisy" is indeed a sculpture. Mayhem ensues but love triumphs!

* Five Came Back (A Netflix documentary directed by Laurent Bouzereau and based on the book by Mark Harris; 2017, color/BW, 3 hour-long episodes with 2 intermissions): An American documentary based on the 2014 book Five Came Back: A Story of Hollywood and the Second World War by journalist Mark Harris. It recounts the experiences of 5 leading Hollywood directors - John Ford, William Wyler, John Huston, Frank Capra, and George Stevens - who put their careers on hold to bring their talent and expertise to the war effort.

"Arguably the best documentary ever made about Hollywood and wartime, Five Came Back is nirvana for movie lovers and a real eye-opener for anyone new to the subject." ~ Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

04/17/2024

TONIGHT! Our next virtual BOOKS, ART, AND CULTURE session will be held on Wednesday, 4/17 at 7 PM!📚🎨🎭

We meet on the third Wednesday of the month (usually) to share and discuss recent inspirations and intrigues, or long-time favorites, from the world of books, the arts, and culture (low, high or middle). Not a typical book club - this is a more open, inclusive and free-form sharing of discoveries and passions from the world around us. Hosted by Diane Podolsky and Bob Lee. Free and open to all!

No registration necessary. Join us on Zoom at the appointed time. Details: https://www.plasticclub.org/books-art-culture

Image: Yellow Tunnel Book by Neila Kun

04/15/2024

All are invited to attend Paul Clement: Drawings, A One Day Exhibition, a pop-up show and reception on Sunday, April 28, from 2-5 PM in honor of Plastic Club member Paul Clement. Sadly, Paul passed away last November. Known for is love of drawing, he will always be remembered as a very special and active member. He joined the Club in 2001 and was a regular attendee of the Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon workshops. During those moments in the studio, Paul was known for drawing not only the model, but capturing the workshop attendees within his line of sight. Many times, he gifted the work to the person or muse who inspired in his drawings.

Several of Paul’s works, including loose drawings and sketchbooks, will be on display at this one day only event, which will also be available for purchase and/or donation.

Details: https://www.plasticclub.org/events/paul-clement-drawings

03/24/2024

⏳A REMINDER!⏳

Friday, 3/29 and Saturday, 3/30 from 10 AM to 3 PM are pick-up dates for those who entered work in-person for the March 2024 show, LET'S FACE IT!

Drop-off will also take place at the same time for the April show, WORKS ON PAPER. Don't forget to pre-register online and ensure all 2D work is properly wired for hanging.

Details and registration: https://www.plasticclub.org/opportunities/open-call-works-on-paper

If you can't make it to the Club to pick up work, please reach out to [email protected] to make alternate arrangements.

Shown: "I Remember Yellow" by Carol Tashjian

03/20/2024

Join us for a very special closing reception for A BLOOMING AFFAIR, the March 2024 exhibit by Selene Nuñez-Cruz (Telenitart) in the Bob Jackson Gallery this Sunday, 3/24, from 2-5 PM.

Sales from this show support fundraising efforts for the Catholic charity Hermanitas de los Ancianos Desamparados (Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly) based on artworks inspired by the sisters' affection for flowers.

Learn more: https://www.plasticclub.org/events/a-blooming-affair-selene

03/18/2024

Our next virtual BOOKS, ART, AND CULTURE session will be held on Wednesday, 3/20 at 7 PM!📚🎨🎭

We meet on the third Wednesday of the month (usually) to share and discuss recent inspirations and intrigues, or long-time favorites, from the world of books, the arts, and culture (low, high or middle). Not a typical book club - this is a more open, inclusive and free-form sharing of discoveries and passions from the world around us. Hosted by Diane Podolsky and Bob Lee. Free and open to all!

No registration necessary. Join us at the appointed time. Details: https://www.plasticclub.org/books-art-culture

Image: Yellow Tunnel Book by Neila Kun

03/16/2024

🌟TONIGHT, TONIGHT!🌟

Join us on SATURDAY, 3/16 at 6:30 PM, for Le Plastic Club Cinémathèque! FREE and open to the public! 📽🎞🍿

* Time of The Angels (Faith Hubley, 1987, 9 min): A mix of music, images, and poetry – some of it read in Spanish – inspired by art from Central and South America.

* Pina (Wim Wenders, 2011, 106 min): After her death, German choreographer Pina Bausch's dance troupe made this tribute, performing their favorite acts from her creations.

* It's Such a Beautiful Day (Don Hertzfeldt, 2012, 62 min): Plagued by hallucinations, mentally unwell Bill goes on a journey of self-discovery and family history, hoping to bring balance to his life.

03/12/2024

Many thanks to City Cast Philly for the special shout-out in their latest newsletter! Read the article featuring the history of our club, and give a listen to the podcast to learn more about founding member Violet Oakley! 🌹🌹🌹🌹

Check it out: https://philly.citycast.fm/history-archive/the-plastic-club-philadelphia

03/11/2024

📯 Open Call for WORKS ON PAPER - the April 2024 Show! 📯

Registration is now live! All media on paper is welcome for submission - graphite, crayon, paint, printmaking, photography, collage, etc.

Prize Juror: Michael Kowbuz, Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio

❗REMINDER - All works MUST be wired for hanging! This means:

✅ Use stainless steel picture hanging wire and “D-rings” (available on Amazon or at retail framers, art supply stores or hardware stores.)

🚫 NO sawtooth picture hangers.

* Delivery dates: Friday, March 29th, & Saturday, March 30th, from 10 AM - 3 PM

* Exhibition Dates: April 7th - April 25th, 2024

* Opening Reception: Sunday, April, 7th, 2-5 PM

Learn more and register: https://www.plasticclub.org/opportunities/open-call-works-on-paper

Image: "SP3", pastel on paper, by Vera Groves

03/01/2024

Join us at A BLOOMING AFFAIR, the March 2024 exhibit by Selene Nuñez-Cruz (Telenitart) in the Bob Jackson Gallery. Opening reception on Sunday, 3/3, from 2-5 PM.

“This show in the Bob Jackson Gallery explores the profound capacity of art to heal, inspire, and uplift the human spirit. Drawing inspiration from The Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly’s deep affection for flowers, the exhibition shines a spotlight on artwork that focuses on natural or abstract forms, vibrant colors, rich textures, and the tender expressions of love conveyed through flowers and creatures.

I extend a heartfelt invitation for you to become a part of this extraordinary initiative that seamlessly intertwines creativity with compassion. By joining our ART fundraising campaign, you play a crucial role in supporting the residents of Casa-Hogar “Santa Isabel,” administered by The Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly. Your generous contribution will provide essential support for Basic Necessities, Medical Care, Living Conditions, and Recreational Activities for those who have been neglected and abandoned.

Seize this unique opportunity to not only acquire affordable and meaningful artwork but also to make a tangible difference in the lives of the elderly. Your support will bring joy to the residents and ensure a brighter, more dignified future for those in need.

Make a difference with us!”

Learn more: https://www.plasticclub.org/events/a-blooming-affair-selene

Address

247 S Camac Street
Philadelphia, PA
19107

Telephone

+12155459324

Website

http://www.plasticclub.org/

Alerts

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Videos

Free jazz recital in our studio! Flutist Marc Adler and pianist Jason Long.

PRICING YOUR ART: A Community Discussion on Sunday, 2/26/2023 at 2-3:30 PM. A Plastic Club in-person workshop in collaboration with Off the Wall Gallery at Dirty Frank's. Off the Wall curator Jody Sweitzer leads an informative, engaging panel discussion among three local experts who are also working artists: * James Oliver, owner, James Oliver Gallery, Philadelphia, PA * Carol Taylor-Kearney, co-owner, Powell Lane Arts, Collingswood, NJ * Rachel Zimmerman, founder and artistic/executive director, InLiquid

Announcements at the opening reception for SOMETHING BORROWED! #PlasticClubArt

Historical Marker Livestream - Take 2! 🎬 Re-share of Part 1 our Historic Marker Dedication (in landscape view). Apologies for the technical hiccup! True to our name, an ever-changing and malleable work of art is Plastic! 🎨🐝 Special thanks to Councilmember Mark Squilla, District Attorney Larry Krasner, Nancy Moses, Chair of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Patricia Ricci, Professor of Art at Elizabethtown College, and all of our members and supporters who joined us on this special occasion! We are grateful we are a part of this wonderful community! 🎊 🥰✨

Jeramy Cohens' Latin Jazz All Stars and live model session

Patricia Ricci, Professor of Art at Elizabethtown College, speaks on 125 Years of Advancing Women in the Arts.🌹🌹🌹🌹

We're proud to celebrate our 125th Anniversary and the dedication of the official State Historical Marker commemorating the formation of The Plastic Club in 1897! 🎊 🎈🥳

Seth McKeever shares a video short, "Computer Games in the Afternoon", and offers: "materials used were plaster, cardboard, paper plates, clay, a bucket, and a CRT television." If interested in participating in our ART CREATED DURING THE PANDEMIC social media series, send an image of your work and a description to [email protected] with SOCIAL MEDIA in the subject line. As always, FREE and open to the public! https://www.plasticclub.org/opportunities/artists-in-quarantine

SHAPE UP opening reception announcements at The Plastic Club!

Check out our weekly workshop schedule, Tuesday thru Saturday at https://www.plasticclub.org/workshops-listings. Work below created on an iPad at one of our life drawing workshops, posted on Instagram by @jimmychangart: Life drawing. 2min poses. Done on the Ipad Pro using Procreate. . . . . . . #drawing #draw #art #artist #sketchbook #sketch #instaart #artistsoninstagram @jimmychangart #ipad #ipadpro #procreate #lifedrawing #gesture #gesturedrawing #beauty #figuredrawing

Le Plastique Cinematique returns for Zoom-In Movie Night: The Red House (1947)! Join us on Saturday, 8/21 at 7 PM! 💻📽️🎞️ Featuring the classic film THE RED HOUSE (1947), plus a bonus cartoon short! Details and online registration can be found on our website: https://www.plasticclub.org/events/movie-night-the-red-house-1947. FREE! And don't forget to B.Y.O.S. (Bring Your Own Snacks)! 🍿🥨🥜

"Mule Bucking and Kicking", Eadweard Muybridge, zoopraxiscope, 1893

ICYMI: The Plastic Club's inaugural Virtual Movie Night was a technicolor success! Grab the popcorn🍿, for our experimental lineup of cinematic shorts can now be seen for yourself, with streaming links found on our website here: https://www.plasticclub.org/blog/short-shorts Shown: "Mule Bucking and Kicking", Eadweard Muybridge, zoopraxiscope, 1893

An afternoon with the Yargici Family

A special #flashback to the last live musical performance at @theplasticclub by the Yargici family in February 2020. We are thrilled to welcome back Ezgi Yargici along with her duo partner Cliff Bernzweig to perform music by Ravel, Handel/Halvorsen, Corelli, Glière and Dotzauer! 🎻🎶 Join us online TODAY at 4 PM for a Virtual Chamber Music Recital and Drawing Workshop. Free and open to the public! Links to register for the live Zoom event + to donate to a virtual “Tip Jar” to support our musicians/models can be found at: https://www.plasticclub.org/calendar/music-and-drawing

Call for Social Media Volunteers!

VOLUNTEERS WANTED! If you enjoy using social media and are interested in supporting The Plastic Club, then we want YOU!👈 We need additional support for our Facebook and Instagram (@theplasticclub) pages. If you have any social media savvy, please reach out to Laura at [email protected]! ✨

Laura Storck shares a her behind-the-scenes process of a self-portrait made with colored pencil on paper. Want to share your work to our ART CREATED DURING THE PANDEMIC social media series? Send an image + description to [email protected] with SOCIAL MEDIA in the subject line. FREE to all.

No shadow, so an early spring is on its way! Thanks, Phil! Woo! 🦦🌸 Join us today from 2-5 PM for the opening reception of Close Up with awards and announcements at 3:30 PM. Works can be viewed during the opening, by appointment, and during the club's open hours (1-4 PM) on the third Sunday of the month, February 16. On view until February 20.

Diane Litten, Fiber, Fabric & Textiles = Fashion

Diane Litten, Fiber, Fabric and Textiles at The Plastic Club #fiber #fabric #textiles #dianelitten #philadelphia #fashion

Elizabeth H. MacDonald, You Move - I Move, acrylic, 1st Prize #plasticclub #philadelphia #movement #motion #sequential #art

Movement, Motion and Sequential Art #plasticclub #philadelphia #movement #motion #sequential #art #videos

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Our Story

Since 1897, The Plastic Club has been devoted to the promotion and preservation of the visual (plastic) arts in Philadelphia. The busy gallery schedule offers several annual exhibitions for members and non-members, as well as invited artists in solo and group exhibitions. Members include well-known Philadelphia artists. The name " Plastic Club," suggested by Blanche Dillaye, referred to any work of art unfinished, or in a "plastic" state. The term also refers to the changing and tactile sense of painting and sculpture. Among the founding members of The Plastic Club were the "Red Rose Girls" -- Violet Oakley, Jessie Willcox Smith, and Elizabeth Shippen Green -- outstanding artists of their time. The name was given to this group of talented women by their teacher Howard Pyle. Although initially formed as a women's group, The Plastic Club has always hosted exhibitions and lectures by prominent men and women artists. Membership was expanded to include men in 1991, and they now number about half of the active members. The Club's home is a historic double townhouse located on one of Philadelphia's "little streets" in the heart of the city. Built in 1824, it houses the club's spacious studio, gallery spaces, offices and dining facilities. The club purchased the property in 1909, and expanded it to include the house next door in 1910. In the past ten years the building has undergone many rennovations so that it now functions like a 21st century building, but still retains its 19th century charm. We are happy to have the venerable Philadelphia Sketch Club as our neighbor to the north on Camac Street. At one time there were several other clubs here, including the Cushman Club, now in private hands, which earned the alley the nickname "Little Street of Clubs". On October 21 2001, the historical value of our tiny street was formally recognized with the designation "Avenue of the Artists" by the City of Philadelphia.