Check Out These Art Galleries, Museums And Events

by Eli Bank, arts and culture editor

Lead image: Ock Soon Kwon, Persimmons, 2022, watercolor on paper, 20 1/2 x 16 in (52.1 x 40.6 cm)

Chester County has a long tradition of amazing fine art, and this fall’s art exhibits showcase that perfectly. Media and Haverford? We see you, too. In fact, the Philly suburbs are bursting with galleries, art shows, fun events and more. While the fall brings shorter days and longer nights, it also bears colorful pastels, intricate watercolors, functional ceramics and so much more. Ready to gallery hop? Here are my top picks.

Here/Now at Saliim Projects

Closes September 22

Enjoy bright and beautiful scenes of nature with Here/Now, Ock Soon Kwon’s first ever exhibition in the United States. Born in South Korea in 1952, Kwon was not permitted to receive formal training in art because of her gender. So, she was a wife and mother for 40 years, then started painting. At age 64, she had her first exhibition in Seoul. Painting with watercolor for the last decade, she demonstrates finesse and love in each brush stroke. 3715 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

Martha McDonald: The Wood is Singing in Color at Wharton Esherick Museum

September 23 and 24

Martha McDonald, Wharton Esherick Museum’s 2023 artist-in-residence, will perform a live show inspired by the collections and archives of the museum. Using handmade costumes, McDonald will perform movement, music and songs inspired by Esherick’s influences. This is also the first time the artist-in-residence program has featured a live performance! 1520 Horseshoe Trail, Malvern

Ivy Egger at St. David’s Church

Closes September 30

It’s all about the ~sparkle~ in Ivy Egger’s latest exhibition at the St. David’s Church gift shop and art gallery. Egger, a Chester County resident, uses mixed media to create mosaics of landscapes, forests and more. She is heavily influenced by her love of nature, so keep an eye out for her colorful beaded sunflower piece! 763 South Valley Road, Wayne

Jeannie Wolfington & Emily Wolfson at Gallery 222

Closes September 30

Looking to add a little color into your day? On view at Gallery 222 in Malvern are works from Jeannie Wolfington and Emily Wolfson. This two-person exhibition features paintings of flowers, animals, landscapes and more. Newtown Square’s Jeannie Wolfington uses palette knives to create pieces full of color, movement and swirls. Emily Wolfson is known for her hand-painted baseballs (Unforgettaballs), but has taken on fine art as well. 222 E. King St., Malvern

Presence at Media Arts Council

Closes October 1

What does “presence” mean to you? Carol Lee Hannon, Diane Mont and Amelia Cain answer that question through diverse mixed media in this multi-person exhibition at the Media Arts Council. Hannon provides geometric shapes and abstract expressionism in her paintings while Mont creates scenes through shadows and perspectives in hers. Using cyanotype prints, camera-based images and photograms, Cain digs deep into the ways humans interact with the patterns of the world. 11 East State St., Media

Philadelphia Pastel Society at Wayne Arts Center

Closes October 7

See the works of 70 (yes, you read that right) artists at the Philadelphia Pastel Society’s 2nd National Open Juried Exhibition. Artists from across the country have submitted their works, all using soft pastel as the medium. There will be over $3,500 in cash prizes, including the $1,000 Philadelphia Pastel Society Award of Excellence. See who wins! 413 Maplewood Ave., Wayne

A Gathering: Functional Ceramics at Main Line Art Center

Closes October 20

What are “functional ceramics,” and how can they represent the ideas of the autumnal equinox? Over 30 artists have created pieces to answer those questions. You’ll see bowls, vases, cups and other items all exploring the concepts of togetherness and sharing. There will also be a reception and Autumn Equinox celebration (you can register here) on September 22 at 5:30pm. 746 Panmure Road, Haverford

FIGMENTS (of your imagination) at The Art Trust

Closes November 3

Personally, I think the best part of fall is Halloween. FIGMENTS (of your imagination) will help you get in the spooky season mood. This four-artist exhibition explores themes of the season, such as fantasy, dreams, nightmares and more. Witness fantastic storytelling through contemporary art that’ll be sure to send a chill down your spine. 16 W Market St., West Chester

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Love this story? Read about this fall’s must-see concerts, Main Line antique shops you’ll love, and the top PA wines of 2023.

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