Join us for the opening of this special exhibit of work by exciting local artists from the Naudain Collaborative: Ed Bronstein, Karuna Krishna, Bhavisha Patel, Lauren Sweeney, Karin Villarreal, Mark Willie. The artists will be on hand for the opening to share information on their inspiration and process. Light refreshments will be served. Cosmopolitan Club Members and their Guests, Artists and their Patrons are most welcome to attend. Club members and their guests can REGISTER HERE. Artists and their guests can REGISTER HERE.
Join us for your last chance to view our current art exhibition featuring brilliant local artists from the Naudain Collaborative: Ed Bronstein, Karuna Krishna, Bhavisha Patel, Lauren Sweeney, Karin Villarreal, Mark Willie. Tea, coffee and cookies will be served. The exhibit closes December 20. Bring your non-member friends. Cosmopolitan Club Members and their Guests, Artists and their Patrons are most welcome to attend. Club members and their guests can REGISTER HERE. Artists and their guests can REGISTER HERE.
The Gallery is also OPEN Monday - Thursday, 10:30am-2pm. If you’d like to view the works outside of these hours or events, please call 215-735-1057 to make an appointment. The works on display at the Club are for sale, with a percentage of the purchase price donated by the artist to The Cosmopolitan Club. If you are interested in discussing purchase, please reach out to our Receptionist Caryn Whittington or Club Manager Agneta Bacican. The exhibit closes on December 20.
Trained as a graphic designer, I started my career by co-founding a design firm offering services for women's empowerment, health and education. Life (and love) brought me to Philadelphia. Complemented by graduate degrees in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and in Media Studies from the New School, I consider multiple perspectives when creating my work. Mindful of both its impact and my role in its creation, I continue to work on selected design, branding, photography and web projects, while enjoying creating my art. My photography aims to communicate and connect with others through visual storytelling. Influenced by my design background, I delight in exploring the interplay of form, color, and unexpected elements. As a photographer, I view myself as a perpetual immigrant, fascinated by the nuances of culture and the ever-evolving definition of identity. Recently, I've been particularly intrigued by the profound sense of discomfort and the questions posed by our current era, especially regarding my response to loss and the transient nature of life.
Bhavisha's art is a fusion of diverse cultural influences, reflecting her journey across continents. From the vast landscapes of the African Savannah to the bustling urban scenes of Philadelphia, her work embodies a harmonious blend of nature and humanity. With over two decades of self-taught experience, Bhavisha's impressionist/representational style evokes a sense of nostalgia and romance, capturing the essence of life's beauty. Nature is her primary muse, portraying endangered animals, majestic elephants, serene snowy landscapes, and tempestuous seas. Yet, she easily transitions from nature to urban scenes that carry a romantic, nostalgic feel. Through her art, Bhavisha aims to reveal the magnificence of creation, fostering reverence for nature's power and resilience. Her paintings have graced solo and group exhibitions globally, adorning private collections worldwide. Bhavisha is an active member of the Philadelphia Sketch Club and Naudain Art Collaborative. Ultimately, she aspires for her art to inspire society to recognize the divine in nature, cultivating a deeper respect and appreciation for the world around us.
Trained in oil, watercolor, as well as pastel, I have many choices when imagining a painting, be it landscape, still life or portrait. Each medium delivers different effects. I love to explore how best to achieve what I envision while pushing the boundaries of a medium itself. Sometimes as the painting progresses, the medium itself suggests different ways to go. This is especially true with watercolor. The artist in me can let the medium dictate how the painting will resolve itself, or bend it to fit my needs. In some cases I combine more than one medium. Each painting is an adventure! Karen Villarreal studied fine art painting at San Diego State University and the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. She did commissioned portrait work before devoting herself to a career in cartoon animation, training at Walt Disney Studios with Eric Larson and working on shows for Hanna-Barbera, Cartoon Network, and Scholastic to name a few. Now retired, she has returned to her first love ... painting!
In my artistic journey, I've traversed the realms of graphic design and design education, but it's in the realm of painting and collaging that I find my deepest visual exploration. Drawing from years of experience, my work is a culmination of plein air landscape studies infused with the spontaneity and contemplation derived from immersing myself in natural environments. Each piece is a unique interpretation of the landscapes that inspire me, whether it's the bustling urban scenes of Philadelphia or the serene marshes and farmland of Cumberland County, New Jersey. Regular trips to Italy and the UK also influence my work, infusing it with a sense of cultural and geographical diversity. While some artworks remain faithful to their plein air origins, others evolve into imagined landscapes or still lifes, reflecting the dynamic nature of creativity. This process is deeply intertwined with my role as an educator; my professional experiences in design and teaching inform each other, enriching both my artistic practice and pedagogy. Through my art, I aim to invite viewers into a dialogue between reality and imagination, encouraging them to explore the beauty and diversity of the natural world while embarking on their own creative journeys.