STATE OF THE ARTS
A GROUP SHOW
OPENING MAY 16TH
Curatorial statement
State of the Arts
A Finger on the Pulse of the MainLine Contemporary Art Scene
This exhibition is a celebration of the bold, diverse, and ever-evolving voices in the MainLine’s contemporary art community. State of the Arts brings together a dynamic group of local artists, painters, sculptors, digital creators, and those pushing boundaries in unexpected directions. The only guiding principle? Creative freedom. By providing the space for artists to explore their own unique visions, we invite an organic unfolding of themes, from personal introspection to societal reflections, without being tethered to any one idea.
Rather than narrowing our focus, we’ve opened the doors for experimentation, discovery, and conversation. The result is an eclectic showcase of work that touches on the emotional, intellectual, and political undercurrents of today’s world, unfiltered, authentic, and unapologetically local.
As we gather to reflect on this moment in the community’s artistic history, we also honor the late Matthew Dougherty, a true champion of the arts. Matthew’s unwavering support of local talent and his commitment to nurturing the MainLine’s creative spirit continue to inspire and influence the artists who call this place home.
State of the Arts is a testament to the collective vitality of this community, an open-ended conversation that spans generations and genres, while paying tribute to those who laid the groundwork for a thriving creative future.
ARTIST BRIEF
A Group Exhibition at Colonna Contemporary
Colonna Contemporary invites submissions for State of the Arts, our annual group exhibition celebrating the depth, breadth, and vitality of the MainLine’s contemporary art scene.
Rather than prescribe a curatorial theme, this show offers artists full creative freedom. We are interested in what emerges when local voices are simply given the space to speak.
Whether your work is introspective, political, playful, conceptual, or material, driven, we welcome it. This is an open-ended exploration of what contemporary art looks like here and now.
We are especially proud to dedicate this year’s exhibition to the memory of Matthew Dougherty, a beloved artist and advocate whose presence and support left a lasting mark on our community. This show is, in many ways, a continuation of the spirit he helped build.
Eligibility:
Open to artists based in or with strong ties to the MainLine and greater Philadelphia area.
Mediums Accepted:
All contemporary mediums including (but not limited to) painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, installation, digital, and video art.
Submission Requirements:
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3–5 images of available works (or works in progress)
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Artist statement or short bio
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Link to website or portfolio (if available)
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Title, medium, dimensions, and year for each submitted work
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Deadline: May 8th
Exhibition Dates: May 16th - 18th
Location: Colonna Contemporary, Wayne, PA
We look forward to seeing what you’ve been working on, and to bringing together a show that honors the creativity and resilience of our local art community.