Creative Visions

The Project HOME Art Program is thrilled to host “Creative Visions,” Project HOME’s 2014 Fall Art collective TODAY, November 20th from 4:00- 6:00 pm at JBJ Soul Homes Second Floor Community Room. Twelve of our amazing Artists have all new work for us to enjoy, ponder, and be inspired by, with a special selection from very talented Feature Artist of the Fall, Gerald Halley.

Gerald’s artwork has been on exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Drexel University, and was recently purchased by Reed Smith Law Firm.

How long have you been involved with Project HOME?

I moved to 1515 Fairmount in June 2013. Before coming here to Project HOME I hadn’t painted in 13 years.

When did you first begin to paint?
I began drawing and painting at 6 years old when my mother gave me a set of watercolors for Christmas. She was a big inspiration to my painting. She was very supportive. Before she died she told me to paint. And when I got to 1515 I did. Since coming here I’ve been inspired to paint.

Where did you practice art before Project HOME?
I first studied Social Services at Lincoln University. I then transferred to the Art Institute of Philadelphia, where I received an Associate Degree in Commercial Art. After that, I took classes in Environmental Design at Philadelphia College of Art. Environmental design is the study of interior and exterior space. I wanted to design city parks.

How would you describe your art?
I paint with acrylics. A lot of my art is abstract and impressionist. I’m inspired by nature. Anything organic is an influence in my work.

What do you get out of creating art?
Art is self-satisfaction, personal fulfillment. I just have a love for art.

How does art contribute to the community?
Art contributes to the community 100%. Everywhere you look is art. Everything is design. Even if you walk down the street and see a building, that’s perspective. That’s art.  Art is everywhere. Art is everything.
 
How did you create the art for the flyer for your upcoming exhibit?
I used a flat piece of metal as a paint brush. I like to experiment with art tools. Sometimes I even finger-paint.
 
What is the theme of for the exhibit?
There isn’t really a theme. I paint many subjects. In this show I have a Native American mask and an Asian painting. I have a variety of pieces.

Gerald has recently moved out of 1515 and is living independently in his own efficiency apartment in Cheltenham.

Interested in purchasing art from Gerald or other Project HOME artists? Stop by the art exhibit or contact Rachel Ehrgood at [email protected] or (215)-232-7272 x3027. To learn more about the art program visit https://projecthome.org/our-work/adult-learning-workforce-development/ar....