Philly Artist Looks to Shine at the 15th Annual Philadelphia Open Studio Tours

Philadelphia Open Studio Tours, a program of The Center for Emerging Visual Artists is the largest tour of artist studios and creative work spaces in the region, and one of the premier open studio tour events in the country. Each October, the Tours span 20 unique Philadelphia neighborhoods, feature over 300 participants, engage audiences topping 30,000, and literally put Philadelphia’s professional artists “on the map” for locals and tourists alike.

As an annual Fall festival of visual art, The Philadelphia Open Studio Tours includes self guided tours of artist studios and related creative work spaces, gallery exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops, artist talks, receptions, and guided tours.

This year we are spotlighting one local artist on this year’s tour.  Andrea Krupp is a Philly native whose artwork will be on display at Twenty-Two Gallery (236 S 22nd St.) opening weekend Oct. 10th and will run until Nov.  9th. Entitled NORTH of HER. We recently interviewed Andrea regarding her upcoming exhibit as well as her perspective of the art scene here.

Iron Grim by Andrea Krupp is one of many pieces that will be on display

Tell us a little about yourself, where you are from?
I was born in the area, and except for some grade-school years up North, I am a Philly girl.  I love living here.

How did you get started in Art? Any Inspirations?
I was born with a natural inclination to create.  I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged me to follow my own path and I ended up at the University of the Arts to study Printmaking.  I have been living and working as an artist in Philadelphia for 30 years.

How would you describe your style?
I don’t have a style, per se.  In fact, right now my artwork is very much in flux.  Last year at this time I was in the middle of an intense, 2 month period of studio work, while in residence at Gullkistan, in Iceland.  I am still processing that experience.  I came home very changed, very inspired.  The artwork I am showing right now was made here in Philadelphia between January and June. It is my first exhibit of color prints.

What do you think of the Philly art scene?
I feel comfortable here.  In Philly there is room for everyone, from freshly minted art students, to peripatetic creatives, to established professionals.
What can people expect from your exhibit?

The color woodcuts and monoprints I’m showing will have wide appeal, I think.  They are graphic and bold.  I would also say some pieces have a kind of Mid-Century Modern vibe.  This was not deliberate, but the palette of earth colors, the bold angular shapes somehow add up to artwork that is stylish, modern and masculine.  It must be the Viking/Nordic influence at work.  I’m very curious about how my viewers will respond.

Where can people see or purchase some of your work?
My exhibit NORTH of HERE is on view at Twenty-Two Gallery from October 10 to November 9.  Don’t miss my weekend of Philadelphia Open Studio Tours specials October 10, 11 and 12.  Every piece in my show will be discounted, I’ll be giving a Gallery Talk about my artwork, and there will be a business card drawing to win a color-woodcut.

Are you running any deals this weekend?
For those looking to go to the show, from Friday Oct. 10th-12th only, receive discounts on every piece in my show. Take $50 off framed artwork over $300, $20 off framed artwork under $300. Purchase an unframed piece and get 15% off professional framing by B and K Fine Arts. Also, enter to win a hand-printed, limited edition color woodcut, every visitor is eligible, just stop in and drop your card in the box. See you there!