The Art Gallery at St. David’s

The Art Gallery offers fine art and photography for sale. All are invited to gallery openings and to browse exhibitions that feature local and regional artists. Sale proceeds from the non-profit Art Gallery and adjacent Gift Shop are distributed to international outreach partners that provide funding for educational, feeding, health, and human service initiatives.

For over 50 years, members of The Painting Circle have been gathering to paint, share ideas and information, and to celebrate and support each other’s individuality. The group, under the leadership of well known local artist, Mimi Barclay Johnson, was initiated by Pat Holmes at the Wayne Art Center. They now meet weekly to paint at St. Davids Episcopal Church. The dozen artists of The Painting Circle, of whom five are part of an exhibit just opening at the St. David’s Church Art Gallery, are a diverse group who employ different media – oil, oil pastels, watercolors, transparent watercolors, pastels, and alcohol inks. All have received awards and kudos for their work.

Painting Circle leader Mimi Johnson, has a colorful background. After a successful career as a stage, set and lighting designer, she took her watercolors and oils outdoors and founded the French Creek Art Colony. Her work is found in private and corporate collections and she exhibits regularly in area shows such as the Devon Horse Show Art Gallery where she is best known for her whimsical foxes. Mimi donates to non-profits including the French & Pickering Creeks Trust Preservation, Ryers Farm for Aged Equines, and Healing Art Works and is a current or former member of Delaware Valley Art League, Franklin Inn Club, French Creek Art Colony, The Philadelphia Water Color Society (Signature Member) and the Savoy Company. “Painting is fun and full of color. Like life. It is a gift for which I am truly grateful” says this lively artist and leader..

Barbara Dooley was always interested in art and started her serious study of watercolor and oil painting after retirement from full-time employment. She began with drawing classes at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts followed by painting classes at Main Line Art Center, Wayne Art Center, and numerous workshops. “I learned to appreciate the unique qualities of watercolor and oil, but I usually prefer the fluidity that only watercolor can evoke. Rich colors, high-quality paper and the right amount of water often bring surprises that cannot be planned. I most enjoy being a spontaneous painter as I am not afraid to experiment in search of looseness and drama in a watercolor. My best paintings unfold while I am listening to classical music.”

Terry Boyle grew up in the Philadelphia area. Her earliest influence was her grandfather, Norwegian painter Enior Hiortdahl. She attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts where by studying under a diverse group of artists she learned to use most media. She is an alumni member of Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, a member of The Philadelphia Water Color Society, Delaware Valley Art League, Greater Norristown Art League, Wayne Art Center, French Creek Art Colony, Peace Valley Plein Air Painters, Philadelphia Pastel Society, and Network, a critique group. Terry has co-chaired the Philadelphia Water Color Society 111th, 112th, and the 115th Anniversary International Exhibitions of Works on Paper. She is additionally involved with the Community Garden Club at Wayne and Jenkins Arboretum. “I am always using my eyes to capture the essence of nature whether it’s looking upwards to the sky, rain or shine , clouds or no clouds or gazing at a meadow with the long shadows of the evening sunset. Every day is a different palette of color. It’s so exciting and creates in me the passion to pick up my brush. How blessed I feel to be able to enjoy what I do.”

A former scientist, Sabine Rehm, is now an artist who expresses in her representative paintings a deep association with mother nature. Her critters, plants, and ocean life, sometimes reveal a mystical appeal. ”There is so much to see everywhere and painting is a wonderful way to capture small and big impressions.” Sabine feels her life is greatly enriched creating art, making new friends in the art world, finding her work appreciated and sharing experiences.

Mary Jo McFadden has enjoyed exploring different media, especially watercolor and alcohol inks. Her work is currently featured in a revolving show honoring 911 victims in northern New Jersey. “I love the purity of watercolor and the vibrancy of inks,” she says. “Art provides myriad opportunities to express the joy of life.”

All current art, including smaller and unframed pieces may be viewed at the Art Gallery at St. David’s Episcopal Church, Wayne, beginning by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.am to 1:00 p.m. For further information, or to make an appointment please e-mail artgallery@stdavidschurch.org or call 484.580.8486.

The Art Gallery and adjacent Gift Shop are outreach ministries of St. David’s Episcopal Church, providing funding for education, feeding and human services initiatives in Uganda, Guatemala and Cuba. The Art Gallery is located on the main floor of the church at 763 S. Valley Road, Wayne, PA. For directions or further information, please visit: www.stdavidschurch.org or call 610.647.7947.