OCTOBER 3 THROUGH NOVEMBER 14, 2009
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 3rd, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
"Talkabout" Gallery Discussion: Saturday, October 24th, from 1:30 to 2:30 PM

The Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial presents the first exhibition in the thirty-second season of the three-part Wind Challenge Exhibitions at Fleisher — the Delaware Valley's premier juried artist exhibition program. This season's nine Challenge artists were selected from a field of 368 applicants to exhibit in one of three three-person exhibitions. The first of this year's Challenge Exhibitions features a sculpture by Joshua DeMonte, drawings by Sharka Brod Hyland, and an installation Keiko Miyamori.

The exhibition begins on Saturday, October 3rd, with an opening reception from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, and continues through November 14th, 2009.

Both the exhibition and the opening reception are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with additional hours of 5:00 to 9:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Saturday.

Joshua DeMonte's work explores the relationship between architecture and environment by translating features of ancient architecture into jewelry and transforming the wearer into the site. His objects are intended to be worn and appreciated, but they are also meant to alter one's perception of the figure.

Mr. DeMonte received both his B.F.A. and M.F.A. from Tyler School of Art, Temple University.

Image: Joshua DeMonte, Balcony and Curtains, 2008, glass-filled nylon, 7 x 4 inches

With pen or brush in hand, Sharka Brod Hyland assembles quadrangles until they accumulate into larger, more intricate surfaces. This stream-of-consciousness process allows volume and depth to emerge organically, and for the artist to tinker with the perspective and illusion of space that the greater form takes on.

Ms. Hyland studied at Albert-Ludwig University and École du Louvre, and received her her M.F.A. from Yale University School of Art.

Image: Sharka Brod Hyland, detail: New Jersey Mountain (II), 2009, ink on paper, 23 x 29 inches

For Keiko Miyamori, the charcoal rubbing not only captures a physical mark, but also transfers the “soul” of a natural object. Simplicity, quietness, and a sense of unity ebb and flow in Miyamori's objects and installations, which feature rubbings on Japanese washi paper and clear plastic. They are intended to inspire others to live in harmony with nature.

Ms. Miyamori received both her B.F.A. and M.F.A. from the University of Tsukuba.

Image: Keiko Miyamori, detail: Cosmos, 2007

On Saturday, October 24th, from 1:30 to 2:30 PM, Fleisher hosts the Challenge TalkAbout, an in-depth moderated dialogue with these Challenge artists and audience. Admission is free.

Read Edith Newhall's review of this exhibition in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Fleisher's exhibition programs are supported in part by Dina and Jerry Wind, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, Independence Foundation, the Philadelphia Cultural Leadership Program of The Pew Charitable Trusts, and donations from more than 2,000 student members and friends.