I build things.
I make sculpture that is painted. The work is abstract with reference to nature. It is a combination of many parts that come together in one image. My sculptures are organic, mathematical, animated, sensual, analytic – and have a bit of humor. Over many years I have developed work which bridges the gap between painting and object, and therefore defies category.
These recent sculptures flow like drawings in space. They are made of oil paint on wood. They are wall hung, free form, and usually about six inches deep. My sculptures are intentionally fluid and lively. I try to make them dance. There is a charge of energy in each piece – an organic sense that is usually found in living things. Shapes pass through each other and are inter-woven, activating each other. There is no starting point or ending point. Positive and negative spaces are equally important.
Color is key in every sculpture. I use thin layers over each other creating light from beneath the surface. The edges are often painted solidly to re-define the form. Each final piece has a sense of energy that comes from inside the structure and breathes outwardly.
Creating work with a sense of positive energy is my commitment. The work should not sit still but should activate the space it occupies.
Resume
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solo exhibitions | group exhibitions | publications & reviews
public collections | awards | commissions
curatorial experience | related experience
Education
- 1984 – 85 BFA, Parsons School of Design, New York
- 1981 – 83 Philadelphia College of Art, Philadelphia, PA
- 1980 – 81 Community College of Philadelphia, PA
Solo Exhibitions
2024
Shiny Objects of Desire, The Baby Grand , Wilmington DE
2023
Melange (Two person show) James Dupree’Galery, Lambertville, NJ
2022
Shiny Objects 2, (Two Person Show) Salus University, Elkins Park, PA
Shine On (Two Person Show) Pat Nugent Gallery at Rosemont College, Rosemont PA
We Collaborated (Two Person show) Lapp Gallery at Mennonite Heritage Center, Harleysville, PA and “We Collaborated part 2, Gladwyne Library
2021
Shiny Objects, (Two Person Show) 431 Art Gallery, Upper Merion PA
2020
“Shiny Objects”, 431 Art Gallery, Upper Merion PA
2019
“Spicer at Bridgeport”, Bridgeport Borough Hall, PA
2018
“Forever Young”, Anne’s Choice, Warminster PA
2016
“Lit”, Bazemore Gallery, Phila., PA
“Illuminated”, Rosemont College, Rosemont PA
2015
“Offerings”, Rydal Park, Jenkintown, PA
Natural Conversations, LaSalle University Museum, Phila PA
2011
Fusion, Sande Webster Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2009
Balance, Whitespace Gallery, Winston Salem, NC
Construction Zone, Sande Webster Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2007
The Shape of Things, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Narrowsburg, NY
2006
Fluid Form, Sande Webster Gallery, Phila., PA
2005
Breathing Lessons, Sande Webster Gallery, Phila., PA
2003
Affirmations, Sande Webster Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2001
Interactions, June Kelly Gallery, New York
Interventions, Sande Webster Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
1999
Botanical Extracts, Sande Webster Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
1998
Apports, Gallery Luscombe, San Francisco, CA
1997
Botanica, Sande Webster Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
1996
Harvest, The Showroom, New York (two person)
1995
Future Primitive, Sande Webster Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Heads Up, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Narrowsburg, NY
1994
Museum of the State of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA (two person)
1993
Outside Insights, Sande Webster Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Spicer, Westminster Gallery at Bloomfield College, New Jersey
Group Exhibitions
2023
A Lasting Legacy, Dupree Gallery, Philadelphia PA
Transparent, 431 Art Gallery, Upper Merion, PA
The ARTsisters, Media Arts Center, Media PA
Groundbreaking Women, Chester County Art Association, West Chester PA
Shiny Objects, Court by Marriot, Philadelphia, Pa
Meet MCGOPA, Beaumont at Bryn Mawr, Bryn Mawr, PA
Celebrate the Artist, Juried show 431 Art Gallery Upper Merion, PA
Facing Forward, Portraits, Henry Gallery, Penn State Great Valley, PA
Meet the ARTsisters, Gladwyn Library, Gladwyn PA
2022
New Now, InLiquid Gallery, Phila., PA
ARTsisters present Recycle//Reclaim, Main Line Arts Center, Haverford PA
Square Route 431 Art Gallery, Upper Merion PA
Welcome Back, Art is Alive and Well, 431 Art Gallery, Upper Merion PA
Fresh Air, Old City Jewish Art Center, Phila., PA
2019
“Land, Air Sea”, Upper Merion, PA
“MCGOPA at Salus University”, Abington, PA
“Juried Exhibition Tri-State Artists Equity”, Gogglesworks, Reading PA
2018
The Webster/Brantley Collection, Phila Episcopal Cathedral, Phila., PA
Circle of Life, Innagural show, Rabbit Hole, Phila., PA
Connections, Juried exhibit, Cheltenham Arts Center, Phila., PA
MCGOPA 20th Anniversary Exhibit, Henry Gallery at Penn State
Emergence, 431 Art Gallery, Upper Merion PA
20th Anniversary Show, Henry Gallery, Penn State University
77th Annual Juried Show, Woodmere Museum, guest curator Syd Carpentar, Philadelphia, PA
Imagination, Inspiration, Innovation, the 431 Gallery Upper Merion PA
2017
Seeing Double, 431 Art Gallery, Upper Merion, PA
Philadelpioa Tri-State Artist Equity Juried Show, Duke Gallery, Wallingford, PA
McGOPA FallExhibition, Abington Friends School, Jenkintown PA
Rydal Park Group Exhibit, Abington PA
McGOPA Winter Exhibition, Center on the Hill, Phila PA
Inaugural Show at 431 Art Gallery, Upper Merion Community Center, PA
Fall Exhibition, Abington Friends School, PA
2016
“A Celebration of Color” Dupree’ Gallery, Phila., PA
Tribute to Big Joe, Rush Arts Philly, Phila., PA
A Celebration of Color, Dupree’ Gallery, Phila., PA
67th Anniversary Artists Equity, John H.Baker Gallery, West Chester University
2015
66th Anniversary Juried Members Exhibition, Franklin Commons, Phoenixville, PA
“Continuing Conversation”, Rosemont College, Rosemont, PA
2014
“Against the Odds” a Tribute to Sande Webster, Lawrence Gallery, Rosemont College, Rosemont, PA
“Open Studio” at Mill Studios, Manayunk, PA
2013
“64th Anniversary Members Juried Exhibition”, Weidner University, PA
“Tiberino and Friends”, Afro American Museum, Phila., PA
“Artists Equity Selecet”, juried by MO Brooker, Wallingford, PA
“Open Studios”, Mill studios, Manayunk, PA
“Against the Odds”, Rosemont College, West Chester, PA
2012
“The Professional Artist 6”, MCGOPA, Conchocken, PA
“Open Studios”, Mill studios, Manayunk, PA
“4 x 10 – the Work of 10 American Artists”, Temple University, Phila., PA
“63rd Anniversity Members Exhibition”, E.O.Bull Center, West Chester, PA
“Annual Juried Sculpture Show”, New Hope Arts Center, New Hope,PA
“Annual Spring Show” MCGOPA, Conchocken, PA
2011
“Dimensions”, Sande Webster gallery, Phila., PA
Ongoing Group Exhibit, Scott Laurent Collection,Orlando, FL
2010
Paisajes, Nutshell Arts Center, Lake Huntington, NY
El Mundo, Nutshell Arts Center, Lake Huntington, NY
Women’s Work, Sande Webster Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Adopt a Pig, Dupreé Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2009
It’s a Wonderful Life, Sideshow Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
“El Mundo Indegena”, Nutshell Arts Center, Lake Huntington, NY
2008
Construction Workers, Thelma Harris Gallery, Oakland, CA
Gallery Salon, Sande Webster Gallery, Phila., PA
Peace, Sideshow Gallery, Brooklyn, New York
YOHO Open Studio, Yonkers, New York
“Celebrate Art”, Hastings on Hudson, New York
2007
Affordable Art Fare, New York, New York, NY
Pencil to Public, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Narrowsburg, NY
Pencil to Public, Liberty Museum, Liberty New York, NY
2006
7 Voices – 7 Views, G.R. N’Namdi Gallery, New York, NY
Away From the Figure, Gallery Chi, Brooklyn, NY
Affordable Art Fair, New York City, represented by Chi Contemporary and the G.R. N’namdi Gallery
2005
SOFA, Navy Pier, Chicago, IL represented by G.R.N’namdi Gallery
Affordable Art Fair, New York City, represented by G.R. N’namdi Gallery
US Artists, ADAA Art Show, The Armory, Philadelphia, PA
Sculpt Something, G.R. N’Namdi Gallery, Detroit, MI
Sculpt Something, G.R. N’Namdi Gallery, Chicago, IL
2004
US Artists, The Armory, Philadelphia, PA
PaxAmericana, Lake Huntington Arts Center, Lake Huntington, NY
Small Works, Creative Center for People with Cancer, NYC
2003
Nature Hanging by a Thread, Queens Theater in the Park, Queens, NY
Group Show, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Narrowsburg, NY
2002
Out of the Woods, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Narrowsburg, NY
ADAA, the ART SHOW, the Armory, New York
2001
Cross Cultural Gems, Tribes Gallery, New York
Women in Solidarity with Afghan Women’s Mission, Gallery 128, New York
2000
In Process, Educational Alliance, New York
Absence of Color, Sande Webster Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Women’s Visions, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey
Silver Select, Henry Street Settlement, New York
1999
FUNKSHUN, Henry Street Settlement, New York
1998
Pedestals and Stretchers, LewAllen Contemporary, Santa Fe, NM
1997
New Mission Visions, Gallery Luscombe, San Francisco, CA
1996
ECHO-a show of Multiples, Henry Street Settlement, New York
Introductions, Cortland Jessup Gallery, Provincetown, MA
Earth Day Celebrations, AFA Gallery, Scranton, PA
Fresh A.I.R. at 20, Henry Street Settlement, New York
1995
Perceptions/Reflections, Nutshell Gallery, Lake Huntington, NY
1994
Anniversary, Westminster Gallery, Bloomfield, NJ
A Group Of Grids, Sande Webster gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Catskills Connection, Nutshell Gallery, Lake Huntington, NY
1992
Reinventing the Wheel, Henry Street Settlement, New York
Animal Magic, Nexus Foundation, Philadelphia, PA
1991
Review/Preview, Aljira Center for Contemporary Art, Newark, NJ
Gallery Salon Show, Sande Webster Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Summer Selections, Henry Street Settlement, New York
1990
Rising Stars, Sande Webster Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Teachers Views, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY
1989
Spirit Within, Henry Street Settlement, New York
1988
Fresh A.I.R., Henry Street Settlement, New York
1987
Powerful Little Stuff, 22 Wooster Gallery, New York
International Group Show, Gallery Salon, Philadelphia, PA
Progressions, Henry Street Settlement, New York
1986
Dimensional Cut-Outs, Sande Webster Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Curve of a Plane 2, 22 Wooster Gallery, New York
Art Against Apartheid, Boricua College, Brooklyn, NY
Affirmations of Life, Kenkeleba House, New York
Publications and Reviews
2019
Ticket Magazine “Artists takes the Borough” by Brian Binghaman, January, 2019
2018
Ticket Magazine “Area Artists Showcase ”A Vision of Spring” by Maryann Swartz April 27, 2018
The PAUL review (Philadelphia Art and Literary Review), featured Artist in Issue 6, Spring 2018
2016
Philadelphia Stories, Winter edition, Cover and brief resume
2008
ARTSLETTER, Volume XXXIII, Number 5, DVAA, September/October
2007
ARTSLETTER, Volume XXXL, Number 3, DVAA, May/June Issue 2007
2005
Hankanson Colby, Joyce “Contemporary Sculptors..,” The Detroit News, Detroit, MI
2002
Israel, Stephen, “Art is Thriving …”, Times Herald Record, Middletown,NY
Gref, Barbara, “In Brief”, Towne Crier, Sullivan County, NY
2001
Johnson, Kenneth, “Art Guide”, New York Times
Sozanski, Edward, “Botanical Plowshares”, Philadelphia Inquirer, PA
1999
Rice, Robin, “The Secret Life of Plants”, Philadelphia City Paper
1997
Rice, Robin, “Critical Mass, Kathleen Spicer:Botanica”, Phila. City Paper
1995
“Unmasking the Artist”, The Times Herald Record, New York
“Kathleen Spicer at D.V.A.A.”, River Reporter, New York
“Interview”, JUMP TV
1994
“Contemporary Art”, APPRISE
1993
”Art with Evoking Spice”, Collective Voice, Bloomfield, New Jersey
“Manhattan Profile”, New York Newsday
1988
“Five Views in One”, New York’s DOWNTOWN
1984
“Sculpture Throws a Curve”, ARTSPEAK
Selected Collections
- Temple University Fox School of Business
- Penn State at Great Valley PA
- United States Embassy in Togo, West Africa
- Public School 28, Queens, NY
- ARCO Chemical, Newtown, PA
- Citibank NA, New York
- Wiley and Company, Hoboken, NJ
- Cyberlogic Inc., New York
- Diamond State Port Corporation, Wilmington, DE
- Merc Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Westpiont, PA
- Phillip Morris, Inc., New York
- VCA/Deloitte and Touche, Elkins Park, PA
- Public School 188, New York
- City of Chicago Police Department, Chicago IL
- Kimmel Center for Performing Arts, Phila., PA
- Arc Creative, Phila., PA
Selected Private Collections
- Doctor and Mrs. Raphael Gabay, Media, PA
- Doctor and Mrs. Gregory Pierce, Phoenixville, PA
- Doctor and Mrs. Anthony Sciscione, West Chester, PA
- Doctor Janine Darby, King of Prussia, PA
- Doctor Mark Hochberg, New York, NY
- Doctor Richard Lehrer, New York, NY
- Doctor Klare Scarboro, Phila., PA
- Doctor George Williams, New York, NY
- Doctor and Mrs. Stephen Fishman, Teaneck, NJ
- Doctor Jonathan Kaufman, Brooklyn, NY
- Matthew Pozorski, Ellenville, NY
- Philip Sciscione, Phila., PA
- Sandra Mack, Phoenix, AZ
- The Strano family, Doylestown, PA
- Robert and Thelma Gregoire, Concord, NH
- Kelly Luscombe, San Francisco, CA
- Kevin Cole, Fairburn, GA
- Arbro and Alicia Sutker, Berkley, CA
- Elsie Dresh, Atlanta, GA
- Sande and James Brantley, Phila., PA
- James and Anita Dupree, Phila., PA
- Mr. and Mrs. Simon, Chicago, IL
- Mr. and Mrs. Kaufmann, Princeton, NJ
- Jean Spicer, Phila., PA
- William Spicer, Oakland Park, FL
- Thomas Longhurst, West Palm Beach, FL
- Loretta Desvernine Phila., PA
- Lynn Rechutti ,Phila., PA
- Kevin Pugh, Bala Cynwd, PA
- The Nash family , Midlothian, VA
- Bruce and Raffie Nelson, Orlando, FL
- Tracey and Chris Latshaw, Melbourne, FL
- Therese Nelson, Orlando, FL
- The Bernitt family, North Branch, NY
- Michelle and Steven Russell, Melbourne, FL
- Dianne Mascarenes, Portland, OR
- Mr. and Mrs. Marty Salsman, Cherry Hill, NJ
- George N’Namdi, Detroit, MI
- The Bush family , Havertown, PA
- Al and Mara Loving, Kerhonksen, NY
- Ray Grist , Brooklyn, NY
- John Rizolli, Narrowsburg, NY
- Sande Webster/James Brantley, Phila., PA
- Patricia Lenahan, Jacksonville FL
- Elsie Dresh, Atlanta, GA
- Kevin Cole, Atlanta GA
- Loretta Desvernine, Phila, PA
- Lynn Recchuti, Phila, PA
- James and Anita Dupree, Phila, PA
Awards
2018
Philadelphia Tri-State Artists Equity, Jurors Prize
2015
Friends of Artists Equity Juror’s Prize
2012
Friends of Artists Equity Award
Second Place in show, “Professional Artist 6″
2001
New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship
1999
Craft Alliance Grant for New York State
1991
Alumni Award, Community College of Philadelphia
Special Editions, Lower East Side Print Shop
1988 – 87
Artist-in-Residence, Henry Street settlement, New York
1987 – 86
Artist-in-Residence, Henry Street Settlement, New York
1985
Graduate with Honors, Parsons School of Design
Commissions
ONGOING NUMEROUS PRIVATE COMMISSIONS
2021
New Market West, 59th and Market Streets, Philadelphia
4 permanent pieces in various interior and exterior locations
2019
New Market West, 59th and Market Streets, Philadelphia
5 permanent pieces in 5 locations interior and exterior
2008
Fort Shelby Hotel, Detroit, MI Faux interpretation of plaster relief ceiling
2007
City of Chicago Police Department, 3 large wall hung relief sculptures in community room and hallway
2003
20 wall hung wood sculptures for John Wiley and Company, Hoboken, NJ
2002
Small works for Deloitte and Touche to replace works destroyed on World Trade Center, NYC
2000
Series of painted aluminum wall sculptures and design for terrazzo floor design for P.S. 28, Queens, New York. Commissioned by the New York Department of Cultural Affairs and New York Board of Education.
1999
Series of wall hung wood sculptures for Deloitte and Touche, Elkins Park, PA
1990
Large mural on canvas and wall designs for Citibank, NA, New York
Curatorial Experience
2017
More Than Black and White, 431 Art Gallery, Lower Merion PA
Multiples, 431 Gallery, Lower Merion PA
2008
Body and Soul, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Narrowsburg, NY
In Context – the Language of Abstraction Continues, Henry St. Settlement
2004
Compilation, Formation, Sensation, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, NY
2003
Uncommon Threads, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Narrowsburg, NY
2002
Out of the Woods, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Narrowsburg, NY
1997
Stitches, Henry Street Settlement, New York
1996
Echo: a Show of Multiples, Henry Street Settlement, New York
1995
Perceptions/Reflections, Nutshell Gallery, Lake Huntington, New York
Fresh A.I.R. at 20, Henry Street Settlement, New York
Catskill Connection (inaugural exhibition), Nutshell Gallery, Lake Huntington
1989
Spirit Within, Henry Street Settlement, New York
1987
Powerful Little Stuff, 22 Wooster Gallery, New York
1986
Spring Collection, 22 Wooster Gallery, New York
Related Experience
Currently:
- Presently self-employed as Artist and Ordained Minister / Wedding Officiant
- Occasional Muralist / faux finisher and decorative painter.
- Guest Lecturer, Abington Friends School, Jenkintown, Pa, 2017
- Guest Lecturer at Rydal Park, Jenkintown PA, 2016
- Member, Artists Equity Pennsylvania Chapter
- Guest Lecturer, Sunshine Hall Free Library, Eldred, NY
- Guest Moderator, panel discussion on Language of Abstraction, Tribecca Performing Arts Center, New York, NY
- Guest Lecturer, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, the artistic relationship between husband (Charles Searles) and wife (Kathleen Spicer) 2006
- Guest Lecturer, Nassau County Community College Art Forums, slide presentation, lecture and demonstration, 2005
- Guest Lecturer, Creative Center for People with Cancer, slide presentation and workshop, 2003
- Have hired students from Pratt Manhattan as interns that receive 3 credits per semester.
- Maintained business (while continuing my own work) since 1989.
Mostly residential work, but also include public works including murals for:
- Mad Rex, Philadelphia, PA
- PT’S Country Kitchen, Mount Kisco, NY
- Citicorp, Na, New York
- Doctors Cooper and Hochberg, New York
- Doctor Sharon Eissner, Hicksville, New York
- Children’s’ Blood Foundation at Cornell Hospital, New York
- Global Pediatrics, New York
- New York Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital
- Red Robin Restaurants, Sayerville, NJ and Hicksville, New York
- Cinco De Mayo Restaurant, New York
- Timber Town, New Haven, CT
2003
- Instructor, Creative Center for People with Cancer
- Taught session (4 weeks) adults decorative painting and faux finishing.
- Hands on experience on large boards and on walls.
2002
- Instructor, Creative Center for People with Cancer Session on making small wood sculptures.
1985 – 1995
- Teacher, Henry Street Settlement.
- Taught all ages, kindergarten through senior citizen. Helped developed gallery program plans. Gallery docent for several years. Also taught at several lower east side schools. Developed art classes and art “gallery” in the halls of PS 63.
- Developed and completed large murals in cafeteria with a group of 5th and 6th grade students over an eight week period.
- Taught nature science through art and developed art gallery for student art at PS188 for 6 years. Also developed large scale murals with a group of students after school at PS 188.
1993
- Instructor at Bloomfield College, New Jersey. Taught art class and designed stage sets and props for the school’s Circus / Theater class.
1989 – 1991
- Teacher, YMHCA, 92nd Street, New York.
- Taught painting and produced a teen magazine with group of students over course of two years. Also taught young children with their mothers.
1987 – 1988
- Teacher, Senior citizen class at Russel Sage High School, Queens.
- Taught basic watercolor class.