FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“ECOLOGICALLY CORRECT: THE PHILADELPHIA DUMPSTER DIVERS”

APRIL 2 – JUNE 14, 2009

“PHILADELPHIA DUMPSTER DIVERS”IS A COLLECTIVE OF FOUND OBJECT ARTISTS THAT SUPPORT EACH OTHER IN CREATING ART FOR THE CONSCIOUS, CONTEMPORARY LIFE.

OPENING RECEPTION THURSDAY APRIL 2, 5-8 PM

ARTIST SYMPOSIUM AND ARTISTS RECEPTION “SECOND SUNDAY” MAY 10, 2009: SYMPOSIUM 12 – 2 PM IN GOGGLEWORKS FILM THEATRE, FOLLOWED BY RECEPTION IN GALLERY 2-5 PM.

The Philadelphia Dumpster Divers use found objects to make art. Beyond that, their similarities end. In the loosely bound artist collective there are BFAs and MFAs, career artists, sculptors, painters, photographers, school teachers, retirees, stay-at-home parents, all with unique visions for their work.

The real environmental impact of reused materials is “Ecologically Correct,” but it is through these diverse visions that the Dumpster Divers make their largest impact. Transformation of wastes of society to create meaning and beauty is achieved through the eyes of these artists.

Formed around 1992, the original members have deep roots in the Philadelphia arts community and have made invaluable contributions to its cultural flavor with their singular artistic achievements. Over seventeen years, the group has welcomed new generations who feed off its generous cooperative spirit as they pursue their own individual projects.

The Outsider Folk Art Gallery has spent the last year meeting the individual Philadelphia Dumpster Divers in their studios and viewing their artwork, and learning about the collective. “Ecologically Correct: The Philadelphia Dumpster Divers” is a result of this project.

The Dumpster Diver Symposium, 12-2 PM May 10, 2009, in the GoggleWorks’ Theatre, is an opportunity for the public to hear about the visions and techniques of the artists.

Participating Artists Include:

Isaiah Zagar

Leo Sewell

Harry Anderson

Smokie Kittner

Niel Benson

Ellen Benson

Randall Cleaver

Lenny Davidson

Mark May

Randy Dalton

George Bilyk

Valerie Black

Charmaine Caire

Alden Cole

Carol Cole

Bruce Gast

Linda Lou Horn

Hugo Hsu

John Jonik

Ann Keech

John Lindsay

Kathryn Pannepacker

Eva Preston

Ellen Sall

Joel Spivak

Toni Nash

Burnell Yow!

Betsey Alexander

Leslie Matthews

David Gerbstadt

The Outsider Folk Art Gallery, located inside of the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, is owned by local collectors and dealers George and Sue Viener who have been collecting self-taught art for over 30 years. Art displayed from the Vieners’ collection is available for purchase. The gallery’s primary function is to present outsider and contemporary self-taught art.

XXX

Harry Anderson

Artist, Found Objects and Light Sculptures

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE