(L to R) Megan Brewster, Erin Waxman. photo, M. Brewster

"When you have a full-time job, it is really hard to make your artwork," says Megan Brewster, who adds, "Not only that, but as a new artist, it is hard to get your work out there."

Although many artists are familiar with this dilemma, for Brewster and Erin Waxman, the solution was to open their own "gallery-boutique" in Philadelphia.

During the first week of December, the two young Philadelphia artists will open Art Star, a gallery-boutique, in Philadelphia's Northern Liberties neighborhood. Waxman explains, "Art Star is a gallery that will hold a monthly display of a variety of artwork. It is also a boutique where we will sell hand-made goods, mostly wear-ables like knitted hats and wrist bands, metal jewelry and clothing on a daily basis." By opening Art Star, the two women will support themselves doing what they love while creating a venue for other artists to sell and display their work.

Waxman and Brewster each graduated from Tyler School of Art in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Brewster studied ceramics and Waxman studied metal/jewelry/CADCAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing). Each artist has her own distinct style. Brewster gets most ideas for her artwork from toys. Laughing, she says, "My artwork is inspired by my love of toys and toy design, Hello-Kitty, Sanrio, Japanese art... I feel like I relate to [toy design], which is a way I can express my thoughts and feelings... I've been making a lot of wear-ables and jewelry and accessories inspired by my larger work at Tyler."

We Don't Forget Yours, Don't Forget Ours, 2004, by Lauren Over, ink, coffee and watercolor on paper.

Waxman makes creative clothing with simple designs accented with layers of color. Her metal pieces are bold and unique, yet wearable. In much of Waxman's metal work, she combines red plastics and colorful monofilament with silver pieces, adding to the originality of her work. She describes her work broadly. "For jewelry and metal pieces, I like clean lines and sharp angles in my work. My clothing is original, one-of-a-kind work." In 2000, she won the City Paper Style Wars Award for her silver headpieces and complementary clothing.

Since the friends graduated from Tyler, trying to find ways to continue to make art has been the rub. Brewster decided to learn to run a gallery and for the last three years has worked at the Clay Studio as a gallery coordinator. Waxman supported herself working as a baker for Essene Natural Foods. She also sold jewelry and clothing in small shows and boutiques throughout the city.

In 2003, Waxman left her baking gig and devoted herself full-time to selling her jewelry and clothing. She wanted to open a store in Philadelphia, but believed she needed to connect with other artists first. She organized a small holiday show where local artists and crafts people could sell their wares. She rented a space for the weekend and charged each artist only what she needed per person to cover the rent. Impressed by the large turnout of Philadelphia artists, Waxman organized another show in 2004, the Art Star Craft Bazaar at the First Unitarian Church on 21st and Chestnut in Philadelphia.

	Erin Waxman, gallery partner. photo, courtesy of City Paper

As the craft bazaar progressed and Waxman's popularity rose, she made plans to start a business. Brewster, who had participated in the bazaar, liked the idea of opening a store. Although the two were friends, they hadn't considered working together until a "common friend" suggested they become business partners. Within weeks, the two began looking for a space to rent. As soon as they found a location, they spread the word. "Many of the artists with work that will [exhibit] in our store, we knew already and some of them were artists we met at Art Star Craft Bazaar" says Waxman.

Already 15 to 20 artists have signed on to Art Star, where they will show and sell work. Waxman reminds local artists, "We are constantly looking for new artists, any original handmade art work, anything."

Art Star's grand opening features the work of Tyler School of Art graduate, Lauren Over. The exhibit will run through December.

Art Star is located at Liberties Walk, 1030 North Second Street, Unit 301. Additional information can be obtained at www.artstarphilly.com or by calling (215) 238-1557.

Copyright 2004 | Contact Us | Submission Guidelines | Staff | Obtain a Copy | Home