Shake off those winter boots and get ready to soak up some color! We are absolutely thrilled to announce the opening of our latest contemporary art exhibition, Emergent Petals. This show is a vibrant, soul-soothing celebration of renewal, growth, and that magical moment when the world finally wakes up from its long hibernation.
The Big Night: When, Where, & Why
We’re kicking things off with an Opening Reception that promises to be the highlight of the season!
- When: Wednesday, April 29th, 2026.
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
- Where: The Exchange, 100 Seneca St, 1st Floor, Oil City, PA 16301.
- Duration: The full exhibition runs from April 29th through May 19th, 2026.
- Drink and Food Specials At The Exchange During Reception: Mules And Smoked Ribs (Delicious!)
What is Gallery Night at The Exchange? It’s more than just looking at pictures on a wall. It’s a community party! It’s a night where we gather for great art, live music, delicious food, and drinks. It’s about celebrating the incredible creative energy right here in Oil City and giving these talented artists a stage to share their stories with you.
Meet the Amazing Artists
This show features a massive variety of styles, from photography and oil paintings to hand-crafted jewelry and mixed media. Here are the incredible creators who are bringing “Emergent Petals” to life:
- Trisha Mock: Captures the “freedom from winter” with happy, warming acrylic blooms.
- Amy Balot: Finds inspiration in nature and literature, using bright colors to liven up every space.
- Chelsey Rhoads: An Oil City local whose photography focuses on the majesty of landscapes and the beauty in everyday life.
- Cassie Rhoads: A self-described “shining example of an artist’s attention span,” showing a unique piece on a music sheet.
- Anna Applegate: Brings us “Earl Unfurled”—a happy accident involving a goat and a daisy—and moody, sun-drenched daffodils.
- Ann Witherup Rudegeair: Explores the “chaos and tension” of new beginnings through vibrant, discordant colors.
- Lorena Alvarez Toca: A landscape artist capturing the gentle rays of sunlight filtering through spring branches.
- Carolyn L. Schiffhouer: Uses Photoshop as a “tool of creation” to take nature photography to a surreal new level.
- Pamela Johnson: Combines her love of “shelling” and painting, using real seashells and driftwood in her work.
- Lisa Hulihan: Reminds us to “let your imagination soar” with awe-inspiring nature photography.
- Nat Chamberlin: A Pittsburgh painter whose work is botanical, spiritual, and always has a hint of whimsy.
- Erin Lloyd: Celebrates the native blooms of Northwestern Pennsylvania and the steady return of life.
- Klee Angelie: Crafts one-of-a-kind jewelry using “water casting” with sterling silver and iridescent pearls.
- Alexis Rhoades: Uses watercolor pencils to show how spring arrives in delicate, resilient layers.
- Skylar Austin: Creates “appreciation pieces” for the lesser-loved pollinators like wasps and weevils.
- Saylor Austin: Our youngest contributor (only nine years old!) who loves drawing animals and dragons in her own studio space.
- Rafi Perez: Explores “stubborn resilience” by reclaiming the dandelion as a source of empowerment and healing.
So, come for the masterpiece on the wall, stay for the community vibes, and maybe leave with a little more spring in your step! We’re ready for a night of incredible art, shared laughter, and all the creative hijinks that happen when our local art family gets together. Let’s make some noise for the new season! see you at The Exchange!
Discover more from Rafi And Klee Studios
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
