Artwork from The 5 Senses
Tonight, Friday October 6th, The West Chester Chamber of Commerce sponsored the Greater West Chester Chamber Gallery Walk, a cultural experience that annually features a variety of local artwork from downtown galleries and one-night only shows hosted by companies like the Chester County Historical Society. I hit the pavement and walked the Gallery Walk myself. It was enlightening being able to view all of the various styles of artwork. My first stop was St. Agnes Church, where I talked with Pam Hessler, a local photographer. She told me it was her first time participating in this event, but she immensely enjoys interacting with the community.
“I really like St. Agnes,” Pam said. “I’ve talked to the students about photography before on their career day. It’s a great
Pam Hessler
school.”
Pam was an English major in college, but she chose a photo-based path. Though she often takes pictures of people in her professional life, she prefers to focus on natural landscapes like bodies of water and flowers in her personal life.
“People are more active subjects, while landscape is more passive,” she described. “I like having that balance of subjects in my life.”
Next stop: The Master’s Baker. I spoke with Erica Dehart, an expert painter and cake designer, who has participated in the Gallery Walk for 10 years now.
Erica Dehart
“The Gallery Walk has a lot of single art shows that feature whole collections,” Erica said. “And it allows people to put West Chester on the map and get to know the town.”
Erica is also a professional muralist, and often paints murals for West Chester University, as well as on her cakes for The Master’s Baker.
“The mix of impressionism and realism is what I strive for,” she said. “And I also enjoy en plein air.”
For a complete list of sponsors and hosts, visit West Chester BID online.
