The Cope House Gallery
The Cope House Art Gallery is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty, history, and artistry of Awbury Arboretum all in one place.
By partnering with local artists, Awbury is able to present free art shows March through December every year. As an exhibition space where beautiful and thought-provoking art is displayed, the Cope House Gallery is a valuable resource for both local artists and art lovers. The artwork is for sale and a portion of the proceeds helps support Awbury Arboretum.
The Cope House Gallery is open Monday through Thursday, 10:00am– 4:00 pm.
(Please see our Hours and Admission page for holiday closings, etc.)
On View: Rhythm is Nature / It is Our Nature
Vivain Lehrer
On View
June 28 – August 27, 2024
A guiding question in my life is, “What conditions were humans evolved for, before this recent
experiment of modernity?” The closer we get to living in harmony with our “original
instructions”, the happier and more peaceful we feel.
My art practice is largely a form of
activism, an invitation to draw nearer to what is deeply true. When we share an experience, when
we gather in celebration or/and grief, we become more like an old-growth forest network. I love
aiming to remove distance so we can all remember we belong to one another and this planet.
Music and art, from the silly to the sublime, are some of my best ideas. In the face of climate
chaos and violence, joy and play and beauty are all the more urgent because they help us inhabit
the relationships that give us life and meaning. From here, we nurture a profound sense of
ecological and social responsibility.
Art Reception
The art reception will take place in the Cope House Galleries on July 11th from 4pm–7pm. Meet the artist, enjoy some light refreshments, and get to know the NW Philadelphia art community.
Location: Cope House Galleries (1 Awbury Rd, Philadelphia)
Cost: Free
This event is free and open to the public; no registration required
Artwork will be available for purchase – to inquire, please contact artcommittee@awbury.org. All proceeds support Awbury Arboretum’s mission.
Artist Bio
Vivian Lehrer is a Chilean-American multidisciplinary artist whose work imagines reverent ways of walking with each other and our planet. Integrating natural and recycled materials, painting, ephemeral processes, interactive installations, and community-building, Vivian’s art practice questions the notion of human dominance over the rest of the natural world, and points instead to our vulnerable interconnection.
Vivian served for 12 years as founding co-director of Eden Village Camp, a farm-and-arts sleepaway camp with locations in NY and California. At Eden Village, Vivian fostered radical inclusivity through earth-based programming – often involving rite-of-passage challenges, art with biomaterials, song sessions, and parades with giant puppets. Previously, Vivian served Spanish-speaking clients as a public-interest lawyer in NYC. She lives and works on Lenni-Lenape land (Philadelphia), where she plays bass in the indie-folk band Gorgeous Porch, and regularly hosts house concerts and dances in the woods. In 2023 she curated “ephemeral partner”; a 22-artist show at iMPeRFeCT Gallery exploring human-plant relationships.
Past Exhibits
Are you a local artist interested in featuring your artwork at Awbury?
Questions? Please contact our Arts Advisory Committee at artcommittee@awbury.org.