"Variations" group exhibition is focused on abstract and semi-abstract art, and explores various ways in which the human eye captures and processes the surrounding environment, both real and imaginary. 

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Elena Drozdova constructs her painted allegories using materials and methods that reveal her architectural background. Drozdova graduated from the prestigious Moscow Architectural Institute, and has lived and worked in the Unites States for almost thirty years. She divides her time between her art studio and working as an art director at the non-profit organization Peaceful Living, teaching art to people with disabilities. 

In his abstract artworks James Erikson draws a lot of inspiration from literature. “As I work I often think about the meaning of my art. Especially when a painting is finished, when I really like it, I ask myself, ‘What does it mean?’ Usually, I know when a work is good, or finished, and can sense that it has significant meaning but I might not be able to put that into words. That is why I am a visual artist and not a writer.” Erikson has shown his work in galleries in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. He received his MFA from SUNY Purchase. 

Joseph Lozano received his MFA in painting at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Lozano is the recipient of multiple awards and honors, including PAFA Museum Permanent Collection J.M.C. Purchase Prize, Louis B. Sloan award, Catharine Grant Memorial Prize, Arthur De Costa Painting Prize, Artists’ House Gallery Prize, and others. He has had numerous solo and group exhibits in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and Washington D.C., and his artwork is placed in numerous established art collections.

Mackenzie Vaughan Pikaart is a graduate of The University of the Arts with a BFA in Crafts, concentrating in Ceramics. She is a recipient of multiple awards and scholarships. Her work consists of collage, installations, drawings and sculptures focusing on explorations of her and others memories.  Pikaart has shown her work in the United States and Japan. Her latest exhibits include shows at the National Liberty Museum, The Clay Studio and The Crane Arts.

Josh Weiss divides his time between his art studio and teaching design foundations at Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University. Weiss received his MFA at Yale University and his BFA at Savannah College of Art and Design.  Until recently Weiss has been a longtime member at the Grizzly Grizzly Project Space in Philadelphia. He has had numerous solo and group exhibitions in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Tennessee.