James Oliver Gallery

OPENING RECEPTION: June 25th, 2010

6-9pm Wine and Refreshments

The exhibition will remain open from June 25th to July 31st 2010

At a time when photography or Photoshop seem dominant and illustration seems on the wane, James Oliver Gallery has created an exhibition “It Came From The Drawing Board” featuring today's most exciting illustrators. The exhibit reflects current trends in the field by showcasing emergent styles in illustration, expressed through many different outlets.

To promote this venerable genre of illustration, James Oliver Gallery has assembled a diverse talent to showcase the best in illustration's variety of categories.

Participating Artists Include:

Robert Berry, a notable artist from Detroit and now living in Philadelphia, is an illustrator working in comics and web-based media. His work includes colored pencil, gouache and pen and ink. Berry uses ‘daunting’ to describe his new project of the task of translating English literature's most challenging and rewarding novel - James Joyce's 'Ulysses' into a webcomic titled: ULYSSES SEEN.

Phouc Phan is a Vietnamese fine artist in illustration and calligraphy. Phan’s work is steeped in Mystical Buddhist tradition. Master Phan is also a three time world Kung Fu Champion. His Philadelphia studio is the only known Than Vo Dao training center in North America.

Jill Allen is an Instructor at Montgomery County Community College, Wayne Art Center, The Clay Studio, Fleisher Art Memorial and Abington Art Center. Her sculptural pieces reference her interest in modern technology and science fiction using clay and wire. Like colorful cartoons, they suggest everything is happy and positive.

David Glass Riddicks’ punk art can be traced back to the mid to late 80’s thru early 90’s. Dave Glass has been spewing out raucous punk art since 1985 scribbling on skateboards, school desks, and spray painting t-shirts. The new millennium has also unleashed Glass into pin up Punk artwork and designing by hand the art tees and band merchandise for The New York Dolls, The Stooges, Richard Hell, Dead Kennedys and The Ramones- just to name a few.

Robert Dix is presently an instructor of Graphic Design and Illustration at Antonelli Institute of Chestnut Hill. He recently started a freelance illustration where his work is featured in such publications as Black Bear Review and Freshwater and Aquarium Fish magazine. Bob Dix’s story “Lawrence Richette” is being published in the latest book edition of the Cartoonist Society.

Steven Mogck focused on illustration at The Joe Kubert School of Cartoon Graphics in Dover, New Jersey. He then went on to do a pin-up for Marvel Comics. He attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York while working as a storyboard artist for various movies and commercials. Mogck recently received his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts – Studio Arts, from West Chester University in May of 2010 and is now focusing on his work in abstract platforms.

Bethany Krull explores through sculpture the intricacies and complexities that exist within the relationship between our species and the rest of the natural world. Her most recent body of sculpture, a series called “Dominance and Affection”, deals specifically with our relationship to our pets.

The world of illustration is a prolific and dreamy world, with content merging fantasy and the hand’s talent. The genius of illustration allows us who live in the electronic world a chance to mount our mythical creature of fantasy.

Since September of 2006, The James Oliver Gallery has strived to be a welcoming gathering place for the art loving community of Philadelphia by offering international contemporary and quality art. The Gallery, JOG, is a dynamic space in Center City Philadelphia nudged between Society Hill and Old City directly above Morimoto in the new upcoming Chestnut Street neighborhood between 7th and 8th Street.