A Guide to the 93rd Phillips’ Mill Art Show
In a few short weeks, the 93rd Annual Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill will be on display at the historic Phillips’ Mill and online for 24-hour viewing as well. Year after year, serious art collectors from across the region, and beyond, anticipate the show as a select opportunity to expand their collections and connect with their favorite artists while discovering new ones. Their interest and support of the show over the years speak to the quality of the work and the significance of the event.
This is exactly why everyone should plan to see the show, the most prestigious in Bucks County. And come back as often as you like while the show is open. We encourage you to stop by the Mill at least once during scheduled “Meet the Artists” informal chats. You don’t have to be a serious art collector or an artist to appreciate this unique opportunity. You just have to appreciate beauty.
“Beauty is everywhere,” adds Luiz Vilela, this year’s honored artist. We couldn’t agree more.
In this issue of The Grist, you will find all the important dates and information you need about the show. Be sure to check our website and follow Phillips’ Mill on Facebook and Instagram for announcements, award winners, and Meet the Artists dates.
10 Ways to Experience the Art Show at Phillips’ Mill
The Phillips’ Mill Art Committee continues its 93-year tradition of producing the region’s most prestigious art exhibitions. Over the years we’ve adjusted and refined the show, keeping in mind its special character and history, yet looking ahead to reaching new and broader audiences. You can visit the show at the Mill, view it online, or both.
The Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill is a gift we want to share with as many people as possible, from local artists and art enthusiasts to anyone, young and old, seeking beauty and inspiration where they find it. Here are 10 tips to make the most of this year’s show.
- Save the dates: Make a plan to visit the show. Add the dates to your calendar.
- Learn about the show’s history: The Phillips’ Mill Juried Art Show is a highly anticipated fall tradition that began in the spring of 1929. Read about it here.
- Meet the 2022 Honored Artist: Every year, the Art Committee honors an artist who has been a loyal participant in the Phillips’ Mill Art Exhibition over time. Read about Luiz Vilela, the 2022 Honored Artist.
- Take a closer look at the 2022 Signature Image: This year’s winning entry depicts a diverse group enjoying the Mill and its community spirit. Learn about its artist, Patricia Allingham Carlson.
- Attend the invitation-only opening reception: It’s a magical evening, reserved for artists and supporters. It’s not too late to make a donation and secure your spot at the reception.
- Take time viewing the art: There will be many opportunities to explore the show, at the Mill and online, so don’t feel you have to take it all in at once. This flexible format makes it possible for art enthusiasts and collectors from near and far to see and potentially purchase artwork from the show. Of course, slow looking can enhance everyone’s appreciation and enjoyment of the show.
- Invite friends to the show: Make a day of it! Share your love for the Mill and the art show with others. And remember, a mill membership makes a wonderful gift.
- Sign up for the September 28th ArtTalk: We’ll be talking to honored artist Luiz Vilela about his journey. See below for details.
- Visit the Mill during “Meet the Artists” happenings: Want to learn more about a painting you love? Or maybe you would just love to chat with one of your favorite artists in person? Come to the Mill to "Meet the Artist." We’ll also be announcing artists and dates on our website, Facebook page and on Instagram throughout the duration of the show, as well as in next month’s Grist.
- Volunteer your time: It takes a team of dedicated volunteers to make this show a success year after year. They work hard, but the perks are many, including access to members-only events. It’s the best way we know to truly immerse yourself in the show.
A Conversation with Luiz Vilela
Wednesday, September 28, 7 pm
Each of Luiz Vilela’s paintings tells a story, one he says evolves from moment to moment as he is creating them. Our 2022 Honored Artist will be sharing many stories of his own as he joins us for this timely ArtTalk. A highly skilled landscape and portrait painter, Luiz says he found his “right place” as an artist when he made a master copy of one of the revered Daniel Garber’s works. He learned that each of Garber’s brushstrokes was exactly right.
Save the Date
5th Annual Emerging Playwright Competition
Reading of the Winning Plays
Saturday, November 19, 7 pm
Join us for a wonderful evening at the Mill, including a wine reception following the readings for sponsors, actors, playwrights, jurors and audience.
All sponsors will be announced in the program, as well as in The Grist and on our website.
Phillips’ Mill Annual Meeting
Tuesday, October 4, 5:30 pm
At the MillWe’ll be back in the Mill this year, and we hope you can all join us to review our recent activities, elect new Directors, and share your thoughts on how we’re doing.
Phillips’ Mill Members’ Mixer
Friday, October 21, 5 pm
Don’t miss this special evening out with other Mill members! This lively gathering features wine and hors d’oeuvres and a chance to enjoy the 93rd Annual Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill.
You’re welcome to bring a guest or two, especially if they might wish to join the Mill.
Members’ Survey Results
Thank you to everyone who responded to the Members’ Survey. We learned a great deal of valuable information that we will use to plan future events, programs and special promotions. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome.
Andrea Kenyon Abbott, Esquire: a "Class Act"
Phillips’ Mill Player and Drama Committee Member Andrea Kenyon Abbott passed away peacefully August 21, 2022, after a struggle with cancer. Andrea was married to Dick Abbott who predeceased her on August 12, 2022.
Andrea was in many of the spring musical comedies at the Mill, and the shows were the better for it. She was a yarn-telling pirate sitting in a bar, complete with peg leg, parrot, eye patch and hook. Her portrayal of a gum-chewing inmate of the Cook’s County Jail singing “Class” from "Chicago" with Lynell Antonelli was unforgettable. She sang “There’s a Small Hotel by a Wishing Well,” and she and her husband built their dream home in the same town where that legendary well sits, Stockton. Andrea was a good sport and a fine comedienne, singing the ugly stepsister role in padded dress and red wig in “Stepsister’s Lament” from Cinderella. And in one of the American Composer series with Fred Miller, she owned the iconic Ado Annie’s “I’m Just a Girl Who Can’t Say No." It was a role she loved and reprised from high school.
Andrea had a joyful, winning smile and happily put on her false eyelashes and many wigs for the shows at the Mill. We love you, Andrea. May you rest in peace.
Images: (Top) Cast photo with thespian friends. Andrea is second from right. Courtesy Rita Roley. (Bottom) Singing “I Want to Be a Producer” with chorus line from “The Big Bad Broadway Bamboozle.” Courtesy Kevin Nalty.
