Chelsey Luster

I’m thrilled to finally share that we’ve received a major grant from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage to support both our exhibition program at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and the Julia Zagar Residency for Women Artists. ✨

This is the largest grant I’ve ever received as a curator, and I’m so proud of what this means, not just for me, but for the incredible artist we get to champion, .

Our project is Held Within by textile artist Carmen Mardonez, who will create two immersive, site-specific exhibitions exploring intimacy, memory, and womanhood. Carmen’s work will interweave her intricate textile techniques with materials sourced from the archives of Isaiah Zagar, forming “soft worlds” in beautiful contrast to his iconic mosaics.

To be able to support artists at this scale and expand the possibilities of what our museum can hold is a dream. Thank you to Pew for believing in this vision. More to come soon. 💛

Two exhibitions, 94 artists, 202 artworks, and two back-to-back opening receptions with a combined total of 500+ guests and 65+ artwork sales. This past week has pushed my curatorial vision and filled me with so much joy and passion for the work I do. Curating and opening Buy, Bye: 100 Artworks at $100 at my gallery and Under $100, Under $1000: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens Inspired Works by Philly Artists at back-to-back was intense and honestly a little surreal. Watching more than 65 artworks leave with new collectors, some buying art for the very first time, reminded me exactly why I pour so much of myself into this work. Seeing artists make their first sales, or sales that truly meant everything to them, was one of the highlights of my year.

Accessible collecting and inclusive curating are the foundation of how I want to move through the art world: opening doors, widening possibility, and making space for all artists.

Thank you to every artist who trusted me, to every person who showed up, shared a kind word, or took home a piece that spoke to them, and to all my loved ones for supporting me in every possible way during this time. The love in these rooms keeps me going.

Both exhibitions are still on view, and I hope you’ll stop by and experience the magic we built together. They’ll be up through January, come visit both spaces and spend time with the work.