07/20/2023
Philly Stewards’ formation began in the autumn of 2016, by way of a group of concerned citizens who were perplexed that there was no place where consolidated information about the Philadelphia art-world could be found. Through grit, vigor and the donation of time, we attempted to construct something that would bring such context to those who shared our interest. We debated frequently about how we might best bring attention to this community that we care for and share. We came to terms with the considerations one another conveyed. I only speak for myself in saying that this was sometimes done without the grace such heavy concerns should be accorded. We tried. Over the years, Philly Stewards consolidated into a rag-tag nebulous structure of art-aficionados, who were concerned for each other as much as they were the art-world they were a part of. Philly Stewards owes an immense debt of gratitude to:
Jen Brown Don Millinger, Robert Morrison
These are people who put the community before themselves, a quality to which no higher accolade can be awarded. They donated their time, quibbled over the minutiae and sent text messages on-and-off-the-chain which were always in pursuit of highlighting the best qualities of this art community that we build together. They surveyed, published essays, constructed referential geographies and - most importantly - were, and are, still friends.
Philly is a city, but it is also an ethos. This is a place where if you want something to exist, you can build it together. Philly Stewards stands as a testament to that. After many years of hard work, I am happy to share that Philly Stewards is passing along both the efforts of the weekly gallery-listing email and twice-yearly gallery map to the capable team at Artblog. They have the time, energy and passion for our community to continue the legacy that we hand off to them.
You are wonderful, silly, sometimes inscrutable, lovely people.
On behalf of all of us - Thank you. We love you.
Warmest regards & Goodbye,
Alex & the Philly Stewards’ team
