Rox Art Stroll kick-off unites artists and community

While cities across the country are making cuts to art, Roxborough is actively promoting it, trying to establish a richer sense of artistic culture and appreciation in the community.

The Roxborough Development Corporation held its Rox Art Stroll kick-off celebration on Friday evening, which featured local artwork from the Manyunk Roxborough Art Center, Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers, photographers, sculptors and many others. 

“People get lost in their art,” says artist Pauline Braun. “My favorite part of painting is color. I’m a colorist. I like to match color, match colors, mix colors, put colors together, make colors look vibrant together, make colors fade away from the page. I enjoy color.”

Braun says she likes to paint with water colors and oil and hopes to restore the community as the heart of Philadelphia’s artists.

“Manayunk at one time was a thriving art center. Manyunk was once known for its art,” she says.

The Rox Art Stroll is part of a citywide celebration of art through the Philadelphia Open Studio Tours. The event, which was held on Ridge Avenue, was open to the public. 

“I hope it gives people an appreciation of the arts. It’s the creativity of the individual coming out on canvas,” says Marita McVeigh, who has been painting for more than 25 years.” Anyone can appreciate the paintings and sculptures and everything. There’s a lot of variety here.”

That’s the case for Rob Kreider. 

“I definitely enjoy the paintings. Anyone who can take something three-dimensional and represent it in two dimensions with graphic appeal has got my respect,” he says.

The art can be purchased, but the artists say they aren’t doing it for the money.

“It’s relaxing, it’s therapeutic,” says McVeigh. “Artists need places to display their artwork, and this livens up the area. It’s a great combination.”

“And there’s free food and wine!” Braun says. “Who can’t appreciate that?”