March 2013

The Dufala Brothers

Art — Produced by Michael O’Reilly

Chapter 1 — The Dufala brothers will tell you that there are 5 total Dufala Brothers but that they two – Steven and Billy Blaise Dufala – are the ones that work together to make art. And when people ask them just how they work together, they indicate that it is kind of like an architectural firm, where they both have similar sensibilities but are good at different things. And they have been very good at establishing a foothold at Revolution Recovery in North East Philadelphia, where they have been able to turn the “waste stream” (less euphemistically known as “other people’s trash”) into art. This art has garnered an Obie award for set design in NYC, the West Grand Prize, an international juried prize in its inaugural year, and have been part of a group show at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and a solo show at The Cantor Fitzgerald Gallery at Haverford College. The Dufala Brothers were most recently nominated for a Pew Fellowship in the Arts.

Tiberino: The West Philly Wyeths

Art of Life — Produced by Karen Smyles

Chapter 2 — The Tiberino family, often referred to as “The West Philly Wyeths”, have been creating art in their Powelton Village neighborhood for over half a century. Joe Tiberino and wife, Ellen Powell Tiberino, who passed away in 1992, have firmly established themselves in Philadelphia’s art community and beyond, and the Tiberino children have followed their lead. Daughter Ellen Tiberino works in ceramics and stained glass, Raphael describes his work as figurative impressionistic, and Gabriel has created several works for the Mural Arts Program.

The Ellen Powell Tiberino Memorial Museum was established in October 1999 to celebrate the artist’s life and career. The museum consists of five houses and a common courtyard, filled with artwork by the Tiberino family and the works of over 30 other artists. On a nice day you’ll find people from all walks of life taking it all in.

New Jersey filmmaker, Derrick Woodyard felt the Tiberino story was one that needed to be shared with the world and has created a documentary that will premiere later this year. Art of Life had the opportunity to speak with family members about their careers and art, and to learn why they felt it was important to share their story. Woodyard hopes the documentary will bring the artists long overdue recognition and that it will encourage people to visit the museum and to experience their amazing art.

Tavro 13

Art of Food — Produced by Monica Rogozinski

Chapter 3 — Since 1771, the Olde Swedes Inn has served South Jersey as a place of lodging and dining. Recent renovations and new ownership have claimed a new life for the Olde Swedes Inn, under the name of Tavro 13. This restaurant, lounge, and bar serve as an innovative take on fine dining apart from the city of Philadelphia. The classic cocktails, live music lounge, and seasonally inspired American cuisine reflect local culture on both fronts: with well-preserved history and cutting-edge contemporary. Chef Terence Feury leads the completely “in house” dining experience to an utterly unique context of food, fun, sophistication, and neighborhood familiarity, right here in Swedesboro, New Jersey.