January 10�17, 2002
arts picks|art
If personal experience is an important resource for creating art, then the extraordinary folks participating in the exhibition opening this Friday at the Klein Gallery are likely to have interesting work to share.
Coalition Ingenu is the first show in the Art & Community Series hosted by the Esther M. Klein Art Gallery at the University City Science Center. Though it isn�t new for the Klein Gallery to produce shows that support its local art community, this series is unique because it will feature independent community centers and organizations that use art to positively affect communities throughout the Philadelphia area.
Coalition Ingenu is a nonprofit organization that gives people with histories of homelessness and mental illness (often folks not formally trained in art) art-related opportunities. They work with mental-health centers, support systems, homeless shelters and rehabilitation programs to offer art as an alternative route toward psychological and mental well-being. The artists participating in this part of the series are Walter Oates Jr., Vanise Clay, Ron Lellis, David Kime, John Author Goffigan and Joe Johnson.
�Karen Williams
Art & Community Series: Coalition Ingenu, Jan.11-March 1, reception, Fri., Jan. 11, 5:30-8 p.m., free, Esther M. Klein Art Gallery, 3600 Market St., 215-387-2262, www.kleinartgallery.org.