OCTOBER 3 THROUGH NOVEMBER 14, 2009
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 3rd, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
"Talkabout" Gallery Discussion: Saturday, October 24th, from 1:30 to 2:30 PM

The Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial presents the first exhibition in the thirty-second season of the three-part Wind Challenge Exhibitions at Fleisher — the Delaware Valley's premier juried artist exhibition program. This season's nine Challenge artists were selected from a field of 368 applicants to exhibit in one of three three-person exhibitions. The first of this year's Challenge Exhibitions features a sculpture by Joshua DeMonte, drawings by Sharka Hyland, and an installation Keiko Miyamori.

The exhibition begins on Saturday, October 3rd, with an opening reception from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, and continues through November 22nd, 2008.

Both the exhibition and the opening reception are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with additional hours of 5:00 to 9:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Saturday.

About the Artists

Joshua DeMonte's work explores the relationship between architecture and environment by translating features of ancient architecture into jewelry and transforming the wearer into the site. His objects are intended to be worn and appreciated, but they are also meant to alter one's perception of the figure.

Mr. DeMonte received received both his B.F.A. and M.F.A. from Tyler School of Art, Temple University.

Image: Joshua DeMonte, Balcony and Curtains, 2008, glass-filled nylon, 7 x 4 inches

---

Sharka Hyland's paintings and drawings juxtapose her memory of the dense, overlapping European spaces in which she grew up against her experience of America's use of space — tentative, and largely undefined. In her work, Hyland explores how the emotional dimensions of built environments tell vague stories that leave room for speculation.

Ms. Hyland received her received her art history degree from École du Louvre and her M.F.A. from Yale University School of Art.

Image: Sharka Hayland, detail: New Jersey Mountain (II), 2009, ink on paper, 23 x 29 inches

---

For Keiko Miyamori, the charcoal rubbing not only captures a physical mark, but also transfers the “soul” of a natural object. Simplicity, quietness, and a sense of unity ebb and flow in Miyamori's objects and installations, which feature rubbings on Japanese washi paper and clear plastic. They are intended to inspire others to live in harmony with nature.

Ms. Miyamori received both her B.F.A. and M.F.A. from the University of Tsukuba.

Image: Keiko Miyamori, detail: Cosmos, 2007