Since 1999, this non-profit artist cooperative has showcased talents new to the art scene as well as well-known pros, while promoting art appreciation and participation throughout the Berks community.
N O W S H O W I N G
In the Main Gallery
MEMBERS' NOVEMBER - DECEMBER EXHIBIT |
Featured Exhibit
GLORIA POWELL THROUGH THE EYES OF MY DAUGHTER Scenes of Mexico from photos taken by my daughter Caitlin Cooper RECEPTION FRIDAY, 12/12, 5-8pm |
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Check out an extraordinary art exhibit
along with the new bookstore on the second floor above Simply BOLD Café! In “Trees as Portraits of Women,” Libby Cerullo’s exquisite textile art transforms trees into powerful portraits of strength and resilience. Stop by BOLD at 550 Penn Ave. 5-6pm on Friday, Dec. 12 to meet Libby, then slide over to Art Plus to catch the reception for Gloria Powell’s “Through the Eyes of My Daughter”. |
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Original art matters more than most people know.
“I could discover something in the universe, but if I didn’t do it, somebody else after me will discover that exact same thing. Whereas in the arts, what you create no one who was ever born before or will be born from your death onwards will ever compose exactly the same thing you did. So in that sense, art is a unique expression of the individual, whereas the science is the discovery of the pre-existing conditions of nature…Consider the expression that, “’he’s got it down to a science.’ Well, the other side of that is that, ‘he’s raised it to an art.’ Right? Those are two sides of the same coin.”
-Neil deGrasse Tyson
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FRIENDSHIP
It’s the best gift you can give. And for your art-loving friend, It’s only $35 |
It’s a snap to give a 2026 Friends of Art Plus Gallery membership, and they’ll be thanking you all year as they enjoy:
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Welcome JESSE PRENTISS Painter/Photographer An accomplished photographer, Jesse picked up a plein air rig a couple years ago to expand her artistic talents. She quickly went all-in: juried into Plein Air West Reading 2025, continuing to avidly paint outdoors, and now helping to plan and manage PAWR 2026! |
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Plein Air painters, save the dates: June 13-20, 2026 Get a preview of our juror & plans for PLEIN AIR WEST READING 2026 |
FRESH AT THE WEST READING TAVERN!
Check out the all-member exhibit in the dining room of our friendly neighbors to the west. Add classic pub fare to your visit and have an enjoyable evening of dinner and a show at the West Reading Tavern. 606 Penn Ave., West Reading.
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THE PLEIN AIR PAINTER'S GUIDE TO BERKS COUNTY There's much for artists to discover in Berks County. To help, Art Plus Gallery has produced a Google Maps-based guide offering favorite locations and inside tips for painting throughout the county. |
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"Reading has some very talented artists. Since buying our place here 2 years ago today we’ve been filling it with great (and very affordable) local art from Art Plus Gallery in West Reading." -Dave Barr |
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“Too often we allow the humdrum reality of life get in the way of the arts, which can feel frivolous by comparison. But this is a mistake. The arts are the opposite of a diversion from reality; they might just be the most realistic glimpse we ever get into the nature and meaning of life. And if you make time for consuming and producing art — the same way you make time for work and exercise and family commitments —you’ll find your life getting fuller and happier.”
Arthur C. Brooks Art Should Be a Habit, Not a Luxury The Atlantic, Jan 27, 2023 |
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THE BIG SHOW Original artwork too large to comfortably grace the walls of Art Plus Gallery |
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FEATURED EXHIBIT SCHEDULE Check out the gallery's featured artists through 2025–a sensational slate of Art Plus members, guest artists and emerging talents from the community. |
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"We have artist prints collected throughout the years but I bought my first pieces of original art from Plein Air West Reading. What a difference to have original art around. It’s almost like it is alive. It invites me to pause, breathe, enjoy, wonder, remember, or look forward. Whatever I need at the moment I pass by. It is a relationship that can’t be explained, only experienced."
-Jesse Prentiss
Support our mission while enjoying the option to join in our activities as much or as little as you'd like.
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Be Part of the Picture Art Plus Gallery is a 501(c)(3) non-profit by virtue of our mission to promote art appreciation and participation through our region in general, and among students in particular. It’s a wonderfully gratifying mission, and you can be part of it. |
Support the gallery without spending an extra penny! Click the link above to buy art supplies and Dick Blick will donate a percentage of your purchase to Art Plus.
(Note: Art Plus Gallery is compensated for linking to the Blick Art Materials web site) |
