Last fall, we told you about a grand exhibit marking the 25th anniversary of the Philadelphia Dumpster Divers, that predictably unpredictable band of found-object artists who have been re-purposing the city’s castoffs since 1992.
This year, they’re back with an intriguing exhibit of all new work and you’re definitely invited, starting with a First Friday celebration on Nov. 2 from 2-10 p.m. at the Dupree Gallery, 703 S. 6th Street.
The Divers and friends previewed “Re-Crafted”, their new exhibit, last weekend at the Dupree Gallery in Philadelphia’s Queen Village section.
Through Dec. 29, thirty different Divers — including new members Tim Barton and Eve Hoyt — will offer witty, smaller-scale assemblages — and, yes, that definitely says one-of-a-kind holiday gifts to us!
Clockwise from top left: Work by Tim Barton, Ellen Sall, James Dupree, Neil Benson, and Eve Hoyt.
You can check out the complete artist list and all the gallery hours at the Dumpster Divers website, here.
Clockwise from top left: Work by Burnell Yow!, Eva Aanya Preston, Carol Cole, Bruce Gast, Ann Keech, and Lion Studio. Center: Leo Sewell.
As an added treat, the Divers are partnering with CraftNOW Philadelphia and almost two dozen local museums, galleries and fine craft groups, each of which is offering November events to celebrate our city’s innovative craft culture — including the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s prestigious contemporary craft show (Nov. 2-4).
“Look! Up in the sky! It’s…” an eyeball-covered mobile by artist Sally Willowbee (second from left).
This year’s citywide craft theme is “Making a Difference” and the Divers have been doing that for 26 years – reminding us all that “trash is simply a failure of imagination.”
That’s artist and gallery owner James Dupree — Philadelphia’s own “Black Picasso” — in the white coat at center. Click here to see our photo tour of his fabulous Mantua studio.
Information on all the November craft events can be found at the CraftNOW Philadelphia website, here. And don’t forget to check the Divers’ own website for a list of gallery hours between now and Dec. 29.
We’ll see you here!
Kate & Dave
Who are these people, and do they always dress like that? Well, actually, some of them do…. (Photo by I. George Bilyk)
Definitely the Divers: Work by Bruce Gast, Randall Cleaver and Leslie Stuart Matthews. (Photos courtesy of the artists.)
Leo Sewell’s Lady Liberty tribute took three years to plan and construct. (Photo courtesy of Leo Sewell.) 
Leo constructs a flamingo in his studio. The bird and its partner now grace the lobby of a Florida business building.
“You expect us to drive all the way to the Jersey shore? Can we come today??”
Ellen and husband Robert Sall in the living room of what she calls their “HOE” house – “Heaven on Earth”.
“Tracy Takes Another Chance on Love” – Kate’s found-object commentary on the pre-Dave dating scene. Hmm — Should I take the “not quite divorced” guy for 50 points, my cousin’s ex-fiance for a family-wrecking 30 points, or “Mr. 93%-Right” for 100 points?
Yes, that’s South Philadelphia singer Al Martino second from right, with columnist Art Tavani (far left) and Philadelphia council president Paul D’Ortona (far right). But who’s the man with the flower in his lapel?
No badly knitted-by-her pink hat, but Kate tries on a sign.
On the march: Part of the Philly crowd preparing to head from Logan Square to Eakins Oval.
Carol’s “Turn of the Century: 500 Familiar Objects from 1999” is made of paper pulp imbedded with – yes – 500 real objects ranging from a wristwatch to a wrench. This outdoor version is cast in fiberglass.
Patrick and Susan Moloney with one of their ever-ready coffee makers
Unexpected Philadelphia 