CONTINUUM: the Art of Ellen Peckham March 2- April 14, 2012

Opening: Fri, March 2, 5-9 pm

From March 2^nd through April 14^th The Dalet Gallery will dedicate its space to the many aspects of Ellen Peckham's works - not only her prints (the dark, mystical ones containing her dark poems and the colorful abstract ones that support her haiku) but also collages, constructions and some amusing items of wearable art.

And if that were not challenge enough to any curator the poems, often integral to the visual work, will be featured in a reading and performance of them in musical settings by Gerald Busby. A rather a-typical "catalog" that includes information on the history and impetus of the various works from sketches and notes to finished pieces, is available and includes a CD of the music. The exhibition, book and CD are together called Continuum: the Art of Ellen Peckham for the attempt the artist has made to lead the view/reader through the history, the development of the pieces on view over, often, decades.

Irena Gobernik, Director of Dalet, describes the Gallery's concept for the exhibit from her first visit to Peckham's studio in New York. "At first Ellen's environment seems distinct from the works, varied as they are in themselves. Her loft is intense with her own art (finished and in process) and that of friends. Here papier mache sculptures co-exist with Latin American retables, Tibetian horns hang above shelves of books, glass, china, Asian and European objects large and small. Nothing vanishes in this place.

"But moving from one work to another we realize the unity of the aesthetic. And realize we want to show Ellen Peckham's art not as separate, perfectly performed works nor as a series united by technique or period of creation but as the record of the life of an amazing, adventurous and multi-talented person who has shrugged off being limited in expectations, styles or media."

Dalet Gallery will hold two receptions on First Fridays when the gallery neighborhood is open into the evening; the first on March 2^nd and the second on April 6^th. And on Saturday, March 24^th a reading by Peckham and a Premier of selections from the CD and other music by Busby with Mezzo-Soprano Rose Sullivan and Pianist Martin Hennessy will be performed at 4PM.

Visit the artist's website: www.EllenPeckham.com

The exhibition will be on view at the Dalet Gallery, 141 North 2nd Street, Old City, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Gallery hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11AM - 6PM and by appointment