The show Providence explores healing from disaster and reclaiming one’s narrative through painting, photography, and mixed media works. See Bonnie Providence’s solo show, Providence, at Art Work Gallery + Meeting Space in November 2024.

Opening Reception: 11/1/24 from 5:30-8:30 PM

Location: 213 Church Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460

**Bonnie Providence** | @bonnieprovidence

November Gallery Hours

11/01/24 | Opening Reception 5:30-8:30 pm

11/02/24 | Soft Reception 10:00 am-1:00 pm

11/10/24 | Poetry Reading 12:00-4:00 pm

11/16/24 | Analog Day 10:00 am-1:00 pm

11/24/24 | PXV Artist Friendsgiving & Collaboration Workshop 12:00-4:00 pm

11/30/24 | Small Business Saturday 12:00-4:00 pm

Purchase Art

Artist Bio

Bonnie Providence is an interdisciplinary artist whose practices range as much as their curiosity and creativity compel them. Growing up in the woods and creeks of the greater Philadelphia area, both art and nature have played central roles in Bonnie’s life. Bonnie attended Tyler School of Art with focuses in Printmaking, Glassblowing, and Art History, and remained in Philadelphia for a time after graduating to work as an assistant for several established working artists. After a career shift that brought them out of the art scene in Philly, Bonnie has been returning to their creative practice through the photographic lens and more recently has begun painting again.

Artist Statement

This show is not named after me. I was a resident of the Port Providence neighborhood of Mont Clare until a hurricane caused irrevocable damage to the home I found for myself there. I lost its peace. I lost my sense of security. After the hurricane, a subsequent divorce, and the arduous healing journey I’ve found myself on in the years since, I have taken on the name of my home to reclaim my story. I have explored what the meaning that name holds through this body of work.

In the aftermath of the storm, when my world felt like it was whirling out of control and I had no outlet to process the waves of emotions rolling through me, I purchased a thrift-store camera to replace some of what I lost. The lens had a narrow scope, and the film was slow to process. I could focus on small moments of peace scattered through my days. The camera reconnected me to what felt like truth in my nature, and it provided a way to be around friends - old and new - who buoyed me with community until I found my footing. As my creative practice expanded, so did my perspective and capacity to stay present through adverse situations. With a newfound clarity around my priorities, I have held onto my roots in the arts, nature, and fostering a supportive community here in Phoenixville.