Philly Plain Dealer

The Store is a relatively new art collective that delivers a refreshing and unpretentious approach for up and coming artists in Philadelphia. 

The collective began last spring in 2023 when the collective rented a very small storefront, 150 sq ft with no bathroom. It was located on Broad and Dickinson streets in South Philadelphia. The name “ The Store”, came about by inspiration from artists Tracy Emin and Sarah Lucas’s “The Shop”, which was a 6 month storefront gallery located in London.

The Store is actively focused on shining a light on local artists and what they have to offer in the city. On this past Saturday, April 20th the collective delivered its second showcase, ”Artist on the verge of a converted loft”,  at the 1730 Lofts building in North Philadelphia. 

The show consisted of 24 artists’ pieces. The 1730 lofts is a residential building, but the collective was  able to use the space in the loft because a friend of theirs had 18 days remaining on their lease. The show ran from Noon to 10pm. 

The first thing that immediately stood out was how well the group were able to utilize the whole loft, even using the kitchen and the bathroom to hang up various pieces from artists they wanted in the show. 

“Someone came in earlier measuring specifics of the loft because they’re about to move in,” Fiona Agger

The members of the collective who were involved in the organization and installation for this show are Fiona Agger, Celia Jailer, Eli Kleinsmith, Lucas Mockler and Levi Baruch. They found the artists for the event from their previous art space, friends, and social connections. But ultimately a lot of artists were found by the members of the collective’s daily trades and employment. 

“Getting the coverage for this has been the hardest part.  People are doing such good work in this city but don’t get the coverage, it’s like the ecosystem isn’t there to support it. Art scenes need critics and writers, it’s almost as important as the work itself,” Fiona Aggler and Celia Jailer

The collective is trying to bring back exposure to small-time local artists. 

Members of the collective continued to relay that because of the rapid development in Philadelphia, the developers have taken away an essential part of artists being able to showcase their talents in the community.  

“There’s a lot of carnivorous capitalists developers that take up so much space, land and money. This city is so cozy and nice to the developers they end up leaving little land to be used especially for city artists,” Eli Kleinsmith

In their opinion, the city government itself does not value the local art scene enough and what local small-time artists have to offer.  

The Store is actively interested in anyone willing to help or interested in collaboration in securing another space for their next show. 

Follow them on Instagram: @thestore1730north5th

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