The award-winning Arch Enemy Arts gallery and boutique in Old City is the place to be this weekend as the Eagles invite fans, art enthusiasts, autism supporters, and the community to experience “Green Is the Heart Inspired,” a first-of-its-kind gallery adorned exclusively with Eagles-themed masterpieces, benefiting the Eagles Autism Foundation.
The Eagles’ art gala will run from Thursday, April 11 to Sunday, April 14. On Thursday, the gallery will host a sold-out, VIP event and silent auction from 6-9 PM where fans will be given an early look at the artwork.
The art exhibit will be open to the general public on Friday, April 12 from Noon to 7 PM, and on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 from 11 AM to 6 PM. A donation of $5-15 to the Eagles Autism Foundation will provide admittance to the gallery on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Fans and art collectors can bid on the artwork with all proceeds benefiting the Eagles Autism Foundation. The auction closes on Monday, April 15, at 5 PM.
“There are so many characteristics that set Philadelphia apart,” said Ryan Hammond, Executive Director, Eagles Autism Foundation. “We know how much this city loves its sports teams, but it is also the rich history, cultural diversity, and inclusiveness that make Philadelphia truly unique. We are excited to celebrate the intersection of Eagles football and Philly’s vibrant art scene with this new exhibit. This will serve as a great opportunity to honor our team’s history, showcase the talented artists in our community, and raise important funds for autism research and care programs.”
The gala will highlight many local artists including three from the neurodiverse community. Robert Schmus’ “Sunday on the Ben Franklin Parkway,” Nick St. Clair’s “The Philadelphia Eagle’s Autism Poster,” and Joseph Roach’s “Eye of the Eagle” will be on display and auctioned off to showcase the many talents of neurodiverse artists.
Cathey White, an artist from Philadelphia, was thrilled when Arch Enemy Arts gallery co-founder Lawren Alice invited her to participate in the gala. White’s nephew, Garnett Lincey, has autism and is extremely close with his aunt. Lincey has attended Eagles Autism Foundation events in the past, which makes “Green Is the Heart Inspired” hit so close to home for White.
“For me, I do a lot of shows and am invited to different events, but it makes all the difference when there’s such a close connection and something is being done for a special cause,” White said. “You see the artwork on the wall, and that’s great, but the purchase of the artwork is even more significant and more meaningful because of what it is going to do long term.”
White’s “Philly Special” is inspired by nostalgia and a Philadelphia fan favorite – Mister Softee. The ice cream truck features a green color scheme with nods to team history like an ice cream named after the Philly Special and a license plate that honors an Eagles legend.
Another artist with a connection to autism, Paul Romano, whose daughter has friends on the spectrum, is looking forward to this weekend’s festivities and displaying his work to support a cause near to his heart. The Philadelphia native will have his painting, “The Prometheus Fumble,” hanging at the Arch Enemy Arts gallery and available for bidding online.
“As an artist, I always love supporting a good cause,” Romano said. “It is all part of the honor of the Eagles doing this, bringing in Arch Enemy Arts gallery and Philadelphia artists, all for a fantastic cause.”
He was inspired by “Prometheus Bound,” a painting hanging in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the Greek god Zeus has his liver ripped out by an Eagle. In Romano’s painting, Zeus is replaced by a Dallas Cowboys player. He wanted to represent the spirited rivalry between the Eagles and Cowboys.
Romano’s wife, Darla Jackson, also has a piece of art, “Strength,” that can be seen at the exhibit. As a medallic sculptor at the U.S. Mint, Jackson created a medal with an Eagle on it.
“Our artists have imaginatively captured every corner of Philadelphia sports culture, from the fun-loving fanaticism of a gameday tailgate to the near hero worship and symbolism our players have for our city,” said Lawren Alice and Noah Musher, co-owners of Arch Enemy Arts gallery. “The caliber of work is out of this world, and we really think people are going to be blown away by what they see on our walls.”
Make sure to stop by Arch Enemy Arts gallery and boutique this weekend to admire the masterpieces on display and support a great cause!