The 2024 Members Exhibition, At the Edge of Light and Darkness, is guest-curated by Philadelphia Artist, Curator, Designer, and Founder of Chimaera Gallery, Angela McQuillan.

On View March 20 - May 3 at the Felicity R. “Bebe” Benoleil Gallery
Exhibition Reception: April 11 from 5-7 PM
At CFEVA: The Barclay, 237 S 18th St. #3a
Public Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 12-6 PM

Exhibiting Artists:

Jen Brown • Sasha Budayev • Paula Cahill • Andrew Chalfen • Andrew Conti • Shannon Cronin • Pia De Girolamo • Katherine Fraser • Alexandra Green • Yikui Gu • Anna Guarneri • Marguerita Hagan • Diaja • David Heshmatpour • Brooke Hine • Brynn Hurlstone • Cavin Jones • Suji Kanneganti • Sam Koren • Kelly Lawler • Rebecca Ledbetter • Monika Lin • Tim Magenta • Michelle Marcuse • Hayato Matsushita • Caitlin McCormack • Deirdre Murphy • Sammy Rivera • Kathleen Studebaker • Carol Taylor-Kearney • Florence Weisz • Robert Zurer

At the Edge of Light and Darkness - The personal journey is an essential aspect of human existence, serving as a means of self-discovery and growth. Joseph Campbell, the renowned mythologist, introduced the concept of "the hero's journey," which identifies a universal narrative structure that transcends cultural boundaries. In this archetypal narrative, a hero embarks on an adventure, faces challenges and trials, ultimately undergoing transformation and returning home with newfound wisdom and insight. This framework mirrors the significance of personal journeys in our lives, as we too embark on our individual quests for meaning, purpose, and self-realization. 

 When embarking on our personal journeys, we navigate the intricate landscapes of our own psyches, confronting our inner dragons, and forging paths through unchartered territories. Just as the hero's journey is marked by pivotal moments of growth and self-discovery, our personal journeys are defined by experiences that challenge us to evolve, learn, and ultimately become the heroes of our own stories. These journeys allow us to connect with our innermost aspirations and values, shedding light on the depths of our character and the limitless potential within. In essence, the personal journey illuminates the transformative power of self-exploration, emphasizing that the quest for self-knowledge is a timeless and universal pursuit that unites humanity across cultures and generations.”

Angela McQuillan is an artist, curator, and designer working at the intersection of art and science. She has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin, a B.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from Temple University, and an M.P.S. in Creative Entrepreneurship from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Angela spent ten years working as a scientist in various roles including cancer research and vaccine manufacturing, before starting a career in art.

Angela has curated over 50 art exhibitions relating to science, biology and technology. Angela worked as the Curator at the Esther Klein Gallery in Philadelphia from 2014 - 2022, and co-Founded the University City Science Center’s BioArt Residency at the biotechnology company Integral Molecular. Angela’s work has been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times, Forbes and SciArt in America. Angela currently runs Chimaera Gallery in East Falls, Philadelphia, which she founded in 2022.