News
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Jun 2025

Bride in motion—guided by values, grounded in community, and creating space for the future.

After 26 years of visionary leadership, Laurel Raczka is stepping down as Executive Director of the Painted Bride Art Center. WHYY’s Peter Crimmins spoke with Laurel and Board Chair John Barber about what’s next—and why this moment is not an ending, but a fresh beginning rooted in transformation. From South… Read More
News
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Jun 2025

With Gratitude, as I Step into a New Chapter

Dear Friends, After 33 extraordinary years with the Painted Bride Art Center, I announce my retirement—effective December 31, 2025—with immense gratitude and heartfelt reflection. This decision comes after deep consideration and a profound appreciation for the remarkable journey I’ve been privileged to share with so many… Read More
Education & Outreach
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Feb 2025

ESCAPE ARTIST MIXTAPE VOL. 5: THE SOUNDTRACK TO THE ART OF SURVIVAL

Synopsis The Escape Artist Mixtape podcast is the soundtrack to the “art of survival” in a wondrously weird and apocalyptic world. Li Sumpter, host and self-proclaimed escape artist, invites a stellar line-up of friends and fellow artists on an epic journey through the stuff science-fiction is made of. About This… Read More
Article
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Feb 2025

(Philadelphia Gay News) ‘Gabardine’: Queer artist puts poetry in motion for world premiere solo show

Article
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Jan 2025

(Broad Street Review) A beacon of possibility: FringeArts and Ninth Planet present Arielle Julia Brown’s fallawayinto: Corridors of Rememory

Article
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Jan 2025

(WHYY/NPR) ‘Fallawayinto’ cherishes a forgotten champion of the transgender community

Article
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Nov 2024

(WHYY/NPR) A digital archive of Philly artists with disabilities finds physical form at the Painted Bride

Article
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Nov 2024

(Artblog) Hook&Loop’s community alchemy in ‘Undue Burden’ at Painted Bride Art Center

Article
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Nov 2024

(Metro Philadelphia) Painted Bride’s art workshop series celebrates disabled Philadelphians