“Two Lights One City” at Gross McCleaf Gallery

Two Lights One City: A Collaboration Rooted in Purpose

“Two Lights One City”, on view at Gross McCleaf Gallery from December 5 through December 31, 2025, is a luminous declaration of unity and resilience in the Philadelphia art world. Co-presented by Stanek Gallery and Gross McCleaf Gallery, the show represents a rare and timely partnership between two respected art institutions. As the commercial gallery landscape across the country weathers economic uncertainty, this joint effort demonstrates a bold, forward-thinking commitment to creative sustainability.

Gross McCleaf and Stanek Gallery—each with its own distinct legacy—are helmed by working artists, Rebecca Segall and Katherine Stanek, respectively. Their leadership brings a grounded and impassioned perspective to the ever-evolving demands of running a gallery. For both, Two Lights One City is not just a curatorial gesture—it’s a shared act of advocacy for Philadelphia’s artists and art lovers. Their united message is clear: the gallery is not merely a marketplace, but a cultural cornerstone.

Two Lights One City: The Art and Artists at the Core

“Two Lights One City” features a vibrant, curated selection of works drawn from each gallery’s roster—creating a dialogue of media, technique, and intention that feels as fluid as it is electrifying. Though the full artist lineup has been kept purposefully eclectic, what unites the collection is its emotional authenticity and technical rigor.

Each artwork in “Two Lights One City” radiates individuality, but together they compose a symphonic experience—like strands of holiday lights forming a constellation. Works on view include luminous contemporary painting, sculpture, and mixed media, arranged in a way that sparks not just visual engagement but introspection. From textural abstraction to masterful figuration, the show reveals the richness of Philadelphia’s artistic talent, as seen through the lens of two fiercely dedicated curatorial visions.

In particular, the exhibit honors the artists’ role in cultivating creative communities and civic vitality. Each piece not only speaks to the personal vision of its creator but also echoes the larger theme of collaboration and mutual support.

Two Lights One City: An Invitation to Celebrate and Reflect

The “Two Lights One City” exhibition runs from December 5 through December 31, 2025, with a public Artist Reception on Saturday, December 13, from 1 PM to 4 PM at Gross McCleaf Gallery. This celebratory afternoon offers an opportunity to meet the minds behind the work—artists, curators, and gallery leaders—while experiencing the show’s radiant energy firsthand.