Borough Opens Its Heart to Art

Next month, some of the best Collingswood area artists will come together to celebrate a slogan of shared passion—I Heart Art. 

The I Heart Art exhibition opens at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, as five local artists' vastly-diverse works take a rarely-seen stance, unified and sitting side-by-side, all in the name of art.

The eclectic group will include the works of realist artist Tracie A. Godri, clothing designs of Danielle Marie Tobin, the metal sculptures of Dan Dennison, illustrations of Scott Kirschner and the digital art of David Phillips. 

Though varied art mediums are not commonly displayed together, this event is far from common. To top off the originality, I Heart Art will be held in a truly unconventional space.

One of the event's five featured artists, Tracie A. Godri will host I Heart Art in her own home—and she won't be charging admission.

Located at 22 East Palmer Ave. in Collingswood, Godri and husband Matt are longtime borough residents. Their home has been highlighted in the annual Proud Neighbors of Collingswood Home and Garden Tour. 

According to Godri, the couple have worked to make their home a beautiful place, renovating the entire structure and converting their garden into a vibrantly magical haven, accented by tree-strung twinkle lights and endless artistic charm.

Godri's home decor is a direct reflection of her artistic nature. 

A native of New Jersey, Godri graduated college with an art degree, but began to feel unfulfilled in her adult life. 

She quit her job in 2003 and established Funkshonal Art, a business offering her services—from custom artwork and murals, to furniture design.

And Godri decided that if home was where the heart was, it was time to bring the artist's heart into her own house. 

Godri and her husband first chose to host an art exhibit, Illuminations, inside their home on June 4 of last month, agreeing the unique atmosphere could work well.  

"I wanted to provide a personal space (in which) each artist (could) display their work and educate people on their craft, while being in a home-like setting," said Godri of her intentions. "I want people to feel like (they're attending) an elegant evening at a friend's house. I think more people respond to this type of atmosphere, rather than a festival setting."

Illuminations' success prompted the Godri's to host their second-ever home exhibit, I Heart Art.

Godri decided she'd announce this event in advance, in hopes there'd be time to attract both locals and visitors. 

"The time of the event is being promoted as a way for out-of-towners to have dinner at one of our fabulous restaurants in Collingswood, and come to the show afterward, to make it a complete night," she said. 

The longtime borough resident is especially fond of her hometown—she even painted her garage in a full mural of downtown Collingswood.

To further set the already-charming mood the Godri's home offers, famed local band She Hates Me will perform 30 minutes after doors open—from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.—during I Heart Art.

For more information about this event, visit the Funkshonal Art website at funkshonalart.com, its Facebook page, or email Tracie Godri at tracie@funkshonalart.com.