Moorestown Friends Share a Love of Art

Who would have imagined that two decades ago, after meeting at Moorestown’s Newcomers and Neighbors Social Club and becoming fast friends, Sarah Armstrong and Catherine Hipple would now be partnering in an art exhibition in trendy downtown Philadelphia.

Beginning Monday, April 16, the duo will be showcasing their paintings in Color Play: Two Friends and a Palette at the Bluestone Fine Art Gallery, in the heart of Philly’s thriving art community at 3rd and Vine Streets. 

“I’ve never been in an art exhibit before where just my work is being shown,” says Hipple. “It’s all very exciting.”

Armstrong concurs, “Cathy and I have been friends for so long. There’s an added specialness to being in this show with her. We’ve been tennis partners; now we are art partners.”

In another life, Armstrong had careers in advertising and design in Manhattan. She studied at The Art Students League, the School of Visual Arts and Parsons The New School for Design.

“I developed a strong sense of color and personal style at that time,” says Armstrong, 52, who gives simple subjects complex, but often humorous personalities.

Having painted as a traditional watercolorist for many years, Hipple, 56, used to find a multitude of inspiration in nature—but these days is finding a playful side to her work, as well.

“Landscape artists usually concentrate on one thing, like a bark or tree. I still do that, but I’ve turned my paintings into abstract pieces,” says Hipple, who studied in the post-baccalaureate program at the Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia last year. “Painting from nature is so much about light, space and texture.”

According to gallery owner Pam Regan, the art show will highlight each of the artists’ unique talents and flair with brush strokes. 

Looking for a new venture, Regan—who also lives in Moorestown—turned her sights to the nearby metropolis, bringing her love of art into fruition.

“I knew that if I could open a gallery that I might be able to lure some of my friends into the city who don’t normally travel across the bridge,” says the former stay-at-home mom and schoolteacher.

Indeed.

In May 2011, Regan opened the gallery, not far from Philadelphia’s historic sites. The Old City locale has been touted as a fascinating mecca of art galleries, design stores and architectural firms in buildings formerly housing industrial companies from the turn of the century, and bygone factories retrofitted into artists’ lofts.

“We like for guests to take their time viewing all of the different works of art in a non-intimidating and welcoming place,” says Regan, who has a burgeoning clientele always searching for that special and unique piece.

In anticipation of the show, Regan says she’s had positive feedback from folks on this side of the river, who are anxious to take a tour of the gallery and experience some city vibe.

“Our ultimate goal is making guests feel comfortable while deciding if a piece of work is best suited for either their residence or business,” says Regan. “Hopefully, it’s a piece that will stand the test of time.”

If you go, Color Play: Two Friends and a Palette opens April 16 and runs through April 27. The artists' reception on Sunday, April 22 from 1 p.m to 4 p.m. is open to the public.

Bluestone Fine Art Galery is located at 301 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m to 4 p.m. For more information e-mail Pam@bluestone-gallery.com or call 856-979-7588.