Looking for an art gallery in the Philadelphia suburbs that’s open, active, and community-minded? Anno Artem in Pottstown, PA features current and upcoming exhibitions alongside open calls—apply to exhibit directly through our submissions page. We represent featured artists Michael Kenny, Amber Staedtler, Anthony Nowack, and Joseph Harkanson, and we host art workshops and community events that welcome newcomers and collectors alike (great for anyone searching for art galleries in Pottstown that host community events). If you’re wondering how to participate in local art exhibitions in the Philadelphia suburbs—or where to find avant-garde art galleries and contemporary, socially conscious art galleries in Pennsylvania—start with Anno Artem and explore neighboring creative spaces near Philadelphia for additional workshops and opportunities.
The Perfect Controversy
Robert Mapplethorpe was a fearless artist who was able to photograph New York socialites and underground sex clubs and flowers with same brilliant sense of drama in his composition and lighting. He was also a gay man living through the worst of the AIDS epidemic that people were still calling “gay cancer”. So when a retrospective of his work was scheduled to tour museums as he himself was dying of the disease, he became the lighting rod for the scorn of politicians and religious figures who saw him as everything that was wrong with society’s acceptance of homosexuality, and art.
What followed was a maelstrom of controversy and government censorship that involved a police raid, the arrest of a museum director, cancellations, fisting, and a famous bullwhip.
We’ll be giving a talk on this exhibition with original materials from the museum at the middle of it, and images from the three portfolios so you can decide for yourself if all the controversy was warranted.
Pay what you wish. Trigger warning: Images of nudity, extreme sexual acts, and flowers.
Art Analysis at Anno Artem (A4)- Group Art Critique
Anno Artem hosts an art critique group on the second Wednesday of each month. At "Art Analysis at Anno Artem" (A4), you can bring your art for a fair and constructive critique by your peers. Works can be at any stage of development, from conceptual to complete.
The presenting artist should be able to describe their thoughts behind the piece and their methods. Discussion participants should be able to discuss a work's qualities constructively and objectively.
This is not a place for blind praise nor unproductive negativity.
Instead, let's discuss your work with a focus on solving problems, constructive suggestions, and a supportive community.
First 5 artist to sign up before the session starts get 20 minutes each. No cover, but contributions accepted.
Pottstown Nights - Art Showcase
This special one-night showcase will add a creative, community-focused arts experience to one of Downtown Pottstown’s most popular event nights.
Artist vendors, local comedians, and music from Gavyn Bernhardt.
The Art Showcase is intended to complement the energy of Pottstown Nights with a curated plaza experience that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and community in Downtown Pottstown.
All of Anno Artem’s resident artists will be in attendance as vendors and volunteers. Come see us!
Figure Drawing At The Train Station - May
$20 • 6:00–8:00 PM • All skill levels welcome
It’s time to grab your pencils and spend an evening sketching a live model.
No pressure, no grades, no gatekeeping—Bring your own materials (and maybe a friend), and let’s make art happen.
18+ to attend
📍 Anno Artem, 1 Security Plaza, Suite 202, Pottstown, PA
🎟️ $20 at the door or reserve ahead seats are limited
Collectors House Party - Secret Happy Hour
We’re celebrating our collectors by throwing a party at their houses to allow them to show their collections and talk about why the pieces they chose spoke to them. Our May party is a secret happy hour in Phoenixville. Our secret collector has works by Matthew Dougherty, Anthony Nowack, Jim Ehling, Jaqueline Rose, and many more.
Send an RSVP to submissions@annoartem.com for the secret location.
Free parking on the street. Free admission. No dress code.
Craft and Art Gathering - May
Hosted by Emma Peabody. This is a casual get-together for creative folks. Bring whatever craft or art project you’re working on and spend time creating in good company! It’s that simple.
At past gatherings, we’ve had knitting, sketching, crochet, coloring, watercolor, rug hooking, wreath-making, and more going on. And if you’re between projects, just bring yourself and doodle while we chat.
Free admission, and free and easy parking right out front.
Stop The Bleed Community Training
Join us at Anno Artem to learn how to Stop the Bleed. This first aid program focuses on stopping life threatening bleeding from leading to preventable deaths.
Instructor: Zoë Galyon/ @Ginkgoleafart
Saturday, May 16th
10 am - 11 am
1 Security Plaza Suite 202, Pottstown, PA 19464
Walk-ins are welcome, but each class session is limited to 10 students.
No fee to attend but donations accepted to cover material costs.
Art Analysis at Anno Artem (A4)- Group Art Critique
Anno Artem hosts an art critique group on the second Wednesday of each month. At "Art Analysis" (A4), you can bring your art for a fair and constructive critique by your peers. Works can be at any stage of development, from conceptual to complete.
The presenting artist should be able to describe their thoughts behind the piece and their methods. Discussion participants should be able to discuss a work's qualities constructively and objectively.
This is not a place for blind praise nor unproductive negativity.
Participants can secure a spot by emailing submissions@annoartem.com.
Five spots for analysis will be available at each session, ten spots total for discussion participants.
Art To Art: A Creative Well
Presented by the Kenneth M. Grebe Foundation
May’s Topic: Beginning Again / Creative Momentum
Art to Art is a new, rotating series of gatherings for artists, makers, and creative thinkers, centered on sustaining a creative practice over time.
Each session brings together a guest speaker, open conversation, and space for connection, with a focus on honesty, accessibility, and creative well-being.
This series is offered in the spirit of Ken’s lifelong support and encouragement of the artists around him: creating space for conversation, connection, and the ongoing work of making.
For our first gathering, we start with the idea of beginning again, returning to the work, finding momentum, and navigating the starts and restarts that shape a creative life.
The evening will include:
• Speakers: Amber Nichóle Staedtler, Anthony Nowack, Cloe Wind
• Guided discussion and Q&A (with anonymous question option)
• A short creative wellness component with Kelsey Hamilton Art
• Time to connect with a simple coffee/tea offering
This is a free event.
Donations are welcome but never expected.
Artists at any stage of their practice are welcome.
Send us your anonymous questions here:
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfs.../viewform...
May Sound Bath
Join us for an immersive sound bath event inside the gallery at Anno Artem every second Friday—a restorative journey through vibration, resonance, and deep listening.
Investment $25.00
Simone, Sin, and Floyd - Melange Contemporary Dance
Join @melange_contemporarydanceco on May 2nd for "Simone, Sin, and Pink Floyd"
Solos by various professional dancers set to the music of the famous jazz singer, Nina Simone. Solos about the Seven Deadly Sins set to the music of Pink Floyd. All followed by a Q and A with the dancers and choreographers. See visual art and watch the dancers repeat the sequences. Watch the amazing music come to life!
www.melangecontemporarydance.com
May 2nd, 7 PM
Tickets $25
Anno Artem Art Gallery
1 Security Plaza Suite 202, Pottstown 19464
April Figure Drawing At The Train Station
$20 • 6:00–8:00 PM • All skill levels welcome
It’s time to grab your pencils and spend an evening sketching a live model.
No pressure, no grades, no gatekeeping—Bring your own materials (and maybe a friend), and let’s make art happen.
18+ to attend
📍 Anno Artem, 1 Security Plaza, Suite 202, Pottstown, PA
🎟️ $20 at the door or reserve ahead seats are limited
Craft and Art Gathering
Hosted by Emma Peabody. This is a casual get-together for creative folks. Bring whatever craft or art project you’re working on and spend time creating in good company! It’s that simple.
At past gatherings, we’ve had knitting, sketching, crochet, coloring, watercolor, rug hooking, wreath-making, and more going on. And if you’re between projects, just bring yourself and doodle while we chat.
Free admission, and free and easy parking right out front.
April Collectors House Party
Join us for a celebration of our collectors in their homes talking about the art they’ve chosen and what it means to them.
April Graffiti Night
Third Wednesdays is time for our monthly Graffiti Night. This time we're looking to decorate the walls for our "Resist" show opening April 30. So no cover this month because we want to get as many of your voices on our walls as we can.
On graffiti night, we take all the art down for the night and let you create your own art right on our walls! Paint, pencils, markers, whatever you choose to use. We'll make implements available or feel free to bring your own.
Apr 15th 6-8 PM
No registration required.
No cover
Soft drinks and snacks provided. BYOB
April Sound Bath
Join us for an immersive sound bath event inside the gallery at Anno Artem every second Friday—a restorative journey through vibration, resonance, and deep listening.
Investment $25.00
Art Analysis at Anno Artem (A4)- Group Art Critique (Copy)
Anno Artem hosts an art critique group on the second Wednesday of each month. At "Art Analysis" (A4), you can bring your art for a fair and constructive critique by your peers. Works can be at any stage of development, from conceptual to complete.
The presenting artist should be able to describe their thoughts behind the piece and their methods. Discussion participants should be able to discuss a work's qualities constructively and objectively.
This is not a place for blind praise nor unproductive negativity.
Participants can secure a spot by emailing submissions@annoartem.com.
Five spots for analysis will be available at each session, ten spots total for discussion participants.
March Figure Drawing At The Train Station
$20 • 6:00–8:00 PM • All skill levels welcome
It’s time to grab your pencils and spend an evening sketching a live model.
No pressure, no grades, no gatekeeping—Bring your own materials (and maybe a friend), and let’s make art happen.
18+ to attend
📍 Anno Artem, 1 Security Plaza, Suite 202, Pottstown, PA
🎟️ $20 at the door or reserve ahead seats are limited
March Graffiti Night
Third Wednesdays is time for our monthly Graffiti Night. We're taking all the art down for the night and letting you create your own art right on our walls! Paint, pencils, markers, whatever you choose to use. We'll make implements available or feel free to bring your own.
Mar 18th 6-8 PM
No registration required.
$10 cover
Stop The Bleed Community Training
Join us at Anno Artem to learn how to Stop the Bleed. This first aid program focuses on stopping life threatening bleeding from leading to preventable deaths.
Instructor: Zoë Galyon/ @Ginkgoleafart
Saturday, March 14th
1 pm - 2 pm
1 Security Plaza Suite 202, Pottstown, PA 19464
Walk-ins are welcome, but each class session is limited to 10 students.
No fee to attend but donations accepted to cover material costs.
March Sound Bath
Join us for an immersive sound bath event inside the gallery at Anno Artem every second Friday—a restorative journey through vibration, resonance, and deep listening.
Investment $25.00
Art Analysis at Anno Artem (A4)- Group Art Critique
By popular demand, we're starting an art critique group at Anno Artem Gallery on the second Wednesday of each month. At "Art Analysis" (A4), you can bring your art for a fair and constructive critique by your peers. Works can be at any stage of development, from conceptual to complete.
The presenting artist should be able to describe their thoughts behind the piece and their methods. Discussion participants should be able to discuss a work's qualities constructively and objectively.
This is not a place for blind praise nor unproductive negativity.
Participants can secure a spot by emailing submissions@annoartem.com.
Five spots for analysis will be available at each session, ten spots total for discussion participants.
February Figure Drawing At The Train Station
$20 • 6:00–8:00 PM • All skill levels welcome
It’s time to grab your pencils and spend an evening sketching a live model.
No pressure, no grades, no gatekeeping—Bring your own materials (and maybe a friend), and let’s make art happen.
18+ to attend
📍 Anno Artem, 1 Security Plaza, Suite 202, Pottstown, PA
🎟️ $20 at the door or reserve ahead seats are limited
$20 • 6:00–8:00 PM • All skill levels welcome
It’s time to grab your pencils and spend an evening sketching a live model.
No pressure, no grades, no gatekeeping—Bring your own materials (and maybe a friend), and let’s make art happen.
18+ to attend
📍 Anno Artem, 1 Security Plaza, Suite 202, Pottstown, PA
🎟️ $20 at the door or reserve ahead seats are limited
Caffenol Workshop
Did you know you can process film with Coffee?
.
Brew your film! Join us at The Beekeepers Café for a caffenol workshop with Anthony Nowack on February 21st, 1pm.
We’ll shoot your portrait on B&W film and develop it with coffee (yes, really). Learn how to capture your negatives with your phone. $30 includes a cup of coffee + demo. Prints & negatives available for purchase. Limited spots — grab yours now
Brew your film! Join us at The Beekeepers Café for a caffenol workshop with Anthony Nowack on Nov 21, 6pm.
We’ll shoot your portrait on B&W film and develop it with coffee (yes, really). Learn how to capture your negatives with your phone. $30 includes a cup of coffee + demo. Prints & negatives available for purchase. Limited spots — grab yours now
We provide: The photographer using film for portraits, chemistry, reels/tanks, gloves, drying setup, a stable light source for phone capture. Coffee (one per ticket).
You bring: smartphone (fully charged), curiosity, optional notebook.
Do I need any experience?
Nope. This is beginner‑friendly.
Will I leave with a finished image?
You’ll learn to capture your negative with your phone on site. Physical prints and negatives can be purchased and may be available for pickup after the workshop.
Can I bring my own roll of film?
Time is tight, so development focuses on the demo roll we shoot together. You’re welcome to ask questions about your own film.
What’s included in the $30 ticket?
One cup of coffee, your portrait taken on B&W film, the live caffenol demo, and a tutorial on capturing negatives with your phone. Prints and physical negatives are additional.
Is this safe?
Caffenol uses household‑level ingredients, but we’ll still provide gloves and review safe handling and cleanup.
Graffiti Night
Wednesday evening we're doing our first monthly Graffiti Night. We're taking all the art down for the night and letting you create your own art right on our walls! Paint, pencils, markers, whatever you choose to use. We'll make implements available or feel free to bring your own.
Feb 18th 6-8 PM
No registration required.
$10 cover
February Sound Bath
Join us for an immersive sound bath event inside the gallery at Anno Artem every second Friday—a restorative journey through vibration, resonance, and deep listening.
Surrounded by beautifully curated artwork, you’ll be gently guided into stillness through an hour of live sound meditation featuring gong, handpan, singing bowls, chimes, drums, and more. Expect waves of sound that calm the nervous system, support deep rest, and invite quiet reflection.
This is an opportunity to pause. To listen. To float.
What to bring:
To fully relax and receive, we recommend bringing:
• A yoga mat or camping pad
• Two blankets (one for cushioning, one for warmth)
• A pillow and eye covering
• Any other comforts or supports to ease your body into rest
Come early to settle in—sound begins promptly.
Location: Anno Artem Gallery
1 Security Plaza, Suite 202, Pottstown, PA
Investment $25.00
Let’s Draw Some Animals w/Jim Ehling - Rescheduled
Feeling penned up? Come out to Anno Artem, Sunday, January 31st from 3-5pm and draw some animals with Jim Ehling!
From Axolotl to Zorilla, come let your creativity shine! Even create your own creature, combining traits from all sorts! Choose images from resources provided or use your own imagination. I will draw a few examples and give helpful tips. You may discover an animal you were unaware of and learn a little about the creature(s) you take home with you!! This is a free event
Craft Day at Anno Artem
Hosted by Emma Peabody. Bring whatever you’re working on and spend time being creative in good company! It’s that simple.
We’ve had knitting, sketching, crochet, coloring, watercolor, and wreath-making going on. And if you’re between projects, just bring yourself and doodle while we chat.
Free, easy parking out front. See you there!
Figure Drawing Night
Figure Drawing Night — January 24
$20 • 6:00–8:00 PM • All skill levels welcome
It’s time to grab your pencils and spend an evening sketching a live model.
No pressure, no grades, no gatekeeping—Bring your own materials (and maybe a friend), and let’s make art happen.
18+ to attend
📍 Anno Artem, 1 Security Plaza, Suite 202, Pottstown, PA
🎟️ $20 at the door or reserve ahead seats are limited
Nikki Foreman is the model for this event.
The Makeshift Wiring of Jim Ehling
MAKESHIFT WIRING is improvised sight, sound and motion. It’s a culmination of collected thoughts and expressions, from the squirreled away corners of the mind.
An impromptu assembly of reflections, imagined in color and light. Exposed when interior walls come down.
Awaiting inspection of the good, the bad and the ugly, it’s open during construction.
It’s a shot at reconnection with people, from years of self doubt and flawed mechanics.