Philip DeAngelo: Contemporary Americana Paintings
Calmness Amidst Intrigue: Creating and Curating Peace and Balance in Art
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By Natasha Kubis
Philip DeAngelo’s artistic journey has been fueled by nature’s boundless inspiration, from tranquil oceanscapes to majestic mountainscapes. His path has taken him from Ocean City, NJ, to Asheville, NC, where he thrives as an artist, gallery owner, and curator.
His unique style, characterized by vibrant colors and intricate brushwork, has garnered him a dedicated following in the art world as a Contemporary Americana painter. He mainly works in acrylic on various surfaces such as wood panels, masonite board, fabric, tin, and cork.
His paintings, each a masterpiece in its own right, often depict landscapes characterized by their colorful and textural qualities and connection to themes of life, love, and community. His inspiration comes from the pastoral qualities of his Leicester, North Carolina, home neighborhood.
Phil’s work often evokes serene emotions and a sense of balance and tranquility, which brings to mind one of his favorite quotes by Hank Williams, “Can you make folks feel what you feel inside?” He also resonates with the words of C.S. Lewis, “When you painted on earth... it was because you caught glimpses of Heaven in the earthly landscape. The success of your painting was that it enabled others to see the glimpses, too.”
Phil’s artistic journey and his life as an artist and gallery owner began at the scenic Jersey shore, where he surfed the beautiful beaches, and where he and wife Tina raised sheep and Border Collies on their 25-acre farm outside of Ocean City, NJ. In 1997, he opened Sagemore Gallery, which flourished as a hub for fine art.
Phil soon established The Art of Surfing Festival, celebrating the synthesis of surf culture, art, music, and film. Ultimately, prints of his work were distributed worldwide through McGaw Graphics.
Phil and Tina, who were married in 1986, were attracted to Asheville’s growing art scene and visited the city in the fall of 2007. The couple fell in love with the River Arts District (RAD), surrounded by Western North Carolina’s nature, mountains, creeks, and meadows, and saw the area’s potential as a backdrop for Philip’s art.
They decided to settle in Asheville and become a part of the region’s artistic movement. As a result, they relocated to Asheville in 2008.
Phil recognized the potential of the growing River Arts District and quickly secured studio space on the second floor of the 100-year-old Wedge Building. His studio showcases his well-recognized style of Contemporary Americana acrylics and reproductions, celebrated for their vibrant colors, rich textures, and serene balance.
Visitors have the opportunity to view Philip DeAngelo’s paintings as well as works by other talented artists daily throughout the district.
The River Arts District is a unique cluster of old warehouses that has transformed into a bustling hub for art, culture, and business since the 1980s. Visitors can engage in unique experiences such as observing artists at work, learning about various art forms, and enjoying the lively nightlife, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.
In 2011, Phil moved to the current ground floor space between Michael Hofman and Clayspace. Over the last 13 years, various guest artists have showcased their work in the space alongside Phil. In 2024, Phil decided to expand the gallery’s offerings by curating various art mediums from multiple artists, aiming to enhance visitors’ enjoyment and selection.
His goals are establishing the gallery as a prime destination for discovery and return visits, providing visitors with a comprehensive art experience, and building relationships and goodwill within the arts community.
Phil’s studio space is a vibrant hub of creativity, shared with several other exceptional artists. This collaborative environment adds to the diverse array of creativity in the space, fostering a sense of community and shared artistic vision.
Matt Tommey, an acclaimed member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, creates exquisite baskets, captivating wall art pieces, and innovative mixed-media artworks.
His work is an extraordinary dialogue between the artist, the natural elements, and the Creator, delving into profound growth, metamorphosis, and interconnectedness themes.
Claudia Moore Field, a lifelong artist and metal sculptor, and is often featured in local and regional press. She was recently quoted in the art magazine Asheville Made about being an artist in Phil’s gallery: “He always challenges me. To grow, you should surround yourself with people who push you to do more.”
This emphasis on personal growth and inspiration is a key aspect of the gallery’s mission, aiming to inspire and motivate both artists and visitors.
Ray Charnell is a metal sculptor and friend of Phil for many years. Through his masterful work, he brings forth a diverse array of sculptures and gongs, each reflecting his profound bond with steel. Ray’s expertise in forging, welding, and flawlessly finishing his designs shines through in every piece he presents.
John Almaguer’s sculptural glass works are a valuable addition to the gallery’s collection. Much of his work is created at the North Carolina Glass Center in the RAD, and he also studied in Murano, Italy.
His artistic mission is to create something that has never been seen before. He achieves this by using innovative techniques and pushing the boundaries of traditional glasswork, saying, “I make unseen things come alive in a manifest realm.”
Chrys Corn Goodman is a talented artist known for her vibrant and textured paintings that blend spirituality, abstract art, and mixed media elements.
Her work often features captivating compositions that portray the human figure in allegorical themes. Chrys draws inspiration from various sources, including music, memories, emotional truths, and spiritual concepts.
Greg Vineyard’s artistic themes span various mediums, centered around conveying messages, facilitating communication, and invoking inspiration and whimsy. Greg showcases his dimensional creations, including intricately crafted clay tea bowls, captivating mixed media pieces, and rearrangeable assemblage works that predominantly feature clay and found objects.
Recent shows include:
The Art of Homage, July 2023 - Phil paid tribute to his art and art history heroes in a show encompassing a century’s worth of influences. The show included nods to early 20th-century illustrators, Dr. Seuss, mid-century and pop art, and contemporary landscape artists.
Bella Italia, May 2024 - Partnering with fellow painter and Italian-heritage devotee Michael Cartellone, who is also the drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, the gallery showcased scenes of Sicilian and Italian landscapes and famous sites and culture.
Ceilidh (Kay-Lee), a Celebration of Celtic Culture, July 2024 - A gallery show honoring Ireland, Scotland, and Celtic culture, in conjunction with a Gallery-sponsored, sold-out, performance by the band Scythian and opening act Wyatt Flores at the Grey Eagle Music Hall.
Upcoming Events:
Second Saturday Guest Artist, October 12, 2024: Metal and Mixed-Media Artist Claudia Moore Field (see her bio above).
RADA Studio Stroll, November 9, 2024: Popular annual event with the whole River Arts District participating.
Annual Holiday Ornament Fundraiser, December 2024: Assorted participating artists in the gallery. benefiting Shelter Dog Transport Alliance.
Second Saturday Guest Artist, March 8, 2025: Mixed-Media Artist Greg Vineyard (see bio above).
Renewal, March 22, 2025 - An all-artist gallery show featuring their variety of takes on Spring.
We Love You, Philip’s annual 10x10 painting daily sale, February 1 -28, 2025, benefiting Western Carolina Rescue Ministries.
With decades of experience honing his craft, Phil diligently approaches his work. His passion lies in nurturing and mentoring the artists he encounters. Despite being a lifelong student, his wealth of knowledge and wisdom makes him a natural teacher.
Gallery Information:
Philip DeAngelo Studio and Gallery is at 115 Roberts Street in The Wedge Building in Asheville’s River Arts District.
Open Mo - Th 10 - 4, and Fr - Sa 10 - 5
828.220.0087
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