Sande Webster speaks out:
As we move into the twenty-first century I feel compelled to review the last thirty-five years at the Sande Webster Gallery. We were four partners on that day. Four who had a vision to bring new "Art" to Philadelphia. In Fact, Philadelphia Magazine referred to the Wallnuts of Locust Street Gallery (our original name) as the place where "the brave new art scene comes alive". Numerous disciplines became part of a fine art context in our space; then as now, at 2018 Locust Street. The first in Philly to show photography as fine art, to display glass, clay and textiles in other than a craft environment, we moved valiantly into the fray, clearly unconcerned by other galleries who predicted our demise.
We were specifically called to account for daring to include African American artists on a regular basis. Indeed, with the passing of Kenmore Gallery, we were alone among the commercial galleries to exhibit the extraordinary talents of numerous African American artists, who, along with the "white" painters, sculptors and printmakers were making a stir among the cognoscenti in and out of the city. Unfortunately, more than thirty years later not much has changed. We continue to stand alone in our cultural diversity other than a token representation here and there. I find that racism inexplicable and have yet to have any rational explanation for its continuance. But I'll keep checking my e-mail.
The partners departed many years ago and the journey in that last decade has been more inspiring that any scenario I could have written. Our artists are now part of national and international private, corporate and museum collections. And while most of our original stable remains with the gallery, the joy of new discovery continues to be central to our growth. Exhibitions with social or political implications and their accompanying panel discussions keep the edge sharp and the atmosphere electric. Although not particularly religious by nature, I feel truly blessed by the staff that has accompanied me. Though constantly in flux, each new person brings integrity, energy, talent and a sublime commitment to our mission: "To showcase talent in all its diversity, to give voice to the old and the new and to share with the community visual ideas that make us think and feel!"
To all of you who have been with me along the road, and especially to my children and my love, I thank you and invite you to take my hand and my heart. The future beckons... October 2001
