Built by Artists, for Artists
The Realist Art League was founded on a shared passion for fine art and a commitment to excellence in traditional techniques. When esteemed instructors Darren Kingsley and Rachel Pierson embarked on a new chapter in their teaching journey, the landscape of art education in Philadelphia was shifting. Several institutions dedicated to classical training were closing their doors, leaving a gap for artists seeking high-level instruction in realism. In response, a group of dedicated students came together with a vision: to create a space where classical art could continue to thrive. United by their love for realism and a deep respect for the craft, they pooled their efforts, secured a studio, and built something truly special from the ground up.
What began as a grassroots initiative has flourished into a dynamic and welcoming community. As our studio has grown, so has our mission—to provide artists of all levels with opportunities to learn, create, and connect. Through classes, open studios, and workshops, we are proud to offer an inspiring environment where passion and dedication to fine art bring people together. The Realist Art League stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition, creativity, and community.
The Realist Art League was founded by a dedicated group of artists: Melissa Halbrook, Michael Ballezzi, Jonathan Chin, Natalie Erdelt, Justin Kapp, Darren Kingsley, Saiqun Liu, Rachel Pierson, Kelly Steltz—all of whom played a vital role in bringing this vision to life. A special thanks to Honorary Gary! for his invaluable support in our journey.
…and of course Tuna!
Equity, Access, and Accountability Commitment
The Realist Art League acknowledges that fine art education and cultural institutions in the United States have historically excluded individuals and communities through economic barriers, limited professional access, discriminatory practices, and unequal representation, including the marginalization of LGBTQ+ artists, BIPOC artists, and arts workers. These inequities have shaped who is able to receive training, who is visible within the field, and who is compensated for their labor.
In response, the Realist Art League commits to actively reducing these barriers through intentional organizational practices. We design our programs to remain financially accessible, offer instruction from living master artists without reliance on elite academic gatekeeping, and remove or waive financial requirements when cost would prevent participation. We maintain inclusive hiring practices for instructors and models and enforce clear community standards that prohibit discrimination and harassment.
This commitment extends to how we present and support artists. Our exhibitions prioritize transparency, accessibility, and local participation, and our public programming is free and open to the community. We treat instructors, models, and staff as professional contributors whose labor, expertise, and identities are respected and valued.
Equity at the Realist Art League is understood as an ongoing responsibility to the broader art community. We publicly share this commitment, regularly assess our policies and programming through participant feedback, and adapt our practices to remain responsive to the evolving needs of the artists and community we serve. Accountability, access, and respect are foundational to our mission and integral to how we operate.