Two people standing in an art gallery, looking at artwork on the wall, with one person gesturing towards the art. The art gallery has white walls, framed artwork, and an exposed brick wall with a large wooden door. Contemporary realism

A man with glasses and a gray beard wearing a brown blazer browsing art paintings in a gallery, while three women stand behind him observing the artwork. Contemporary realism

A table set with a variety of foods including a vegetable platter, a cheese and cracker platter, a fruit platter with grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, and a platter with meats and cheeses. Contemporary realism

Gallery opening. Four bottles of wine are on the counter, along with a stack of plastic cups. There is a tray of cookies on the right. Contemporary realism

A white tray filled with strawberries, green grapes, red raspberries, purple grapes, and blueberries, some in small glass bowls. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

Two men are conversing in an art gallery, holding papers, with various paintings displayed on the white walls behind them. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

Colorful vegetable platter with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, radish chunks, carrot sticks, snap peas, and a bowl of creamy dip. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

A group of people socializing and smiling at an art gallery or museum event. Some holding papers or folders, with a brick wall and large window in the background. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

A cheese and charcuterie platter with various cheeses, sliced cured meats, and cheese knives on a black serving board. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

Three people having a conversation near a table with food Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

A man with dark curly hair and a dark complexion wearing a black jacket, standing behind bottles of alcohol, in a dimly lit room with red curtains in the background. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

A man with a long beard and a woman with long brown hair engaged in conversation in an industrial indoor space. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening The background includes yellow pipes and metal structures.

A young boy sitting on a red leather couch writing in a notebook with a pen, with a backpack and a yellow tote bag on the floor nearby. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

Group of people socializing Contemporary realism Gallery Opening, with a woman in the foreground holding a plate of food and a container, smiling and engaging in conversation.

People attending an art exhibition, engaged in conversation. One man with a yellow cap and glasses is smiling while holding a piece of paper. Others are talking or looking around, with artworks hanging on the wall behind them.

People talking at an art gallery, with paintings on the wall behind them.

Three people engaged in conversation, two women and a man, in an indoor setting with artwork visible in the background. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

People shaking hands and talking in an industrial-style brick room. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

Two men standing outside of a building, engaged in conversation. One man holds a beer bottle and some papers, while the other is smiling and gesturing with his hand. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

Two women embrace and smile at an art gallery celebration, with other guests mingling in the background. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

A woman hands a bouquet of flowers and a certificate to a woman in a black shirt at an art gallery, with other women standing nearby and artwork visible on the walls in the background. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

A woman smiling and holding a piece of paper, surrounded by people in an indoor setting. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

Woman standing in an art gallery holding a glass, with three people conversing and looking at artwork in the background. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

A man with a beard and light hair is holding a bottle of beer and a paper plate with cheese, grapes, and crackers at an art gallery opening.

A woman with long gray hair, glasses, and a brown jacket holding a drink and reading a paper at an art gallery event.

A man with glasses, a gray beard, and a blue shirt smiling at a social gathering with bottles on a table in front of him. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a colorful plaid jacket, holding her face with both hands, standing indoors against a brick wall with a blue and red painted section. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

Three people are engaged in a conversation in a dimly lit room with exposed brick walls. The person in the middle, smiling, has short curly hair and is wearing a black top and a necklace. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

Three people are engaged in a conversation at a bar with red lighting, two men and a woman. The man on the right has glasses, a beard, and is holding a drink. The woman has long brown hair and is wearing a light-colored top with a skirt and a shoulde

A group of people socializing Contemporary realism Gallery Opening One woman is smiling and wearing a denim jacket and a knitted scarf, while the other, with long curly red hair, is gesturing with her hand.

Two people behind a bar counter in a dimly lit bar or restaurant, smiling and interacting with a person outside the frame. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

A woman with curly red hair, wearing a colorful crochet scarf and denim jacket, holds a glass of red wine and is smiling while talking to a young girl with long hair at a Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

A man with glasses and brown hair standing with arms crossed inside a dimly lit Contemporary realism Gallery Opening, with a blurred background of other people and a bright neon sign that says 'WORKS' behind him.

Two women engaged in a conversation in an indoor setting with a brick wall in the background. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

Three people standing and talking near a metal railing, with a brick wall and wooden stairs in the background, Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

A group of five people in an art gallery, engaging in conversation. One man with a red bandana is smiling and gesturing with a fist. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening. Artwork and sketches are visible in the background.

People attending an art gallery, looking at artwork on the walls and engaging in conversation.

A man and woman are having a conversation in an art gallery, with various framed paintings on the wall behind them.

A woman with glasses in conversation, gesturing with her hands, in an art gallery with paintings in the background.

A young girl standing in front of a framed painting of a woman with red hair, resting her face on her hands. The girl is wearing a pink and cream sweater with a pattern, and two beaded necklaces, with her hands resting under her chin.

A young woman sitting on a leather couch with headphones on, looking at her phone, in a dimly lit, industrial-style venue. Two people are standing and talking in the background. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

Group of people talking in a dimly lit Contemporary realism Gallery Opening with a large red neon sign that says "WOW" and industrial decor.

Group of four people standing and talking inside a brick-walled room with industrial pipes and a neon 'WOK' sign Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

A woman viewing paintings in an art gallery, wearing a brown jacket, black skirt, sheer black tights, and tall tan boots, with a small brown woven handbag.

A group of people socializing indoors, with a woman holding a soda can in the center, wearing glasses and a colorful jacket, engaged in conversation. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

People celebrating with a dessert table, featuring a cake with strawberries and whipped cream, surrounded by fruit, with a painting of elderly people in the background. Contemporary realism Gallery Opening

REAL FRIENDS was the first exhibition presented by the Realist Art League, a contemporary realist group show held at Globe Dye Works in Philadelphia. The exhibition was on view through April 11, 2025, and concluded with a closing reception on Wednesday, April 9.

REAL FRIENDS
Presented by the Realist Art League
On view through April 11, 2025
Globe Dye Works, 4500 Worth Street, Philadelphia, PA
Closing Reception: Wednesday, April 9, 5–8 PM

The exhibition brought together more than two dozen realist painters whose connections extended beyond genre or aesthetic. Many had worked together, studied together, or shared studios and critiques for years. Their work spanned still life, portraiture, figurative painting, and narrative realism, with an emphasis on careful observation and deeply personal subject matter.

Featured artists included Steven Assael, Peter Van Dyke, Roberto Osti, Darren Kingsley, Stephen Early, and members of the Realist Art League: Melissa Halbrook, Michael Ballezzi, Kelly Steltz, Rachel Pierson, Natalie Erdelt, and many others.

The Realist Art League is an artist-run group based in Philadelphia that emerged out of a need for more intentional, community-oriented spaces and education for figurative painters. Built on peer critique, mutual support, and a commitment to serious studio practice, the League has focused on creating opportunities for connection and visibility without institutional gatekeeping. As the organization’s inaugural exhibition, Real Friends reflected both the depth and diversity of the community it has worked to cultivate.

Although the exhibition has concluded, many works remain available, and we are happy to help place one of these pieces into your home or collection. Please contact the studio at studio@realistartleague.com and we will connect you directly with the artist and assist with payment and delivery.

We accept credit card, check, cash, and Zelle.
Shipping is available within the continental U.S. for all 2-D artwork; shipping charges are based on weight and destination and will be sent in a separate invoice. Works will be released or shipped once payment and any applicable shipping fees are received.

"Kim and Yves" Steven Assael Oil on Panel 18x24 $22,250.00

"Julie" Steven Assael Oil on Panel 11 x 14 $3,500.00

"Cassandra and Nola" Steven Assael Silverpoint 11 1/4 x 12 $1,850.00

*SOLD*"Rennie with Gloves and Corset" Steven Assael Graphite on Claycoat 20x13 1/4 $1,250.00

*SOLD* "Portrait of Jon" Darren Kingsley Oil on Panel $1,200.00

"Tattoo Head Study" Darren Kingsley Oil on Panel $1,200.00

"Handyman" Darren Kingsley Oil on Panel $1,200.00

"High Altitude Flight Suit" Darren Kingsley Oil on Linen $4,000.00

"NaCir" Darren Kingsley Oil on Linen $2,000.00

"Kajari Melon" Darren Kingsley Oil on Panel $1,200.00

"Cradle" Steve Early Oil on Linen $2,000.00

"Untitled" Steve Early Oil on Linen $3,000.00

"Day Dreamer" Steve Early Oil on Linen $3,300.00

"Ripka Street Porches" Peter Van Dyke Oil on Canvas $3,500.00

"Chili's" Peter Van Dyke Oil on Board $6,500.00

*SOLD*
"October's Dream"
Christopher Nixon
16x12
$800.00 — *SOLD* "October's Dream" Christopher Nixon 16x12 $800.00

"Breathwork" Michael Ballezzi Oil on Linen 16x20 $475.00

"The Sea Cradle of Danaë" Michael Ballezzi Oil on Linen 16x20 $700.00

"Roasted Red" Michael Ballezzi Oil on Linen 11x14 $700.00

"Blue Bowl" Rachel Pierson Oil on Linen $1,800.00

"Red Chalk Figure" Rachel Pierson Red Chalk on Paper $800.00

"Red Chalk Torso" Red Chalk on Paper Rachel Pierson $800.00

"Delicia" Kelly Steltz Chalk on Paper 9x12 NFS

"Siren Song" Andre Melchor 16x16 $3,000.00

"Ignivomous" Andre Melchor 16X20 $5,000.00

"Blind" Robert Johnson Oil on Canvas $3,500.00

"(Not enough) heart to go around" Robert Johnson Oil on Linen $7,500.00

"Our Prodigal Father" Robert Johnson Oil on Linen $9,000.00

"Rasheed" Nell O'Leary Oil on Canvas 16x20 NFS

"Anoush" Melissa Halbrook Pastel 12x12 $1,500.00

"Alasia" Melissa Halbrook Oil on Panel 16x20 $1,100.00

"Syd Skyight" Justin Kapp Oil on Linen 30x36 $3,250.00

"Jess" Justin Kapp Oil on Linen 34x34 $3,500.00

*SOLD*"Noel" Justin Kapp Oil on Linen 28x46 $4,000.00

*SOLD*"Alice" Ilana Ellis Oil on Linen 16 1/2 x 11 1/4 $250.00

"Still Life with Grapes" Ilana Ellis Oil on Linen 21 1/2 x 39 $1,600.00

*SOLD*
"as the bishop gets taken, the demon moon kisses out the night" Kate Suchan Woodblock ink 12x8 $50.00 — *SOLD* "as the bishop gets taken, the demon moon kisses out the night" Kate Suchan Woodblock ink 12x8 $50.00

"excerpts from the distance" Kate Suchan Ink $100.00

"Dawn’s ritual" Kate Suchan 34x21 $250.00

"Wes" Vanessa Fenton Graphite on Paper 18x24 $700.00

"Three Day Pose in the Afternoon" Vanessa Fenton Oil on Canvas 18x24 $1,500.00

"Venus In Torus" Natalie Erdelt Oil on Panel 16 x 20 $888$

"Bedside Table, 4am" Ash Fritzsche 9x13 $180.00

"Bedside Table, 3am" Ash Fritzsche Stone Lithograph 9x13 $180.00

"Untitled" Ash Fritzsche Stone Lithograph 13x17 $300.00

"Lily of the Valley" Larisa Groht 16x20 $3,200.00

"Sweet Girl" 16x20 by Noel Yheaulon $3,200.00

"Curled Nude on Stool after Euan Uglow" Jonathan Chin Marker on Paper NFS

"The Wait" Barbara Berry Oil on Linen 10x10 $800.00

*SOLD* "Kelly Dreaming" Barbara Berry Pastel on Paper 12x16 $980.00

"Cassie Portrait Study" Ana Romaniuk Oil on Panel $250.00

"Low Tide" Megan Lawlor Oil on Linen 9x12 $1,200.00

"Limestone Lit" Megan Lawlor Oil on Linen 36x24 $5,800.00

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