Curatorial Statement  

Woodcut Metamorphosis was inspired by my discovery of the Todros  Geller “Yiddish Motiv” folio in the storage room of the Temple Judea  Museum (TJM) in 2024. At the time of the folio’s issue, Geller’s now century old images were immediately sought after by collectors. For  us today, in addition to their artistry, Geller’s works act as both  historian and promoter of Yiddish and Native American cultures.  

Upon further research in the collection, I found other wonderful  examples of woodblock print images by artists working across  generations to express important ideas through this unique medium.  This discovery influenced me to focus this exhibition on the 20th  century, as Jewish artists chronicled customs, explored native  American cultures, and provided a voice for social justice through the  woodcut process.  

Carving the image into the flat wood surface, the artist builds a  relationship with, and gains inspiration from, the wood block. The  wood’s grain, hardness, cut and species can influence a work with  expressive organic patterns sometimes unseen until the image is  printed, providing both challenge and revelation for the artist.  

As we begin celebrating America 250, I want to emphasize the  diverse cultural experiences, struggles, and values that shaped our  community and this country. I found a voice in the woodcut  collection of TJM and the generosity of KI members who both  created and loaned works for this exhibition.  

Leon Chudzinski , Guest Curator 

Museum Director Statement

As the new Director/Curator of the Temple Judea Museum, one of my first purchases for our permanent collection was a group of woodblock prints by Itzak Sankowsky. Whenever possible I have purchased other examples of the woodblock graphic medium, an art form I happen to especially favor. Over the years, many other fine examples came as gifts from prescient and generous friends. 

As you might imagine, it was a very rewarding day for me when Leon Chudzinski, curator of “Woodcut Metamorphosis”, said, “You know, we really have a great collection of woodblock prints. We should do an exhibition.” 

Thank you, Leon, for your vision, research and talent, and for seeing beyond the obvious to create a narrative that is greater than each individual print: one that so elegantly tells a story of 20th century Jewish artists as witnesses to the American Experience through a very unique medium.

Thanks are also in order to Marlene D’Orazio Adler, Chair of the TJM Artists’ Collaborative, for the linocut workshop she ran for our artists. Their work is exhibited here too. And very special thanks to Evonne and Isaac Kruger for the loan of some truly spectacular prints from their private collection. 

Rita Rosen Poley, TJM Director/Curator 

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For more information, or to set up a group tour, call the Museum at 215-887-8700 ext. 416 or e-mail us by clicking here.