1. September – December 15, 2020
Exploring Judaism and Spirituality – An Exhibition of the Work of Marlene D’Orazio Adler.

Marlene’s work is installed in the museum gallery and lobby showcases for viewing by appointment only, with corona virus regulations in effect.  It is also available online at the Temple Judea Museum’s YouTube channel. 

Here are some of Marlene’s thoughts about this exhibition:

“Over the years, I have explored Hebrew texts in various mediums. I also use content such as the Holocaust, Ancestry, Jewish Traditions, Immigration and Spirituality in my work. This exhibition touches on all of these interests of mine with two and three dimensional works and artist-crafted books.  The Temple Judea Museum is the perfect space!”

BIO: Marlene D’Orazio Adler is Chair of the Temple Judea Museum Artists’ Collaborative. She was born in Philadelphia and now resides in Glenside, PA. She is an art educator and has taught art in public school and private schools. She holds a BFA from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and a Master’s degree in Art Education from the University of the Arts.

ARTIST STATEMENT: “My initial interest was in painting, however, once I discovered printmaking and the art of making handmade paper, I found myself also drawn to these art forms, intrigued with the possibilities of using handmade paper and printmaking as the basis for my images. In addition to traditional paper sources, I sometimes use found materials such as stones, wire or string and embed these materials into the surface of the handmade papers or as a surface on which to roll ink that is then printed on to the handmade paper. This process has led me to further develop mixed media and collage into my works. I also incorporate symbolism. The symbols I use can be spiritual or representative of basic elements, and are often inspired by nature and Judaica.”

Marlene D’Orazio Adler

In the last twenty years this museum has mounted almost 50 exhibitions of contemporary art. Of them, four have focused on solo presentations by members of the TJM Artists’ Collaborative. The museum is especially proud to present the work of Marlene D’Orazio Adler, member and Chair of the Collaborative. Marlene is a founder of our wonderful Arts Alive Gallery and oversees its programming. She is a creative force as an accomplished photographer who has repeatedly brought the lens of her considerable talents to TJM projects and to the entire KI community as well. In addition to this gallery exhibition, which is also available for viewing online. Marlene D’Orazio Adler, working with Cantor Amy Levy and Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, created a visual essay which has become a background for KI’s virtual High Holy Day services.  Marlene’s gallery exhibition and an edited version of this visual essay are available online through the museum’s website.