School Hosts Matt Phillips Exhibition

The Drexel University School of Public Health hosted the exhibition "Monotypes by Matt Phillips" from February 18 through March 20, at Drexel University's Rincliffe Gallery (Main Building, Third Floor, 32nd and Chestnut Streets). The gallery is open weekdays from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. The artwork is from the collection of Dr. Arthur L. and Joanne B. Frank. Dr. Frank is a professor and chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the School of Public Health. Matt Phillips is best known for his monotype prints, which are created by drawing on a non-absorbent surface such as copper or glass and putting the plate through a printing press to transfer the image onto paper. Dr. and Mrs. Frank’s collection of Matt Phillips’ work includes flowers, nudes and scenes from Morocco, Jerusalem, Venice and Paris.

"By knowing Matt Phillips personally, we can see his personal characteristics in his work. We enjoy the combination of color and theme in the different genres of art by Matt," said Dr. Frank. "We collect Matt’s work for the beauty of his art, and display many of his pieces in our home."

l-r: Dr. Arthur Frank introduces Matt Phillips at gallery reception

Dr. Frank purchased his first work from Phillips in 1973, when his college roommate invited him to an art show. Since that time, Dr. Frank and Phillips have been close friends. Today, Dr. Frank and his wife, Joanne, own approximately 75 pieces of Phillips’ work in various mediums. They have loaned pieces of their collection to exhibits at the Baltimore Art Museum, University of Kentucky Art Museum and Tyler Museum of Art in Tyler, TX.

On the evening of February 18, Dr. Frank personally introduced Mr. Phillips at the gallery reception marking the opening of the exhibit at Drexel. Mr. Phillips entertained attendees with a lively recounting of his career and work methods.

Book, Mulberry Women, etching by Matt Phillips, poem by Robert Kelly

Matt Phillips lectures at exhibition opening

Dr. Frank's major research activities have included the study of occupational lung diseases, such as asbestosis and silicosis. His research interests also include occupational cancers, especially those related to asbestos exposure, and he has worked in the area of agricultural safety and health. He is frequently invited to give lectures at universities, businesses and government agencies on occupational lung diseases, and routinely speaks at international conferences on public health and the impacts of asbestos. Dr. Frank has recently given presentations in Thailand, Turkey, Israel, India and South America.

For more information, contact Jacqueline M. DeGroff, Curator, The Drexel Collection, at (215) 895-0480.