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Modern Art is a storefront studio and graphic design business in Lancaster, PA focused on public outreach, neighborhood engagement and hope .
Run by Libby Modern, but fueled by collaboration with all sorts of artists, neighbors and friends, we are interested in how art can serve the residents of our town, Lancaster, PA and beyond. Creating a more interdisciplinary, collaborative, socially-engaged approach has allowed Modern Art to cross the boundaries between the artist’s studio and the community.
Modern Art projects range from spontaneous interventions on the block (like a to-do list exchange, voting practice, a neighborhood art swap) to large scale installations (like a hotel for your phone, an art peep show, a giant ampersand ) with a bunch of communications strategies for social and environmental causes thrown in. All use elements of surprise, curiosity, empathy, humor and art to encourage neighbors, both near and far, to experience affective ties with one another and participate in the process, and the aesthetics, of community building.
Modern Art also doubles as an experimental gallery and arts venue. We have monthly concerts, lectures, open creative studios, community workshops, children’s summer camps, and mini-residencies and exhibition space for other artists. These experiences have opened up artistic conversation and collaboration that extend beyond the events’ moment.
Libby Modern
Libby has been working as an artist and a designer for many years. After graduating from Princeton University, Libby studied design and art direction at the Creative Circus in Atlanta, GA. She cut her teeth in the design world of San Francisco, then co-founded Half-Full, an award-winning design studio dedicated to providing creative communications strategies for non-profits. After 15 years of working with clients such as Greenpeace, The Jane Goodall Institute, and Defenders of Wildlife, all while painting on the side, Libby mixed them up, combined them and founded Modern Art.
Partners and Collaborators:
Joanna Davis Seedorf
Jo was an essential collaborator at Modern Art from 2012-2017. She was instrumental in the concept, creation and implementation of Modern Art projects (and Modern Art in general!)
Mary Schroeder
Whether its keeping our books straight, keeping us on deadline, organizing our crazy ideas, or better yet, coming up with those crazy ideas, the wonderful Mary always keeps us ON TASK.
Bri Gallic
Bri walked into the studio like a gift from the gods! As an intern at Modern Art, Bri did everything from graphic design to making chair sculptures to sewing massive curtains to managing clients to… well, everything. After graduating from Drexel with a design degree, Modern Art has been lucky enough to have Bri back in the studio working her magic.
Michelle Johnsen
Michelle is one of our favorite photographers and one of our favorite people. Modern Art, and Lancaster, wouldn't be anything without Michelle. Check out her work here.
Series 42
Fritz and Scott from Series 42 create unique musical experiences by partnering with an assortment of venues and partners to bring live original music to Lancaster and the Central PA region. We are pretty dang lucky that they like having concerts at our messy studio.
Sara Code-Kroll
Speaking of favorite photographers and favorite people, let's talk about the amazing Sara. Code's been there, collaborating with us on many of our favorite projects with her beautiful photos (many of which you see here). Check out her work here.
