Art Show Honors Mt. Airy Woman's Memory

After his wife lost a long battle with cancer in 2010, Mt. Airy resident Andy Trackman wanted to do something that would honor his wife as an artist, provide inspiration to others battling serious illness, and show the healing powers of art.

“Michele Courchene Trackman - A Life of Art, Love, and Healing” will take place in the Solomon Levy Gallery at Philadelphia’s Mt. Airy Art Garage, 11 W. Mt. Airy Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, from October 12th through October 26th.

Michele Trackman was a Mt. Airy resident, mother, wife and artist. She graduated from Philadelphia College of Art (now the University of the Arts) in 1980, and received her MFA in Photography from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore in 1987. The show is a retrospective of her work, starting with her high school years at the Wooster School in Danbury Connecticut, her undergrad years at PCA, graduate thesis work at MICA, and finally her work as part of the Cancer Support Center of Greater Philadelphia’s Open Studio classes. The show will combine works from all these periods, plus displays of examples of some of her passions, including her large cookbook collection.

First diagnosed with cancer in 1998, one year after the birth of her daughter, she was again diagnosed with a second primary cancer in 2004, which recurred in 2006. It was during this second diagnosis that she discovered, through her work with the Open Studio classes and instructor Caroline Peterson, the power of art to heal.

“She never stopped being an artist, even in her final months when she was confined to a hospital bed and unable to walk,” said Andy Trackman. “I felt this show was something I had to do to not only showcase Michele’s talent and spirit to her loved ones, but especially to provide inspiration to anyone who is going through a similar struggle."

There will be an opening wine and cheese reception on Friday, October 12 from 6pm to 8pm, and a closing reception on Friday, October 26 at the same times. The Solomon Levy Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday, 12:00pm to 6:00pm, and Sunday 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

While the original work is not for sale, arrangements can be made to order prints.

Check back later in the week for our talk with Andy about his late wife's work.