Shatter the Dark: a light at the end of the tunnel- Opening Reception

Reception: July 10th 6pm – 8pm

On View: July 10th, 2026 – August 15th, 2026

Artist (s): Joe Grubb

Location: Kiosk Gallery at Utility Works (32 E Baltimore Ave)

Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, noon – 6pm

I started making lamps with black sculpture clay and quickly realized black clay does not transfer or reflect light. A friend suggested white porcelain, which catches light and transfers it wonderfully. I hung a black lamp over a porcelain vessel and found emotional resonance with the combination.

I am a shining vessel unaware of the source of my own light.

I am a dark vessel of heat illuminating a cold, remote object.

Gaze into the tunnel of darkness. 

See the light as it escapes you. 

Feel the cracks in the foundation of your self-awareness.

About the Artists:

My artistic life is a mining operation of faulty memories in dark tunnels of someone else’s creation. Sifting through the detritus of decades of the delirium of trauma, substance abuse and mental illness for the resonant shards of reality and unreality that can be distilled into an object that I can hold against my face and say “this, THIS is real. This happened.”

My favorite things that inform my work are biology and the natural world, architecture and the semi-permanent built world, and the space that each of us carves out to inhabit in between.

This is my first show.

About the Gallery

This exhibition is organized by the Lansdowne Art Committee, a volunteer group of The Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation. The mission of the Lansdowne Arts Committee is to create, foster, and promote Lansdowne’s identity as a vibrant and inspiring artistic community. The Lansdowne Art Committee is dedicated to nurturing creative expression, enhancing community engagement, stimulating economic growth, preserving and celebrating Lansdowne’s diversity, and cultivating arts education and access.

The Kiosk Gallery is located in the front Lobby of Utility Works, a creative co-working space in Lansdowne PA*. Originally home to Delaware County Electric and built in the early 20th century, Utility Works* has been transformed into a creative co-working building that houses 23 art studios, a ceramics studio as well as a Maker Space.

Parking: There is a municipal lot behind Dunkin’ Donuts that is available to the public, as well as additional street parking along Baltimore Ave and Highland Ave.

Gallery Accessibility

Inclusive Design: Our first floor is designed to be inclusive and ensure accessibility for all.

Approachable Entrance: Our front door on Baltimore Ave. (look for the gold doors) is an accessible entrance. Please ask a member of staff if you need both doors open to gain entry.

Accessible Restroom: We offer an accessible ADA-approved gender-neutral bathroom for the convenience of all visitors.

Wide Walkways: Our walkways are wide enough to accommodate wheelchair users, ensuring smooth and easy navigation.

About the Venue:

Utility Works is a 7,500 sq. ft. art studio building located at 32 East Baltimore Ave. in Lansdowne, PA. Our Space is home to 23 artist studios, a hot-desk co-working area, a MakerSpace classroom, a ceramic studio, an art gallery, and a juice bar.

Utility Works is operated by the LEDC (Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation), a 501(c)(3) dedicated to fostering a human-centered ecosystem by supporting small businesses, including brick-and-mortar stores, entrepreneurs, artists, and makers.