'High Kicking Through The Stems' Opens At Newtown Gallery

NEWTOWN, PA — "High Kicking Through The Stems," a solo exhibit by Philadelphia-based, self-taught artist Leigh Anne Magnatta, is on view through Nov. 29 at the ArtWRKD exhibition space on South State Street in Newtown. An artist reception will be held Friday, Nov. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Through bold color, expressive figures, and exuberant floral compositions, Magnatta explores the complicated relationship between grief and joy, offering a spirited reminder that moving forward does not always require feeling ready.

At the heart of "High Kicking Through The Stems" is a receptively simple proposition: sometimes movement must precede emotion.

"Magnatta's figures kick, stretch, and move through vibrant landscapes of flowers, embodying a refusal to remain still in the face of life's challenges," said ArtWRKD founder and director Ashara Shapiro. "Their exaggerated gestures are at once playful and defiant, suggesting that joy is not necessarily a destination but an act of participation."

The exhibition embraces the awkwardness, humor, and vulnerability of perseverance. Rather than dismissing sadness, Magnatta acknowledges its presence while exploring the possibility of stepping beyond it, even momentarily.

As the artist writes in her exhibition statement, "Sometimes, the kick comes first. The feeling follows."

Working primarily in acrylic, Magnatta creates compositions that balance contemporary figurative imagery with recurring floral motifs. Flowers become symbols of growth and renewal,
while her spirited figures suggest confidence, freedom, and the willingness to embrace life's uncertainties.

Inspired by personal reflection, everyday experiences, and extensive travels, her paintings invite viewers to rediscover curiosity, humor, and the small but meaningful act of choosing joy.

"Breaking My Pony's Back" by Leigh Anne Magnatta.

A self-taught artist based in Philadelphia, Magnatta holds a BA in Visual Media from American University and a certificate in Interior Design from Mesa College. Her work has previously been exhibited at the Art Alliance of Monmouth County in New Jersey.

ArtWRKD, known for championing independent, emerging, and non-traditional artistic voices, continues its commitment to presenting work that challenges conventions and creates
meaningful connections between artists and audiences. "High Kicking Through the Stems" reflects that mission, offering an exhibition that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

"At once humorous, vulnerable, and unapologetically alive, Magnatta's paintings remind us that resilience does not always arrive quietly. Sometimes it enters with a high kick," said Shapiro.