Jade, under the pseudonym “VӘX” (pronounced “vex”), is a visual artist whose work often addresses social, psychological, and queer-identity struggles through a lens of abstraction. Currently residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jade received a BA from Hendrix College, where they formally studied printmaking and music composition. Initially inspired in style by the comic book industry, their work evolved to mesh neo-expressionist, existentialist, and street art aesthetics, following years of study into the topics and a collegiate expedition to New York galleries where they experienced works by the likes of Pollock, Bacon, and Basquiat, firsthand. Frequently utilizing large and occasionally multiple canvases secured together, Jade creates at- or larger-than-life spectacles that capture the experience of enduring the topics presented and show how multiple ideas, catalysts, and stigma coalesce into a singular contention.

Hello Philly Folks!
I am a Philadelphia Public School teacher by day and an artist by night.
I enjoy collaging, hand dying fabric, reconstructing vintage
clothing, and creating handmade journals.

I must say that my special education students are my inspiration for my art and I depend on them for honest feedback and fresh ideas. I started crafting as a hobby and it rapidly took over my apartment…lol. So now, I’d be so happy to share my work with fellow Philadelphian artists and appreciators.

I currently live in Washington Square, work in Fishtown, and you can usually find me in Chinatown or a local coffee shop in my spare time. I feel one of the most visually vibrant spots in Philly has to be Graffiti Pier (this is where the real
magic happens) and Fabric Row as most stores are much older than me and has fascinating history.

Julia is a Philadelphia-based production designer, glass artist, and educator whose creative practice blends the meticulous craft of glass fabrication with cinematic storytelling. A graduate of the Tyler School of Art at Temple University (B.F.A., Glass, 2012), Julia has spent over a decade working at the intersection of visual design and hands-on artistry.

Her roles have included long-term positions with Remark Studios and DR Glass Design, where she specialized in cold working and glass fabrication, as well as maintaining studio operations. In film and television, Julia has worked as a Production Designer for Boathouse Productions and as a Property Master and Art Director on various independent projects, contributing both creative direction and technical skill to the visual storytelling process.

Beyond the studio and set, Julia has served as an Adjunct Instructor at The Crefeld School from as early as 2012, where she has taught both introductory and advanced glassblowing.

Whether designing for screen or shaping molten glass, Julia’s work reflects a commitment to craft, collaboration, and the expressive possibilities of material and space.

Armond was born in the Italian section of South Philadelphia in June of 1946. His family lived on the same block as, or around the corner from his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. 

Armond’s attraction to color started at an early age. In elementary school he was exposed to the paintings of the masters, especially the Impressionists, and Thomas Eakins, a Philadelphia Artist.  At this same time he began devouring Western movies. These two disparate influences melded into the foundation of my artistic vision. It wasn’t until 1969 that he began using a camera to explore and develop this vision.

Armond considers himself a colorist. The scenes and objects in his art are photographed for the color they embody. Ray K. Metzker, Georgia O’Keeffe, Ernst Haas, and Raghubir Singh are among my major influences.

Armond studied at the Tyler School of Art, The Philadelphia College of Art, the Fleisher Art Memorial, and the Community College of Philadelphia with leading photographers and theorists in the field including Ray K. Metzker, Jack Carnell, Thomas Goodman,Tom Porett, Fred Osborne, and George Krauss.

A photographer and educator since 1968, he has taught photography and color darkroom technique and have developed art education programs for children. 

Among various awards and honors received are those from the New Jersey Center For the Visual Arts, The Perkins Art Center, the Mid Atlantic Arts Council, the Chestnut Hill Arts Association as well as the city of Philadelphia. Armond has also served on the board of the Philadelphia Crafts Association from 1986-96 and is a member of the friends of Rittenhouse Square.

A Port Richmond resident, Murphy was born in Philadelphia and raised in Camden county, NJ where she graduated from Eastern Regional High School before attending Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado to study writing and literature. Through a variety of roles, her career has always been in service to others, whether serving as a teacher’s assistant at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, waiting tables at some of Philadelphia’s most eclectic bar/restaurants, working as a personal trainer or cleaning homes and offices as founder/owner of Green Team Cleaning.

“Margaux’s passion for helping others is immediately evident,” stated Pedro A. Ramos, chair of the Philadelphia Award Board of Trustees. “Through her work founding and leading the Sunday Love Project, Margaux is meeting people where they are, without judgement. She is inspiring and changing lives one meal, one person, one day at a time. We are thrilled to recognize Margaux with the 2021 Philadelphia Award and look forward to celebrating her and her impact later this fall.

-The Philadelphia Award: Bio

Morgan is a queer and disabled working artist residing in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. They graduated from the illustration program at Moore College of Art & Design in 2011, and have recently reignited that passion after a hiatus from the industry. Morgan co-owns a houseplant company (Yinz and Yous Grow Co.), with a focus on mental and emotional health, that regularly raises funds for charities both in and out of Philly.

They work part-time at Freehand Art & Supply Co. which hosts an open Art Club every Thursday evening from 5-8, and have begun their journey to become a drag king by taking third place in the 2025 Miss(ter) Sobriety pageant. Morgan shares their home with their husband, dog, and 3 cats.