Building Community-Centered Practices

Every quarter, DVAA hosts Creative Conversations, an event open to both our community and the general public. The objective of this program is to explore the nitty-gritty of professional development within artistic practice.

The next in our Creative Conversations series will explore "Building Community-Centered Practices" with prominent Philly Arts Leaders Jeannette Lloyd & Kathryn Pannepacker on Sunday, April 13, 12–2 PM.

As speaker Pannepacker states, “Times are intense. Let’s take care of ourselves and one another!” In our volatile and unstable times community is the only thing we can rely on. In this thoughtful presentation and discussion, we’ll explore how to meaningful build resilience and solidarity in Philly’s current arts landscape.

Jeanette Lloyd is a multi-disciplinary artist and creative producer that choreographs complex community and cultural projects with ease. She is kindred and servant of the underserved, and thrives working behind the scenes to curate and amplify powerful experiences and marginalized voices. Her passion for art, background in entertainment, and professional experience in marketing and partnerships allows her to advise and collaborate with a diverse group of people. Jeanette currently works as the Director of Marketing for Asian Arts Initiative and advises many local individuals and collectives on artistic strategy.

Kathryn Pannepacker is a textile/visual/community artist living in Germantown/Philadelphia, PA. She graduated from Penn State University back in the late 80’s with a major in English and a minor in art. Her studies continued with numerous intensive apprenticeships, nationally and abroad. She has done many projects with Mural Arts Philadelphia and other organizations over the years with folks of all ages and backgrounds.

Kathryn exhibits locally, nationally and internationally, and has work in private and public collections. She balances her time doing studio work, and art as harm reduction & wellness support with folks in active addiction, many of whom are unsheltered in Kensington at the Sunshine House and Prevention Point Philadelphia. She believes that creating an environment of belonging, meaning and purpose is a critical component for any wellness journey as the nation scrambles for solutions during an epidemic of addiction, isolation and despair.

Kathryn has received numerous grants including The Leeway Foundation’s Transformation Award and The Pollination Project. Her work has been featured on the cover of AMERICAN CRAFT and in many other publications. She offers hands-on workshops and presentations about art and social change.

Kathryn is delighted and honored to be apart of this afternoon’s conversation ... Da Vinci Art Alliance has a very special place in her heart, as back in the mid 1990’s she helped to re-invigorate it from it’s once sleepy state. These Community Conversations here at DVAA are vital. May that the work we each do come from a heart-centered place. Times are intense. Let’s take care of ourselves and one another!

Look for Kathryn’s solo exhibition in Sept./Oct. at William Way LGBT Community Center called “You are Welcome Here; I Saved A Chair for You."

Accessibility Information

DVAA is a historic row home in the Bella Vista neighborhood. We are not yet wheelchair accessible; Da Vinci is a three floor gallery with narrow staircases. (We are working towards becoming ADA accessible by 2027!) It is 5 steps up to the first floor level, and 14 steps from the first to second floor, where the gender-neutral bathroom is located. Da Vinci has masks and COVID tests available at our events. We can reserve seats for low-vision and Deaf and HoH community members as needed. DVAA exhibitions are free to visit and all of our programs are free or suggested donation. If food is being served at the event you are coming to, please reach out to us about dietary restrictions. For information, or to notify our team members of any needs prior to your visit, please contact . 

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Da Vinci Art Alliance, 704 Catharine Street, Philadelphia, United States