In honor of the artists Mary Blazic and Marie Ulmer, the Goldfish Gallery will present a First Friday exhibition: The First Ladies of Fishtown/Kensington. The event will take place one day only, Friday, September 2 at 2214 Frankford Avenue (between Susquehanna Avenue and Dauphin Street) on the Fishtown Art Corridor between 5 and 9PM.  The exhibition’s curator will be Irene Sfakianos, Master Lecturer from the University of the Arts.  Michaels Decorators donated their space, which was the former site of the Goldfish Gallery, for this special event.

Philadelphia City Councilman Darrell L. Clarke has issued citations to be presented to honor these ladies’ lifetime dedication to the arts.  Legislative citations are being issued by PA Rep. Mike O’Brien.  Alongside O’Brien will be Barbara Morehead, Founder and Vice President of the Friends of Penn Treaty Park and Board Member Carol Davis, among other dignitaries.

About the Artists: Mary Blazic

Mary was born on December 14, 1916. She was the second born, first generation American, of thirteen children. English became her second language while growing up. Mary’s formal education was difficult due to the language barrier, social class disdain and the need for work to help support the family. She left school after the seventh grade to attend to family household needs.  As it was the time of the Great Depression, art was discouraged in favor of practical crafts necessary for survival, such as sewing skills for making dresses, pillows and sheets, and slip covers, as well as a variety of knitting skills and making lace. It was the sounds of music and the sights of motion pictures that led Mary toward the arts. She knew hundreds of songs and knew about every actor/actress that appeared on screen.

The arts remained on hold for Mary during the next two decades but were not forgotten or abandoned. Work remained the top priority.  She married Roman Blazic, Sr. during World War II and soon fulfilled the duties of wife and mother. They were blessed with three sons, Gregory, Christopher and Roman, Jr. Although she did not have much time for herself, Mary did not give up her aspiration to artistically express herself, mainly through oil and some watercolor painting.

Mary sharpened her skills in the middle of her fortieth year of age by teaching herself how to read music and play the piano. She instilled this passion of the arts in her children, especially music. Mary came into full bloom after she retired at the age of 65. Within the next year, she began to teach arts and crafts at Lutheran Settlement Home in Fishtown until retiring in 1996, at the age of 80.

Mary received some public recognition through the exhibition of her art in her mid-seventies. Several articles were written about her art and on the front page of The Philadelphia Inquirer for top honor at an exhibit sponsored by the Corporation of Aging. In 1998, at the age of 82, the International Library of Poetry published one of Mary’s poems. She also won 3rd place at the Horticultural Society’s City Gardens Contest.

Mary is an artist, artisan, and teacher. Now 94 years old, she resides in St. Mary Manor. As stated by her son Roman, “It is with great honor that my mother has entrusted me with the bulk of her remaining art and to persevere in the arts regardless of circumstance or opposing voice.”

Artist:  Marie Ulmer

Marie was born on August 31, 1917. She grew up in a strict German family and, through her natural talents to draw, paint and write poetry, she escaped from the problems that existed in her household.

Marie held good grades in school and graduated from Kensington High School in a timely manner. Opportunity was created for her to attend college, and in her first year, Marie was awarded a scholarship through graduation. She graduated from the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Design, now the University of the Arts, Class of 1941.

Marie’s artwork was applied to practical purpose as an illustrator during 30 years of service for The Philadelphia Free Library. Payment for her labor allowed her to travel throughout the nation, making many friends along the way. Marie’s European travels were hosted by radio personality, Frank Ford. She becomes radiant when she recalls her trips, especially to Florence, Italy. Nearer to home were her yearly visits to Cape May, New Jersey and friends in upstate Pennsylvania. These trips provided her with inspirations for her paintings. Much of Marie’s own work consists of pastels, prints, watercolors, silkscreen, ceramic, jewelry and also poetry and photographs.

Marie is generally known as the little old lady who attends many art exhibitions. It was not until April 9, 2008, when Roberta Fallon and Libby Rosof’s, “The Art Blog” published a report on Fishtown’s First Friday that included a picture of Marie and one of her silkscreen creations that her face finally had a name and recognition as an artist. Soon thereafter, much interest in her work developed.

Marie is a prolific artist and continues to create art to this day. Her work has had exposure at several local galleries. In September 2009, the University of the Arts hosted an event in her honor. Marie is open to new experimentation with her art and she is an inspiration to all.

The Goldfish Gallery Presents: “The First Ladies of Fishtown/Kensington” 2214 Frankford Avenue (on Frankford between Susquehanna Ave. and Dauphin St.) Friday, September 2 from 5 to 9PM.