In 1998, artist Shelley Spector rented an old, rundown bakery in Center City Philadelphia to use as her studio. After a year of scrubbing, painting, sanding, and drywalling, she unwittingly built more than a studio. The storefront begat a gallery and SPECTOR was born.

SPECTOR has spotlighted and bolstered a growing community of emerging local artists. The Philadelphia Inquirer called the gallery, “The offbeat outpost of the Philadelphia art scene.”

Behind the gallery is a studio/woodshop where Spector creates wooden sculptures that art critic Gerard Brown said, “…look as though they could be the offspring of a marriage between Giacometti and Pinocchio.”

Coming soon:
On May 31st SPECTOR will launch Art Jaw. Art Jaw (artjaw.com) is an on line collection of first person stories as told by some of Philly’s beloved art community characters.It will begin with 11 stories and will be added to monthly. Check back soon for a sneak peak at the contributers.

To celebrate Art Jaw's launch SPECTOR is having a special event, Paper Trail on June 9th and 10th. Paper Trail is an exhibit of 8 1/2" X 11" papers collected by open invitation from people working in all fields of the Philadelphia art community. The walls of the gallery will be covered with the paper work it takes to make art happen.

SPECTOR is currently collecting materials for Paper Trail. The only requirement is that the paper is 8 1/2” X 11”. Submissions can include emails, proposals, rejection letters, tax forms, contracts, letters, budgets, acceptance letters, correspondence, etc. You have the choice to remain anonymous. By submitting materials you are giving SPECTOR the rights of their use. It is best to send copies because they are unable to make returns.

Deadline: June 5th
SPECTOR’s Paper Trail, 510 Bainbridge Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Email - PaperTrail@spectorspector.com
Drop off - in the mail slot 24 hours