About the Artist

 

Artist Statement

I paint the world as I see it, with care and deep appreciation. I work in the classical realist tradition, creating still life, figurative pieces, and landscapes. My work is tied together by a lasting fascination with light, color, and the quiet drama found in everyday life.

The elegance of the natural world first drew me to realism, and it continues to inspire me. I am fascinated by how sunlight can transform a simple object, or how color shifts across a face or a field in ways that seem almost impossible to capture. Through my work, I try to interpret what I see with honesty and skill, to slow down and look more closely, and to invite viewers to do the same.

Trained in the classical tradition, I see painting as both a discipline and an art. It has a rich history worth honoring and is a craft I am committed to learning throughout my life.

Biography

Megan Grugan is a realist painter based in Philadelphia who works with still life, figurative, and landscape subjects. She studied at Moore College of Art and Design, the Florence Academy of Art, Studio Incamminati, PAFA, and the Realist Art League, and is a graduate of Aristides Atelier. As a member of Artessa Alliance (formerly MamaCITA), American Women Artists, The Philadelphia Sketch Club, and Oil Painters of America, Megan’s work is grounded in the classical tradition and inspired by a genuine appreciation for the elegance of the natural world.

Juried Exhibitions

October 2014: “Poetry Bleeds Rust” National Association of Women Artists Show, New York, NY

April 2014: Cheltenham Center for the Arts' 71st Annual Awards Painting Show, Cheltenham, PA

March 2014: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Continuing Education Student Show, Philadelphia, PA

January 2014: Cheltenham Center for the Arts Member Show, Cheltenham, PA * Juried award

June 2012: Art for the Cash Poor, InLiquid, Philadelphia, PA

 Solo Exhibitions

October 2014: Encaustic Monoprints, The Lion's Mane, Philadelphia, PA

October 2013: Solo show, Recent Work, Sweet Mabel Fine Art and Folk Art Gallery, Narberth, PA

February 2013: New work.  Solo Show, The Lion’s Mane, Philadelphia, PA  

September 2012: New Works: Color and Light, Sweet Mabel Fine Art and Folk Art Gallery, Narberth, PA March 2012: Spring! The Lion’s Mane, Philadelphia, PA

 Permanent Installations

May 2018: Garden of Possibilities at Einstein Medical Center- Permanent Installation

November 2013: Mission First Housing--Permanent Installation

Group Exhibitions

September 2025: The Peace of Wild Things, Cheltenham Center for the Arts
September 2023: Matter and Energy, Cheltenham Center for the Arts, Cheltenham, PA
August 2019: Marginalized, Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA

May 2019: Resident Artists Exhibit, Cheltenham Center for the Arts, Cheltenham, PA

February 2019: Process, Cheltenham Center for the Arts, Cheltenham, PA
April 2018: Love & Children, Elcy’s Café, Glenside, PA

December 2016: Under 100, Sweet Mabel Fine Art and Folk Art Gallery, Narberth, PA

September 2016: MamaCITA 10, Cheltenham Center for the Arts, Cheltenham, PA

December 2015: Under 100, Sweet Mabel Fine Art and Folk Art Gallery, Narberth, PA

February 2015: Re.Collection, Cheltenham Center for the Arts, Cheltenham, PA

December 2014: Under 100, Sweet Mabel Fine Art and Folk Art Gallery, Narberth, PA

April 2014: The Road to Here, BSquare Gallery, Philadelphia, PA (Curator)

December 2013: Under 100, Sweet Mabel Fine Art and Folk Art Gallery, Narberth, PA

November 2013: MamaCITA Retrospective, Rotunda at the Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA

March 2013: Represent, Langman Family Gallery Space, Jenkintown, PA

March 2013: Begin: Hope, Faith, Resilience, Sweet Mabel, Narberth, PA

January 2013: Begin: Hope, Faith, Resilience, Painted Bride, Philadelphia, PA

December 2012: Under 100, Sweet Mabel Fine Art and Folk Art Gallery, Narberth, PA

May 2012: Whirled Peace, Sweet Mabel Fine Art and Folk Art Gallery, Narberth, PA