8405 Germantown Ave, Phildelphia, PA 19118

215.247.1603 graverslanegallery.com

ON VIEW NOW

Two Part Inventions

The works of Barbara Lee Smith & Debora Muhl sing harmoniously together

Two Part Inventions: The Work of

Barbara Lee Smith & Debora Muhl

October 2 – November 15th

Opening Reception: October 3rd | 5-8pm

Closing Reception: November 7th | 5-8pm

Artist Talks: October 3rd & November 7th @ 6:30pm

Gravers Lane Gallery is proud to present Two Part Inventions: The Works of Barbara Lee Smith & Debora Muhl, an intimate exhibition tracing the musicality, memory, and material depth of two skilled fiber artists. Through richly layered wallworks and sculptural coiled vessels, Smith and Muhl translate life’s rhythms into tactile, visual forms—what Smith calls “the dance” of making. The title, borrowed from classical music, hints at the duality and interplay at the heart of this show: two distinct practices in conversation, each deeply attuned to process, form, and feeling. Smith and Muhl do not follow a score—they improvise, respond, and recompose.

Together, Smith and Muhl ask us to slow down and look closely—at material, at memory, at the quiet rhythms of time made visible. Their work reveals beauty in aging, improvisation within structure, and the echo of music in fiber and form. Both artists approach fiber not as a fixed tradition but as a living language—capable of holding tension, transformation, and the residue of lived experience. For them, form is not the end but the result of listening—of paying attention to the materials, histories, and gestures that shape a life. Their work resists resolution. Instead, it offers an invitation: to see in what remains the possibility of renewal, and in the act of making, a quiet kind of clarity. The result is work that doesn’t just speak of light, but offers it. As Smith says, “In the darkest of times, light can reveal a memory; offer hope; bring a moment of engagement, encouragement and healing.” Two Part Inventions is a tribute to the power of fiber as a language of renewal and resilience.

More about the Exhibition

IT WAS GREAT TO SEE YOU

Thank you for coming out to First Friday!

A huge thank you to everyone who came out and made our October 3rd First Friday such a great night of community! We loved seeing the community come together for an evening of art, conversation, and connection.

Special thanks to our featured artists for their insightful and inspiring talks — your stories, creativity, and perspectives brought incredible depth to the night. If you missed the talks or want to revisit them, recordings will be available on our website soon. Stay tuned!

NEW WEBSITE – NOW SHOPPABLE

Explore our updated website, where you can now purchase work

We’re thrilled to unveil the all-new Gravers Lane Gallery website — now live and fully shoppable! Whether you’re browsing from home, on the go, or planning a gallery visit, you can explore and acquire art and jewelry with ease.

We invite you to visit graverslanegallery.com and explore. Whether you’re eyeing a specific piece or browsing our current exhibitions just for inspiration, our new site is designed to bring the gallery experience to you, wherever you are!

Explore the Website

EXHIBITIONS TO LOOK FORWARD TO: Designed to Dwell & Design Shop @ GLG

Two Holiday Exhibitions centered around handmade design objects

An exhibition of Fine Art, Furniture, Design Objects and Lighting by our artists and newly invited makers of space. Visit this unique exhibition that sits between use and beauty, featuring art and objects that shape your space. It’s something to write home about.

More about the Exhibition

Curated. Contemporary. Giftable. Design objects and an array of handmade giftables under $500. Exceptional Art Jewelry for the holidays.

More about the Exhibition

LAST CHANCE to Book an Appointment:

An Exclusive Jewelry Preview: Fine Works by Barbara Heinrich

Make an appointment now – spots are limited!

Join us for a rare opportunity to meet the internationally acclaimed jeweler Barbara Heinrich in a private, one-on-one appointment. Experience her newest collection, inspired by the vivid colors and natural forms of Sri Lanka, including luminous seaweed-inspired designs. Work directly with Barbara to explore her full collection or transform your own gemstones into bespoke creations.

Whether you’re selecting a timeless piece or commissioning something bespoke, this intimate experience with one of America’s master jewelers is not to be missed. Appointments are limited —email us to book by October 5, 2025. If scheduled times don’t work, we can accommodate other requests with advance notice.

Schedule an Appointment

FALL FOR THE ARTS RESCHEDULED

If you were disappointed to miss it last weekend, great news- you didn’t!

Niki Leist Jewelry Demonstration

Live demo of jewelry techniques

Join us at Fall for the Arts for an exclusive live jewelry-making demonstration with Philadelphia artist Niki Leist. Watch her transform raw materials into beautiful pieces of wearable art — from bezel and flush stone settings to wax work and sawing techniques.

Live Demo: 12–4 PM (stone setting, wax work, jeweler’s saw techniques)
Shop the Collection: Niki’s handmade jewelry will be available for purchase at the same table.
Raffle Giveaway: Enter to win a piece of Niki’s work!

We will be hosting a table next to the gallery with a raffle to win a swag bag from the businesses that make up CHDD, as well as having information about the businesses. Someone will be manning this table (rotating members) and is happy to talk with people about CHDD.

A Look atTwo Part Inventions

Sanctuary | Barbara Lee Smith | 2025 | painted, collaged and stitched non-woven polyester fabric | 54″ x 76″

Shore Line | Barbara Lee Smith | 2021 | painted, collaged and stitched non-woven polyester fabric | 44″ x 31″

#1419 | Red Trio | Debora Muhl | Sweetgrass, Gourd segments, Silk ribbons, Waxed Irish Linen, Carnelian Beads, Branches – Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick | Lower Left: 8″ x 7.5″ x 6″ Top Piece: 5.5″ x 6.5″ x 6″ Right Lower: 5″ x 7″ x 7″ With Branches: 19″ x 20″ x 21″