Homeless services center to become Allentown’s newest art gallery… with a mission

Ripple Community Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to addressing homelessness and social isolation in Allentown, will mark its 10th anniversary by opening a new art gallery space next month.

The organization will host a public celebration and gallery opening on Nov. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at its Community Building Center at 1335 W. Linden St.

The new NeighborMade Community Art Gallery & Workshop will launch with an inaugural exhibition titled “The Art of Neighboring,” featuring juried artwork from community members, professional artists, and students.

“With The Art of Neighboring, we’re inviting artists to reflect on what it really means to be a good neighbor — how we connect, how we create spaces of belonging, and the mutual transformation that is possible when we come together in community,” said Sherri Brokopp Binder, executive director of Ripple Community Inc.

The exhibition will include a collaborative mural made up of hundreds of collages, each representing a word related to being a good neighbor.

Since 2015, RCI has operated as a cornerstone in the Lehigh Valley community, providing a place for neighbors to connect and access vital services. Through its RCI Village housing program, the organization also offers safe, long-term housing for vulnerable residents, many of whom are experiencing stable housing for the first time.

The exhibit will remain on display through January 3, with viewing hours Tuesday through Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free and open to all.

Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on data provided by Ripple Community Inc. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com staff.

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