Foundations and Facades Art Show

We were thrilled to showcase the works of artists Kristin Petrillo and Matthew Dickey in the Peter C. Remis Lobby of the Wilkie Center for the Performing Arts in February. In Foundations and Facades, Petrillo and Dickey shine a fresh light on urban environments, turning the everyday into extraordinary narratives through their practice. Their work explores the architecture, streetscapes, and histories that shape cities, offering viewers a compelling way to reimagine the places we inhabit.

Governor’s students enjoyed morning art classes with Petrillo and Dickey before attending the artists' reception in the Remis Lobby gallery that evening, where they created LEGO sculptures inspired by the visiting artists.

Petrillo, a painter based in Worcester, Massachusetts, is captivated by the fleeting effects of light and shadow and their ability to transform industrial architecture and deserted urban landscapes. Her bold, colorful acrylic paintings depart from reality, blending graphic and minimalist elements to evoke a lingering human presence in her urban subjects. Petrillo’s process involves walking through cityscapes, capturing moments with her camera, and digitally altering images before translating them into vivid works of art. Her work has been featured in juried exhibitions across New England and is part of private collections.

"I’ve always been fascinated by how light can make the ordinary feel extraordinary," Petrillo shares. "Even a fire hydrant or a brick building holds stories waiting to be uncovered."

Dickey, known as the “Streetscape Curator” is based in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. He uses painting, photography, and guided city tours to share the stories behind urban environments and their design. A native of Collinsville, Illinois, Dickey grew up exploring Route 66 and developed a lifelong fascination with architecture and streetscapes. His paintings often start with photographs taken on bike rides through neighborhoods, where he captures the essence of buildings, landmarks, and overlooked corners of the city.

"Photography is for painters in a hurry," Dickey explains. "I’ve been taking pictures since I was a kid, and now they’re the starting point for my paintings. Someday, I hope to create a book that combines my artwork with the history of every Boston location I paint."

Together, Petrillo and Dickey celebrate the beauty of urban life, from the interplay of light and shadow to the stories embedded in every building and streetscape. Whether through vibrant canvases or engaging tours, they invite viewers to see the world around them with new eyes.

Foundations and Facades was featured in the Peter C. Remis Lobby in the Wilkie Center for the Performing Arts on The Governor’s Academy’s campus in February 2025. 

Cover image: Matthew Dickey

Image in story: Kristin Petrillo