Media & Press
Community Spotlight: Ronnie Bookbinder
Ronnie Bookbinder has spent much of her life helping people discover the power of learning—and in her next chapter, she has turned that same sense of curiosity toward the arts. Before becoming a working artist, Bookbinder built a career as a Reading Specialist and ESL Instructor in the Lower Merion School District, where she worked with students and families in the community. She was particularly known for her work at Welsh Valley Middle School for decades. After retiring from education, Bookbinder brought a longtime passion for art to the forefront. Her work is described as loose, modern and energetic, with a focus on the colors, shapes and rhythms found in both natural and urban environments. Her artist statement emphasizes the joy of looking again at ordinary places and discovering something new in them. That second act has developed into an accomplished artistic career. Bookbinder has participated in juried exhibitions throughout the Philadelphia region and has received honors and awards for her work. Her paintings have appeared through organizations and venues including the Main Line Art Center, Yellow Springs Historical Society, the Sketch Club, Wayne Art Center, New Hope Artists League, Gladwyne Library, Radnor and Bryn Mawr Penn Medicine, and the Athenaeum. Her work has also found a home in community spaces. In 2019, the Newtown Square Public Library hosted an exhibition of her paintings, highlighting pieces inspired by everyday life and the Philadelphia area. At the time, Bookbinder spoke about exhibiting her work as an opportunity to share something meaningful with the public—a perspective that connects naturally with her earlier career in education. From helping students develop confidence as readers to encouraging people to see their surroundings differently through art, Ronnie Bookbinder's story is one of education, creativity and lifelong discovery. Her journey reminds us that the role we play in a community does not have to end when a career does. Sometimes, a new chapter simply gives us another way to share what we have learned—and to keep inspiring the people around us. — with DayDream Global and Ronnie Bookbinder at Welsh Valley Middle School.
View on FacebookPhilly Voices: Celebrating the Heartbeat of a City
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Maguire Art Museum presents an exhibition celebrating Philadelphia's vibrant culture, neighborhoods, landmarks, and communities. Featuring works by 29 local artists, the exhibition explores the city as a place of creativity, resilience, and connection. Through architecture, murals, nature, and everyday life, Philadelphia emerges as a dynamic place where history continues to shape the present. On view June 20th, 2026 to August 2nd, 2026. The opening reception is on June 28th, 2026. Please RSVP online at sju.edu/maguire-art-museum
Artists in the Time of Pandemic
Ronnie Bookbinder in an interview with John Thornton
Ronnie Bookbinder creates colorful paintings that try to capture the spirit of urban life. In her recent, sadly cancelled show at Cerulean Arts, she uses the bicycle as a metaphor for city exploration.
Newtown Square Public Library
"For the last ten years, Ronnie has followed her interest in art, and now has many pieces juried into shows all over the greater Philadelphia/Delaware area. She is currently in the Historic Yellow Springs Show, the Berwyn Art Gallery, the Cerulean Gallery, and fortunately for us – the Newtown Square Public Library!" - Terri McCarthy
Read Full ArticleThe Art of the River Towns Artist of the Week
This month we are featuring recipients of the Art of the River Towns Juried Show awards. Art of the River Towns, presented by River Towns Magazine, was held Oct. 1 to 4, at Prallsville Mills in Stockton, N.J. Third prize winner Ronnie Bookbinder of Penn Valley enjoys painting in a loose and modern style. "She sees beauty in the colors, shapes and rhythms of the natural and man-made world," she says in her artist statement. "Her work reveals that beauty in a vibrant display of color and movement."
Read Full ArticleOne Minute Crit of Ronnie Bookbinder at Cerulean Arts
Carol Taylor Kearney reviews the artwork of Ronnie Bookbinder at Cerulean Arts.