Independent Arts News Reporting Naked in New Hope Returns to New Hope Arts
Reported on Monday, May 5, 2025. Updated May 6, 2025.
Pictured Above: Bryan Holt, Naked Lunch. Photo Credit: Contributed.
NEWSROOM POST: NEW HOPE, PA
Beloved Nude Art Exhibition Revived to Celebrate Freedom, Pride, and the Human Form - running May 10th through June 15, 2025. Opening Reception is May 9th.
New Hope, PA – After a seven-year hiatus, Naked in New Hope—the iconic celebration of nude art—is making its much-anticipated return to the New Hope Arts Center this spring. This juried exhibition, originally conceived by Ricky Godinez and Paul Murphy of the late Sidetracks Gallery, was a hallmark of New Hope’s vibrant creative culture from 2007 to 2018.
The original show, hosted by Sidetracks Gallery—formerly located on Stockton Avenue in the New Hope Arts complex—quickly became a town favorite. It grew into a joyful, unfiltered spectacle of community and creativity, even spilling into the street as crowds gathered to experience the powerful and provocative works on display.
Pictured Above: Chris Kelly, Balanced, oil. Photo Credit: Contributed.
Now, New Hope Arts is proud to honor Ricky and Paul and their groundbreaking legacy by reviving Naked in New Hope in partnership with New Hope Celebrates during Pride Month 2025. The exhibition will run May 10 through June 15, with a festive Opening Reception and Award Announcements on Friday, May 9 from 6–8 PM, preceded by an exclusive Members’ Preview from 5–6 PM.
This year’s show features a dynamic lineup of weekend events in collaboration with New Hope Celebrates, including a burlesque cabaret, live nude figure drawing sessions, and a panel discussion featuring inspiring voices from the LGBTQ+ community. These events are designed to foster connection, creativity, and conversation around art, identity, and self-expression.
Pictured Above: Study in Warm and Cool: 1 by Matt Deprospero. Photo Credit: Contributed.
As part of this year’s exhibition, Naked in New Hope will also honor the late Ted Garrison (10/11/25 – 10/29/23), a beloved member of the New Hope community, by showcasing several of his paintings donated to New Hope Celebrates in his will. In keeping with Ted’s wishes, his collection is being offered through New Hope Celebrates, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that brings people together to celebrate the history, diversity, and inclusiveness of its community. Ted hoped his collection would help support the LGBTQ+ community and contribute to a lasting legacy. Proceeds from the sales will fund local LGBTQ+ initiatives and preserve the community’s vibrant queer history, benefiting both New Hope Arts and New Hope Celebrates.
Pictured Above: Christian Kowalchuk, Depth of a Sketch #1, wood. Photo Credit: Contributed.
“Naked in New Hope isn’t just about nude art,” said Christine Ramirez, Executive Director of New Hope Arts. “It’s about freedom of expression, body positivity, and the unique spirit of New Hope—a place where people can be themselves and celebrate one another respectfully and artistically.”
The 2025 revival showcases a wide range of styles and perspectives in a bold, diverse exhibit of the human form. Many mediums—from painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media—are represented in this vibrant and thought-provoking celebration of the body in all its beauty, complexity, and vulnerability.
Please note: Naked in New Hope includes artistic depictions of nudity and is recommended for adults and mature adolescents. While the exhibit is not sexually explicit, visitors should be aware that the human form is celebrated openly and unapologetically. Guests are encouraged to enter with an open mind and a respectful spirit.
Pictured Above: Christen McCreavy, Red Haired Woman, acrylic. Photo Credit: Contributed.
About New Hope Arts
New Hope Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting contemporary artists and enriching the community through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. For more information, visit newhopearts.org.
