Vivian Lehrer is a multidisciplinary artist whose work imagines reverent ways of walking with each other and our planet. Integrating natural materials, painting, ephemeral processes, interactive installations, and community-building, Vivian’s art practice playfully points to our vulnerable interconnection within the more-than-human world.

A first-generation American raised by Chilean parents, Vivian served for 12 years as founding co-director of Eden Village Camp, a farm-and-arts sleepaway camp with locations in NY and California. At Eden Village, Vivian fostered radical inclusivity through earth-based programming – often involving rite-of-passage challenges, art with biomaterials, song sessions, and parades with giant puppets. Previously, Vivian served Spanish-speaking clients as a public-interest lawyer in NYC. She lives and works on Lenni-Lenape land (Philadelphia), where she plays bass in the indie-folk band Gorgeous Porch, and regularly hosts house concerts and other events. In 2023 she curated “ephemeral partner”, a 23-artist show at iMPeRFeCT Gallery exploring human-plant relationships.



Statement

I forget and remember, forget and remember: We belong to one another and this planet. A compass for me is the question, “What conditions did humans evolve for, before this recent experiment of modern civilization?” The closer we align with our “original instructions”, the happier and more peaceful we feel. 

My art practice is in some ways an activism, an invitation to draw nearer to what feels deeply true. When we gather in celebration, grief, or/and shared purpose, we become more like old-growth forest. I love aiming to remove distance via the transformative power of music and art, from the silly to the sublime.

In the face of climate chaos and violence, joy and play and beauty are all the more urgent because they help us inhabit the relationships that give us life and meaning. From here, we nurture a profound sense of ecological and social responsibility.

I’m attracted to all things rhythmic. The engulfing, emotive mystery of music infinitely fascinates me, and inspires my visual work. From the imperfect concentric circles of tree prints to the repetition and variations of hundreds of Uva de Mar leaves, I am feeling for a musical quality.

My collaborations with trees are prayers made with our greatest gifts: time and presence. Engaging with them becomes an integral part of the song.

CV

EDUCATION

Realistic Portraiture - Course with Marvin Mattelson, School of Visual Arts, NY, 2013

Certified Permaculture Designer (regenerative agriculture practices), 2009

Columbia University, New York, NY: B.A. Urban Studies 2002, J.D. 2006

  • WKCR Radio Station: Radio show producer + host ‘99-02; Arts Dept. Director ‘00-‘02

  • Columbia Area Volunteer Ambulance: Responded as EMT to World Trade Center after 9/11/01

EXHIBITIONS

  • Rhythm is Nature / It is Our Nature (solo show): July-August 2024, Cope House Gallery at Awbury Arboretum, Philadelphia, PA

  • Now, One With Everyone! - July - August 2024, Icebox Project Space, Philadelphia, PA

  • March 2024, Latina Stories, curated by Ayiana Viviana, iMPeRFeCT Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

  • Sept - Oct. 2023, Reverie / Revelry: A series of interactive dance performances in the Wissahickon, co-sponsored by Philadelphia Parks + Rec and Salt Trails Philly, Philadelphia, PA

  • November 2023, Annual Show, iMPerRFeCT Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

  • Sept. 2023, Epilogue: The Final Exhibition, Pilot Projects, Philadelphia, PA

  • March 2023, ephemeral partner, iMPerRFeCT Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

FELLOWSHIPS, GRANTS + AWARDS

  • 2023-present: Mending Spirit, Teaching Artist Grant: funding to design and implement weekly art classes in senior centers.

  • 2009-2023: Schusterman Family Foundation, ROI Fellow: Access to professional development micro-grants, and Grassroots Event Grants for community-building events.

  • 2012: UJA Greening Fellow - Received mentorship + grants for sustainability initiatives.

  • 2010: Named to the Jewish Week newspaper’s “36 Under 36” list of young leaders.

CURATORIAL EXPERIENCE

  • March 7 - April 15, 2023: ephemeral partner: art about relationship with the more-than-human world, iMPeRFeCT Gallery, Philadelphia, PA. 

Visioned, curated, installed and cataloged a 23-artist group show highlighting an emerging movement of mostly-Philadelphia-based artists who explore how we position ourselves within the rest of nature. Produced a rich calendar of related events.

  • 2005: Jailhouse Lawyer’s Manual Cover Art Show. During law school, visioned, curated and installed an art exhibit of imprisoned people’s artwork, co-sponsored by Amnesty International.

DESIGN WORK

  • 2016 - 19: Designed and managed five “green” gut renovations of homes.

  • 2017 - present: Interior design consulting via word of mouth. 

    Design logos, album covers, flyers etc. for musicians.

  • Ongoing: Produce frequent house concerts and other events, exploring the role of artist as host.