Tara Maguire Opened Chestnut Hill Art Gallery
The new gallery aims to support artists by providing exhibition space and professional development workshops.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Fine Art
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Tara Maguire has officially opened Maguire Contemporary in Philadelphia's Chestnut Hill neighborhood. The new gallery held its grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 16, 2026.
Why it matters
The gallery operates on a philanthropic model designed to help local artists exhibit their work while gaining essential commercial skills. It specifically seeks to provide a platform for artists to learn how to effectively market their creations.
The gallery charges artists a 10% commission on sales. This figure represents a philanthropic approach to business compared to the standard commission rates typically found in commercial art spaces.
The players
Tara Maguire
She is the founder of Maguire Contemporary who returned to Pennsylvania to establish a community-focused art space.
Noelle DeSantis
She is a professional who assisted with the design and launch of the new gallery space.
Amir Lyles
He is a professional who collaborated on the development and opening of the gallery.
The details
Located at 8236 Germantown Ave., the gallery was brought to life with the assistance of Noelle DeSantis and Amir Lyles. The space aims to expand its reach by inviting high school students to showcase their art in future exhibitions.
Timeline
Tara Maguire began creating her own art in 2017.
The gallery space was rented in April 2026.
Maguire returned to Pennsylvania in July 2026.
The grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on September 16, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The emergence of Maguire Contemporary reflects the broader shift toward community-centric art hubs in urban neighborhood corridors. This model prioritizes local accessibility and educational support over the traditional high-end commercial gallery trajectory.
Artists in the area can now utilize the space for professional workshops to improve their marketing capabilities. The public can visit the location at 8236 Germantown Ave. to view new exhibits and support emerging talent.
The takeaway
The gallery creates a unique path for artists by minimizing commission costs to keep more revenue in the hands of creators. Local artists should monitor the gallery for opportunities to participate in upcoming educational programming and student showcases.
Further reading
Learn more about the local creative scene in the Philadelphia Fine Art section.
More information
For more information regarding upcoming workshops and exhibition schedules, visit the gallery website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Chestnut Hill Local.
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