Welcome to the Swarthmore Rotary Arts Conversation
The Rotary Arts Conversation Series explores the creative spirit of local artists through thoughtful and engaging conversation.
Begun in January 2023 and spearheaded by Rotary member Ken Wright and Nathalie Andersen, the series brings audiences together with local actors, writers, musicians, and makers to discuss the elusive creative process and the inspiration behind their work. Each one-hour conversation is followed by a wine-and-cheese reception.
Events are held on the third Sunday afternoon of each month at the Park Avenue Community Center. Tickets are $10 and include the reception. Advance tickets are available at thepac.center/events. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits.
Upcoming Rotary Arts Conversation Speakers
Unless otherwise specified,
Location: Park Avenue Community Center
Time: 4:00 to 5:00pm
Sunday September 20 - Syd Carpenter
Syd Carpenter – Sculptor
The moderator will be Nathalie Anderson
Sunday October 18 - Tim Kearney
Tim Kearney – Architect, designer, and public servant
The moderator will be Penelope Reed
Sunday November 15 - Megan Hicks
Megan Hicks is a professional Story Teller
Moderator will be Earl Varney
2026 Speakers
Date |
Speaker |
Topic |
Moderator |
| Nov 15, 2026 | Megan Hicks | Storey Teller | Earl Varney |
| Oct 18, 2026 | Tim Kearney | Architect | Penelope Reed |
| Sept 20, 2026 | Syd Carpenter | Sculptor | Nathalie Anderson |
| April 17, 2026 | Abigail Adams | People’s Light Theatre | Penelope Reed |
| March 20, 2026 | Martha Perkins | Artist in Residence PAC Center | Rosemary Fox |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Marcie Bramucci | Hedgerow Theatre | Penelope Reed |
| Jan 16, 2026 | Lori Ardis | Lori’s Life in Dance and how she shaped our local landscape | Joan Wharton-Phibbs |
2025 Speakers
Date |
Speaker |
Topic |
Moderator |
| 14-Nov-25 | Dilruba Ahmen | Poet | Nathalie Anderson |
| 17-Oct-25 | Andrew Hauze | Musician/Composer | Nathalie Anderson |
| 19-Sep-25 | Martha Hodes | Writer | Nathalie Anderson |
| 10-May-25 | Sharon Fiedler | Dancer | Jeannine Osayande |
| 25-Apr-25 | Thomas Whitman | Writer | Nathalie Anderson |
| 17-Apr-25 | Abigail Adams | Theatre | Penelope Reed |
| 20-Mar-25 | Martha Perkins | Artist | Rosemary Fox |
| 21-Feb-25 | Susan Smythe | Textile Artist | Penelope Reed |
| 20-Feb-25 | Marcie Bramucci | Theatre | Penelope Reed |
| 17-Jan-25 | Ron Tarver | Photographer | Nathalie Anderson |
| 16-Jan-25 | Lori Ardis | Dancer | Joan Wharton-Phibbs |
2024 Speakers
Date |
Speaker |
Topic |
Moderator |
| 15-Nov-24 | Zak Berkman | Theatre | Rosemary Fox |
| 18-Oct-24 | Rinal Parikh | Artist | Allison DeSalvo |
| 20-Sep-24 | Betsy Bolton | Poet | Nathalie Anderson |
| 17-May-24 | Rachel Pastan | Poet | Nathalie Anderson |
| 15-Mar-24 | Randall Exon | Painter | Nathalie Anderson |
| 16-Feb-24 | John Alston | Chester Children’s Chorus | Marty Spiegel |
2023 Speakers
Date |
Speaker |
Topic |
Moderator |
| 17-Nov-23 | Robert Smythe | Puppets and Baker | Penelope Reed |
| 20-Oct-23 | Judy Schachner | Children’s Book Author | Rosemary Fox |
| 15-Sep-23 | Bruch Graham | Playwright | Rosemary Fox |
| 19-May-23 | Amy Sue Barston | Musician | Rosemary Fox |
| 21-Apr-23 | Jeannine Osayande | Dancer | Penelope Reed |
| 17-Mar-23 | Andrea Packard | Mixed Media & Quilter | Nathalie F Anderson |
| 17-Feb-23 | Nathalie Anderson | Poetry | Rosemary Fox |
| 20-Jan-23 | Penelope Reed | Theatre | Rosemary Fox |