By Colleen Cochran
Contributing Writer

Chad Cortez Everett, a painter and mixed medium artist, says that through his works he “aims to evoke nostalgia, provoke thought, and capture the essence of personal and collective memory.”

Much of Chad’s art depicts imagery from his personal experiences. He recreates objects and places that were important to him during his childhood and adolescence. His work is also an ode to Philadelphia, capturing its famous landmarks, sports heroes, and musicians. Viewers of his work often discover that the images that are important to him are likewise an integral part of their own life stories. 

His collage, “Fake gold chains, girl watching, and eating Cinnabons at The Gallery mall,” portrays images from his youthful days spent congregating with friends at The Gallery, a bygone shopping center in Center City Philadelphia. It depicts his memories of times spent sitting in the food court eating cinnamon buns and, in an attempt to bedazzle girls, donning large, fake gold chains purchased from mall vendors.

While viewers of this collage might not have the same memories, many do have their own memories of The Gallery, a place that no longer exists, and it is Chad’s hope that the collage rouses those recollections.

The Gallery opened in 1977, and in 1984, it was expanded and renamed The Gallery at Market East. In 2019, the mall was ultra-modernized and filled with large entertainment venues and more dining establishments. It was renamed Fashion District Philadelphia.  

Chad misses the quaint charm of the old mall. He said, “Nothing is permanent. That is why people need to really enjoy places and moments, and through my art, I attempt to capture them.”

Another of Chad’s works brings back to life the Elmwood Skating Rink, a place where he spent many happy moments. This roller skating rink operated on South 71st Street and Elmwood Avenue in Philadelphia from 1945 until 2015. The piece, simply entitled “Elmwood Skating Rink in Southwest Philly,” was displayed in 2023 at a regional juried exhibition called “215|610 Contemporary” at Delaware County Community College.

While some artists prefer to leave the meaning behind their works to the viewers’ interpretations, Chad Cortez Everett says his works tell a very distinct story. 

“They are my memories,” he says. “And I love to share those memories and stories with the public at my shows, and I like to hear their stories as well.”

Chad gets an opportunity to swap tales with art lovers at the many group and solo shows that display his artwork each year. In February, some of his collages were displayed at the Newark Arts Alliance in its show “Celebrating Black History Month: Here and Now.” In March, his work was presented in the program “Echoes in Matter: A Visiting Curator Exhibition by Taylor Blythewood-Porter” at The Center for Emerging Visual Artists in Philadelphia.

He grew up in West Philadelphia and attended Overbrook High School. An art teacher at that school, Leslie Kamison, inspired him to become an artist. Chad went on to obtain a BFA and art instructor certification from Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. He then earned an MFA in Painting from the LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting at the Maryland Institute College of Art. 

In addition to working as a professional artist, Chad spends much of his time inspiring budding artists, just as his mentor, Kamison, did for him. He was an art instructor for 19 years at McCullough Middle School in New Castle, Delaware, and he went on to teach at the Appoquinimink School District in New Castle for two years, and presently, he teaches at John Dickinson High School in Wilmington, Delaware.

“I teach my students to find their own style, to make mistakes, and to grow. Their art is for them—I don’t want to turn my students into clones of me,” Chad said.

Landenberg, where he lives, is a world away from West Philadelphia, but Chad says the region suits him. He was brought to the area when his wife, a doctor, was performing her residency program at Christiana Hospital.

“Landenberg is a good place for an artist to find himself,” he said. “The community is brimming with artists, and we inspire one another.”

Last year, Chad took part in the Artists of Landenberg Studio Tour, a very popular event in which the public is invited to visit the studios of a host of artisans, including painters, potters, tapestry makers, glass blowers, and more. He plans to participate this year, as well, and the event is scheduled for Oct. 11 and 12. 

Like every artist, as Chad’s life unfolds, his works evolve. He said that 2024 was a rough year for him because three of his friends died. For a while he was mired in sadness; he said he could not even paint at all. 

“It took me a minute, but I could not stay in that state for too long. In fact, I went on to spend the rest of the year working feverishly and building up my supply of artwork,” Chad said.  “I suddenly was infused with a sense of urgency to create. I realized, life is short. And I also suddenly became more willing to take risks and to make mistakes.”

When Chad started out as an artist, during his grad school years, he was painting the 90s hip hop scene at Baltimore night clubs. After graduation, he became more serious, preferring to depict political and racial issues. That phase of his work did not last too long, however, because he felt his work was losing some of its joy.

He stated, “I need to infuse a layer of humor into my works.”

The onset of Covid 19 marked the beginning of a new artistic period. It was during this time that he started creating works that documented his memories. 

“It became apparent to me that we don’t know what life is going to bring each day,” he said. “And I felt this strong desire to cherish specific moments.”

As his life continues to evolve, Chad Cortez Everett updates the works that capture that life on his website: http://chadceverettart.com/. He hopes his site provides viewers with an opportunity to connect with their own life journeys.