Philly Dreamin’ & Becoming

Solo Art show by Artist and Educator Dominique Samarco

Dreams are powerful—they shape our aspirations, offer direction, and serve as blueprints for a better future. To build the life we envision, we must first dare to dream. As educators, it is our responsibility to nurture and inspire students to transform their dreams into reality. Art educators, in particular, play a vital role in helping students manifest their visions, as dreams are the foundation of success.

Dreaming has been central to my journey. Vivid, colorful images of my future have always guided me, a perspective reflected in my artwork. Growing up in Philadelphia—the poorest major city in America—dreams often serve as a beacon of hope, a means of escaping hardship and achieving stability. My paintings are a visual narrative of my past, present, and future—interwoven with my hopes, challenges, and growth.

This body of work retraces my personal journey and connection to my community through the lens of equity and currere, an educational method that explores experience in four stages: regressive, progressive, analytical, and synthetic. By revisiting my past and envisioning my future, I have examined how these timelines intersect to shape my present. My paintings depict meaningful places in Philadelphia, bridging personal history with the collective experience of my community. Through this work, I aim to highlight the importance of representation in fine art—how seeing one’s home and experiences reflected in art can foster a sense of belonging, particularly for those who have historically lacked access to artistic spaces.

As both an artist and educator, I draw from my experiences growing up in a working-class family in Philadelphia. I am the first in my family to pursue higher education, a journey shaped by resilience and determination. My work reflects not only my own dreams but also my commitment to educational equity and city-based youth.

Philadelphia’s deep financial disparities underscore the need for opportunity, access, and visibility. These paintings are my visual “Why”—a fusion of dreamlike optimism and gritty realism that embodies my life’s journey and the realities of the students I serve. Together, we navigate our pasts, presents, and futures, mirroring the broader human experience.

This series is a tribute—to my community, my aspirations, and the enduring power of dreams.

Philly Dreamin’ & Becoming will be on view in Gallery 1 from May 1 – May 25, 2025 with an opening reception on Sunday, April 4th from 4-7pm.