Humans of Swarthmore: Martha Perkins

Martha Perkins is the owner of Gallery on Park. Photo: Satya Nelms

I’m the owner of Gallery on Park and also the president of Swarthmore Friends of the Arts. Swarthmore Friends of the Arts does the rotating exhibits in Borough Hall, which are currently stalled because of COVID. But basically, a different artist has a show each month. We help them install and advertise the show, to give local artists a venue to display their work. 

I also work with the farmers market. I organize the artists at the market each week throughout the season. That was actually my inspiration for opening the gallery, because I had developed such a connection to all of the local artists. I’m very passionate about helping artists find opportunities to sell their work, and have it seen.

I’ve lived here for 20 years but I felt like I belonged here and was welcome within a year of moving here. It’s such an open community. The only thing that turned me off was the lack of diversity. But as I got to know people in the town, I realized that that was just the surface. It was just what I was seeing with my eyes. 

This community was so welcoming and accepting and open-minded. It just reflected my own values. Because of that, I felt like I was at home. And what’s more a sense of belonging than feeling like you’re at home?