The Stoop
Philadelphia is blessed with the presence of one of the most flourishing D.I.Y. art scenes in the world. Philadelphians understand the responsibility it takes to nurture the growth of that culture. Local art freelancer, Juls Cheresko, takes that responsibility above and beyond through her creation, The Stoop.
The Stoop is a “Hub of Arts”, as Cheresko describes it, where people can come from far and near to experience the different types of DIY art Philadelphia has to offer. With an emphasis on people of color, queer people, and women, The Stoop is an art mart which encourages anyone and everyone to come and share their arts and passions.
“I really try to create a hub of diverse artists… for the betterment of the community. Everyone is welcome, art really does bring the whole community together. Locals come and shop and I’ve even seen families. Art really just brings everyone together.” - Cheresko
The Stoop’s reach does not stop at art though, community is central to The Stoop’s objective. This fall, The Stoop’s art mart collaboration with Diamond Street Community Garden raised enough money to double the garden’s annual budget in just one day. Simultaneously, the entry fees from that art mart were donated to Temple Cats.
“So many amazing people do amazing things, and so many amazing people need help”- Cheresko
Launched in August 2022, The Stoop rose from the remnants of another art mart which ceased activity shortly after being exposed for their violence towards women. Chresko, being one of the brave women who spoke out against the owners of the aforementioned art mart, created The Stoop in response.
“Once I made it clear that it [the aforementioned art mart] was in no way affiliated with the stoop and it was safe it spread like wildfire. The whole DIY scene flooded me with support… I couldn't believe it” – Cheresko
Using the skills she had acquired at the previous art mart, creating the stoop was no big task for Cheresko, which gave her more room for creativity and activism. Feminism is extremely important to Cheresko, as she focuses so much energy towards lifting up the women in her community.
“Now I get to do it the way I’ve always wanted it to be, without someone constantly telling me it’s wrong. I made sure that people knew it was a woman run. [the] theme is super feminine”- Cheresko
Feminism is central at The Stoop in the way they handle business and personnel. The Stoop prides itself on their encouragement of feminine art and its active pursuit of booking those artists as a priority. The Stoop goes even further by providing pink wristbands to a select group of ‘safe people’ who women can turn to in times of need.
“No one should ever feel uncomfortable experiencing art, it's ridiculous… hold men accountable when you see it” – Cherescko
Empowering female voices is a priority for plenty of people in the DIY scene, and it is inspiring to see them coming together to find community at a place like The Stoop. Needless to say, The Stoop is paving the way for a generation of female artists to feel safe and supported.
“There’s a community of women in the DIY scene that is just rumbling right now, and slowly getting bigger. I think were on a really good path” – Cherescko
Juls Cheresko’s deep passion for feminism, art, and Philadelphia has manifested itself into one of the most beautiful and well managed organizations in this scene’s long history. Imagine what our DIY scene would look like today if these resources were available to young people in the 1900s. Movements like The Stoop, and women like Juls Cheresko are the forces which drive change in our community, and it is so inspiring to all it has and is still yet to accomplish.
Unfortunately, The Stoop does not host independent art marts during the winter (due to weather), but keep an eye out for smaller projects throughout the year. The art mart hopes to be involved with various events to continue their push for community, because as Juls Cheresko puts it: “Art Heals Community”.