Remember That Time …
A Solo Exhibition
Explore The Past Through Nostalgic Paintings
With a Touch of Humor
The Chester County Art Association will be hosting: “Remember That Time …”, a solo exhibition by the West Chester artist Karen McCool, exploring the ephemeral nature of memory and the past through a mid-century aesthetic. This is the artist’s second solo exhibition at the gallery.
But First, The Deets …
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Chester County Art Association
100 North Bradford Avenue, West Chester, PA 19382 -
Show Runs from Oct 8 - 28
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Thursday October 8, 2026
5-7p -
There will be wine.
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Warning: McCool’s painting titles (like this show description) contain curse-words occasionally or, as some might say, all the time. So if you’re outraged by F-bombs, this show isn’t for you. If, on the other hand, you LOVE a little salty language AND drinking wine while looking at art with strangers, you’re going to want to go to the opening.
The Show Of The Year
That No One Asked For!
Karen McCool’s solo exhibition titled, “Remember That Time …” is considered to be the best fine art show of 2026, (according to people who don’t know the difference between fine art and macaroni glued to construction paper).
It has been hailed as an artistic triumph! by absolutely no one and is destined to leave the viewer moderately underwhelmed, which is to say:
You won’t want to miss it!
(Unless you have laundry to do or haven’t seen all of Netflix yet).
Title: Chicken Fight AKA Shoulder Wars | 36x24 oil on panel
Title: Two Rules, Stay Off The Dunes And Watch What You Say To Me | 40×30 oil on panel
McCool’s narrative oil paintings of retro subjects serve as a springboard for old memories ... like a vacation down the shore, (remember those puka shell necklaces?) or begging your mom to buy you a hermit crab on the boardwalk (what happened to those and why did we want one?). Or you may be reminded of boating on a lake or taking a long road trip. (Remember when every road trip began by stocking up on snacks at the corner store, like a ten-year-old with twenty bucks in their pocket)?
Through a mid-century aesthetic, McCool captures universal experiences, like time spent with your grandma (the sweet one, not the grumpy one), or a favorite aunt. A painting might evoke a sibling fight (we will go to our graves without revealing the mystery of how that lamp broke) or hanging out with (ie: “partying with”) your besties. These paintings take you back to a simpler time when summers lasted way longer than they do now (how do we get that feeling back?) and all the boys had cooties. (Except for Tommy who always shared his red licorice at recess). You may even recall when, as a teen, you could rock n roll all night AND! party every day. (Now it's one or the other. Never both). Or perhaps you'll simply be reminded of that one guy who thought it was hilarious to end every sentence with "That's what she said". Individual results may vary.
Title: She Buys Her Own Friggin’ Flowers | 24×24 oil over acrylic on panel
Defiant women drinking martinis
You'll recognize a recurring theme of women drinking martinis who are tired of your sh*t, because the artist is a woman over forty (Fine! She’s pushing 60, now let’s all shut up about it), and like many middle-aged women, her days of people pleasing are long over. She has entered her everyone-can-f*ck-right-off era. But also because this artist will take any chance she can get to poke societies' expectations for women right in the eye (with a fancy cocktail umbrella).
Title: When Your BFF Orders Tequila Shots But You Don't Want Any Part Of That Shit Show | 24×36 oil on panel
Mostly the artist hopes (and I know this, because I'm the artist, writing in the third person) that her work will remind the viewer of the impermanence of memory, and to share their stories. Sharing our experiences builds understanding and empathy—and holy shit could we use more of that right now. Ideally, these paintings will spark conversations or lead to the retelling of a hilarious story or an inside joke. Because ultimately, there are few better things in life than reminiscing with an old friend you haven't seen in a while, laughing so hard you snort a little, over a cocktail and conversation that started with...
"Remember that time..."
… There are few better things in life than reminiscing with an old friend … laughing so hard you snort a little, over a cocktail and conversation that started with...
"Remember that time..."
⚠️ Warning: These paintings may cause sudden waves of nostalgia and profound reflecting on the past. If your reflection lasts more than 4 hours, put down the wine and step away from the painting.