Back To My Roots: A Terrence L. Gore Exhibition

October 3 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm

October 12 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

October 19 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm 

This exhibition can be viewed during open hours in the historic Bartram House as a part of the following events: Twilight in the Garden on 10/3, Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration on  10/12, and Harvest Fest on 10/19 

“A Creative Story of Survival

My family migrated here from Savannah, GA in 1967. Terrence L. Gore, a Geechee boy.

We moved into Bartram Village in 1971.

Bartram’s Garden was my backyard, a clothes line, fashion inspiration, and sanctuary green space.

It was far too easy for me to squeeze my slight body through the fence that surrounded the Garden then and cross the tracks which separated the Village from the Garden. I would seek out and explore nature as a child to discover the world of natural wonders: seeds, herbs, fruits, specimens, animals, the river, and hills, etc.

I was amazed by John Bartram’s house, which we could only visit from the outside when I was growing up. The architecture was astonishing. I wanted to know what was in such a structure that is so pristine – yet so private to me at times. For 50-plus years, I have had the experience of this land.

Interestingly enough, John Bartram and I share so much in common; botanists and creators. Although our mediums and collections are different – our missions are similar.

I use my art as a teaching tool, telling stories of natural beauty; a survival tool as medicine for the soul.

Twenty years ago, upon my diagnosis with PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy), and a month stay in the hospital, I had to make a huge decision. HOW WAS I GOING TO LIVE MY LIFE – MOVING FORWARD? After I was discharged from the hospital I went back “home” to Bartram’s Garden to do some soul searching.

It was then that pieces of natural mediums caught my eye and began to speak to me. I started to create artworks from my soul; works that are difficult to describe at times where the completed images come alive and are seemingly looking right back at me.

Most recently, after two months and a few days in the hospital, 6/15/2025 – 8/21/2025, I am making a speedy recovery. I’m excited to share these works & my story and hope that it will bring the Garden alive for those who visit in new and wonderful ways.”

TWILIGHT IN THE GARDEN

Twilight in the Garden is Bartram’s Garden annual gala event. They recognized the healing effects of our natural world and celebrating three incredible proponents of public green spaces:

• Acclaimed local artist Terrence L. Gore

• Philadelphia 3rd District City Councilmember Jamie R. Gauthier

• Longwood Gardens President & CEO Paul B. Redman

Terrence was honored for his support and advocacy of green spaces at Bartram’s Garden.

Terrence offers The Art of Healing Workshop to groups of any size, providing a safe space for anyone living with a disability or a special need to enjoy themselves and identify themselves as artists. The workshop is designed to help people feel creative and to understand that they can love themselves unconditionally. It incorporates interactive art creation, dance, music, and nutrition education to help participants explore their creative expression and self-identity.