News

Creative expression is an important part of life at Inglis, and many residents come here because of the artistic opportunities we offer. Our Artist in Residence program, which was created and continues to be funded by a generous grant from  Philadelphia’s Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation, is led by artist-in-residence Rhoda Kahler, an accomplished ceramicist. Rhoda helps residents who have an art background to adapt their style based on their mobility needs and has also enabled residents to find hidden talents.

Bringing art to life at Inglis: Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation

Residents work with artist-in-residence Rhoda Kahler  (in black) on the Brancusi-inspired totem pole ( at right) that became part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s exhibit, “Bridges: Accessible Programs Build Partnerships.” The totem pole is permanently installed in the Inglis courtyard. 

In the late 1960s, Inglis hired a second social worker to guide residents between the ages of 18 and 45 toward a more fulfilling life through vocational and educational training.   This service enhancement was made possible through a generous grant from the Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation.  

Since then the Foundation, established in the mid-twentieth century by Caroline Dolfinger McMahon and her daughter, Mary M. McMahon, has been a long-time partner of Inglis.  For nearly three decades, the Foundation has had a special interest in supporting the arts at Inglis with grants for the purchase of musical instruments, storytelling programs, documentary filmmaking and the creation of an
in-house resident art gallery.  

For the past six years, the Foundation has directed its support to the Inglis House Artist-in-Residence Program.  Residents participating in this program have created extraordinary pieces for Inglis House’s permanent resident art collection and for exhibitions in community venues.