ABOUT THE GALLERY
The Square Pear’s exhibits change monthly and center around a theme inspired and interpreted by the artists represented that particular month. The gallery’s owner and curator, Corien Siepelinga, focuses on showing various styles of artwork from local, national, and international artists.
Our patrons look forward to the Third Thursday opening receptions as a time to gather and view the new works on display. You are always welcome to stop by and explore the featured show during regular hours, or by appointment.
How it all began…
In January of 2018 Corien Siepelinga purchased Mala Galleria from Zvezdana Stojanovic Scott, known to many as Stella. The gallery’s name had been inspired by the word mala, or ‘small’ in Serbian.
As expected, the gallery was well received and, in time, moved from its tiny storefront to its current spacious location at 200 East State Street. Mala Galleria was eventually renamed The Square Pear Fine Art Gallery to reflect Corien’s story and the Kennett Square community she and her family now call home.
ABOUT THE OWNER
Corien Siepelinga (pronounced ko-rēnˈ sē-pa-lingˈ-a) emigrated from the Netherlands to Canada when she was three years old. She grew up in Canada, met her husband John and had her two children there and later moved to Victoria Texas with his work with DuPont.
While in Texas with two young children and no work visa, she taught herself to draw with the help of books from the local library. After 2 years in Victoria TX and 3 years in Orange, TX the Siepelinga family moved to Avondale Pennsylvania. After moving to Avondale in 2005 Corien returned to her work as an ICU nurse but continued with her drawing. She studied oil painting with Neil Carlin on a part-time basis and later took classes in abstract painting with Susan Melrath and additional classes online with Nicholas Wilton.
In 2018 with her children leaving for college and her husband traveling more frequently with work she was looking to do something different. The opportunity to purchase an art gallery business in downtown Kennett Square suddenly presented itself and she took it. She left nursing and now curates monthly exhibits at the gallery and teaches art classes to children (in 2020 she will be teaching adult classes as well). She has been thrilled with this opportunity and the chance to be involved with the local community. Stop in soon and say hello - she would love to show you what great artists in your area are making and hope you feel inspired to try your hand at art as well!