As Pottstown's art scene continues to grow, San Diego native James Enders adds his pop art to the equation. The recent appearance of Romero Britto at the Schuylkill River Heritage Festival, Enders boasts catching the eye of the famous artist and honorary co-chair of the Tri-County Performing Arts Center. "He actually wanted to buy one of my pieces," said Enders with a smile.Self-proclaimed "neo-modernist," Enders abstract paintings and sculptures can be seen in many private and public collections.

As the gallery owner of Dada Art Gallery, 217 High Street, Enders is excited to open up a new exhibit featuring his work and the work of fellow Pottstown artist Gwendolyn Parrish. The new exhibit, entitled "Diaspora," will combine two award-winning artists with different genres that personify the "Dada movement" using vibrant color to reflect a free spirit that crosses cultural barriers. With a common respect for the subconscious as a focal point, both artists' will draw inspiration from their diverse backgrounds.

Enders explained, "This exhibit will explore the close relationships with African, European and American pop culture." An opening reception for the exhibition will be held on Saturday, Dec.1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Enders, a fourth generation painter, is locally known for his bright use of colors and cubist-inspired paintings and sculpture. His paintings are whimsical and entertaining and have been featured in the Philadelphia Gallery Guide, Philadelphia City Paper, Philadelphia Weekly, In Liquid, Mute Magazine, and several other web magazines.

Enders' style is reminiscent of Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dali, Alexander Calder and Keith from the same water as Keith Haring."

"I have plans to collaborate with Val Bertoia [son of Harry Bertoia] at Bertoia Studios. He bought two of my pieces too," said Enders.

Enders' eclectic style comes from his unique background and art influences in addition to a brief career in the music industry and roots in the urban skateboarding scene. "I like to listen to music. I like to study art and I buy and sell vintage art. I am also an avid-art collector myself. I just bought an Andy Warhol and I own a Matisse and a few Pollocks."

Enders hopes to offer yet another outlet at Dada Art Gallery for local artists such as Parrish to show their work with continued development. "This will be the first of many shows. I hope to have spoken word here too. It will be a place people can come and have a cup of coffee and hang-out."

Parrish, a second-generation painter, is locally and nationally known for her award-winning outsider art. She is a former West Chester native who now resides and paints in Pottstown.

She is a professional painter who has studied with Gallery on High Instructor Mary Ellen Christ. Parrish can be best described as a "native painter." Her work was also featured at the recent Schuylkill River Heritage Festival.

Parrish's paintings are inspired by music and African-American culture. Her color pallet is vibrant and draws on her quest for self-exploration. Viewers are immediately drawn into the scene depicted by Parrish as she uses an array of colors and diverse subject matter.

Her paintings were awarded the first runner-up prize at the Independent Art Festival in Manhattan in 2004 prior to any formal training. Parrish continues to study art and develop her skills with her recent collaboration with Enders.

The show will run through Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information call 484-941-6424 or visit www.jamesenders.bravehost.com.