This week’s Top 5 Events all tie to an artistic sensibility. Whether it’s viewing historic photos, learning about video game design, or watching films, your right-brain will be getting some exercise. But that doesn’t mean that if you’re not interested in artistic pursuits, you won’t find anything to do–there’s history, contemporary hobbies, and science here too! Take this week to dabble in areas that you may not be familiar with, whether it’s film (and the bad science behind bad films), sunprints, or female video game designers. You’ll gain new perspectives or skills from all of these events!
Creating Camelot at the National Constitution Center
When: Now through September Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia Cost: $13 admission
Creating Camelot: The Photography of Jacques Lowe features iconic and intimate photos of the Kennedy family. “Camelot” refers to the legacy of John F. Kennedy’s presidency, evoking images of myth and fairy-tale and the hope that accompanied Kennedy’s inauguration. While this is the legacy of the president, the Constitution Center exhibit explores the man, the family, and the moments behind it. Restored photos taken by personal photographer Jacques Lowe showcase the private and public life of the Kennedys and explore how the images were used in newspapers and magazines. A large touch-screen monitor featuring more than two dozen of Lowe’s original contact sheets and a film about Lowe’s connection to the family provide extra highlights at the exhibit. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a more nuanced view of one of America’s most well-regarded presidents through the lens of Jacques Lowe.
Mega-Bad Movie Night: Anaconda
When: February 26, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Where: Academy of Natural Sciences, 19th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia Cost: $15-$25
After hours at the Academy of Natural Sciences will feature the “awesomely awful” 1997 classic Anaconda featuring Jennifer Lopez. While the film is showing, experts will be onstage to provide quips and funny comments on the scientific absurdities of the film. After the showing, you can wander through the Academy’s exhibits, including Dinosaur Hall and Butterflies!, with no crowds and kids running around. There will also be snacks and drinks (21+), live animals, and entertaining hands-on activities. So if you’ve got a nerdy side or are looking to tap into your scientific side, this is a great place to hang out and meet other people!
Salvage and Sunprints: Experimenting with Cyanotypes
When: March 1, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Where: The Resource Exchange, 1701 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia Cost: $5
The Resource Exchange reCreate featured artist Catherine Nelson will be demonstrating how to make sunprints with reclaimed materials at this unique workshop. Participants will learn how to make film positives and expose cyanotypes by drawing and laying objects on photographic paper. After exposing the print to the sun and drying them, you’ll be left with awesome-looking sunprints! Each person will make three at the workshop. All the materials will be provided by the Resources Exchange, but participants are encouraged to bring weirdly-shaped objects from home to “photograph.” This event is a fun way to get your creative juices flowing and to learn a new artistic technique. And you’ll go home with new artwork for your dorm or apartment, as well!
Game Changers: Women Making Games
When: March 4, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Where: Stewart Auditorium, Moore College of Art and Design, 20th Street and the Parkway, Philadelphia Cost: FREE!
Moore College of Art and Design is hosting a night to celebrate the success of women creating video games and animation and working in the video game industry. Three contemporary artists will share their experiences and provide an insider’s view of the gaming industry. The panelists will include: Alison Carrier, a UI/UX designer who currently works at Electronic Arts; Katy Farina, who works at Hullabalu and does freelance work for BOOM! Studios; and Casey Uhelski, a children’s book illustrator and T-shirt designer for The Yetee, which specializes in pop culture and video game T-shirts. This event is a great chance to learn about the video game industry and the women who are making their mark there!
Penn Humanities Forum: “Mississippi Damned” Screening
When: March 4, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Where: International House, 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia Cost: Free!
The Penn Humanities Forum’s series featuring New Black Cinematography continues this week with a free screening of the 2009 film Mississippi Damned. This cinema series honors the work of Bradford Young, the acclaimed cinematographer whose work captures visions of African-American communities from New York City to Mississippi (including his recent work in the Oscar-nominated film Selma). He again presents a visual masterpiece in Mississippi Damned, which tells the story of three sisters who grow up in a small rural Mississippi town and struggle to break out of their family dysfunction. Enjoy a night of film at this FREE screening!
