Make the city your campus
Kick-start your weekend at the museum. Every Friday Night, enjoy live music and gallery access as well as cocktails and tapas-style dishes.
Unwind with two intimate sets of jazz, folk, and international music. Have burning questions about the collection? Guides will share stories about your favorite works in the galleries.
Included with museum admission.
Storyteller Denise Valentine and art historian Adrienne Childs offer new perspectives on historical representations of black people in the context of slavery. This talk is the Eda G. Diskant Memorial Lecture.
Denise Valentine opens the program with a story based on her research of Philadelphia histories of slavery. Adrienne Childs will survey depictions of black people in European decorative arts. In what societies, and according to what ideas of beauty, were they produced?
A moderated discussion on race and representation will follow. Image: Beaker, c. 1770. Artist/maker unknown, Bohemian. Bequest of Constance A. Jones, 1988.
Sip and sketch with local artists on the first Wednesday of every month. October 2 features illustrator Hawk Krall.
Drawing materials provided; bar drinks available for purchase.
Photo courtesy of the artist.
Sip and sketch with local artists. Drawing materials provided; bar drinks available for purchase. Included in Pay What You Wish admission.
Art and manga historian Ryan Holmberg joins narrative artist Ronald Wimberly for a conversation on the enduring influence of Yoshitoshi on contemporary comics. Keep this pop-up comic-con going afterwards with local vendors Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse, Dirty Diamonds, Beehive Books, and Anuj Srestha. Enjoy book signings and a Yoshitoshi-inspired printmaking activity. Food and drink available for purchase. $10 ($8 members).
Offered in conjunction with “Yoshitoshi: Spirit and Spectacle.”
Perelman Building, 2525 Pennsylvania Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19130
Enjoy the Philadelphia Magic Gardens by twilight! Student admission is just $16 for this special evening at this iconic South Street spot. Full schedule for the evening below. Don’t forget to BYOBBS (Bring Your Own Booze [21+], Blanket and Snacks)!
7:00 – 10:00 PM – Bling out an accessory with Teaching Artist Stacey Holder
7:30, 9:05, & 9:30 PM – Mini Tours of PMG’s mosaicked basement
8:00 – 9:00 PM – Live Performance by River Bones Band
It’s alright! Bring your guitar and your friends and enjoy the sun before it disappears for several long, months of winter. Market Season is almost over, but not quite. These markets are open this week, so stock up on fresh produce (but not too much because, you know, it spoils), adorable knick knacks, and cool indie crafts.
Common Ground Marketplace
When: Every Sunday until Thanksgiving; 12-4pm Where: Common Ground Marketplace
This small market features several small businesses, including Smear It and Babycakes, in conjunction with both The Food Trust and Congregation Rodeph Shalom staff. Tours are available at 11am and 1pm for local urban farms. In addition to offering affordable local produce and artisanal vendors, the Food Trust market offers line dancing, cooking demos, and food trucks. It’s sure to be a blast!
The Philly Flea
When: Sept. 19th; 8am-4pm Where: St. Peter’s Church
Check out the largest indoor/outdoor flea market in Center City! Specifically focusing on antiques, the Philly Flea is taking place this Saturday. The vendors will be featuring collectibles, vintage jewelry, clothing and accessories, and more. New and handmade goods are specifically NOT allowed, so if your heart’s in the past or if you want something quirky to put on the walls of your dorm room or apartment, head on over!
University Square Farmers Market
When: Wed 10-2 until Nov. 25th Where: 36th at Walnut Street
This one’s for y’all at UPenn and Drexel! In your backyard, The Food Trust farmers markets provides IPM fruits and berries, conventional vegetables, dairy products, Amish canned and baked goods, European-style baked goods and more!
Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours
When: Sun, Sept. 20; 10am all year round Where: Reading Terminal Cost: $15.95 (reservations required)
Learn more about the 114-year history of the markets and where to get the best cheesesteak and pretzels at this tour of Reading Terminal Market. And after the tour, grab a gyro from Olympia Gyro or a hot apple dumpling from the Dutch Eating Place. There’s fresh produce, a vendor that sells different kinds of oils, and a delicious crepe place. Also, Reading Terminal Market is considered a public market instead of a farmers market due to the fact that most of the produce vendors are not the ones that grow the produce. The tour leaves from the Market information desk at 12th and Filbert streets. The market is open daily.
Art Star Pop Up Market
When: Sat. 11-4 pm until Sept. 26th Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park
This market, supported by Art Star, a gallery and boutique, features arts and crafts vendors. The artists behind Art Star have chosen a rotating array of the best indie crafters displaying their artsy products including decorative housewares, jewelry, prints, accessories, and more. Enjoy their affordable, handmade goods along with live music, a pop up restaurant, and HAMMOCKS!
Manayunk has been recognized as a center of historical charm in Philly, offering a small-town feel while being only minutes from Center City Philadelphia. The neighborhood’s Main Street is home to shops, businesses, bars, and restaurants, all strategically placed along the scenic Schuylkill River. The community is made up of a combination of residents who’ve been fixtures in the neighborhood for decades, and young millennials right out of college who are attracted to the social scene and young feel of the neighborhood. All of this means that Manayunk has something to offer for everyone.
This summer, Manayunk is taking advantage of its thriving social scene and beautiful outdoor location and hosting many fun events, including some that have been held for years and some that are new to 2015. One of the largest and most popular events held every year is the Manayunk Arts Festival.
The Manayunk Development Corporation will host the 26th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21 this year. The event is the largest outdoor arts festival in the tri-state area, attracting nearly 200,000 guests every year. Held on Manayunk’s popular Main Street, guests come from all over to attend this fun two-day festival. Vendors, buyers, collectors, and designers alike will all be in attendance.
Main Street is home to popular bars and restaurants, many of which will be right in the center of the festival action. Many eateries will provide al fresco dining and food and drink deals for festivalgoers. Alongside these popular food spots will be individual tents holding 300 different artists from all over the country. Artists will sell their handmade items in many different categories of art, including fiberglass, ceramics, photography, wood and sculpture, painting and drawing, jewelry, and mixed media. The event will also provide an Emerging Artists tent for young artists who are just getting into the business and trying to make a name for themselves in the area, including recent graduates. Their tent will be located on the corner of Main Street and Roxborough Street at one of the busiest crossroads of the festival.
This weekend extravaganza is free (music to a college student’s ears) and open to the public, but attendees are encouraged to bring some spare cash to spend on the beautiful artisan crafts and art being sold throughout the festival, as well as on the appetizing food and drink deals that will be available along Main Street.
Since Main Street will be closed to car traffic from Green to Shurs Lane, public transportation is your best bet for getting to the festival in a timely and affordable manner. SEPTA’s Manayunk/Norristown line train drops off only a few blocks from the vendor’s tents. SEPTA bus 35 and 61 will drop guests off even closer. A shuttle bus will also be available for $3 roundtrip for adults and free for children will pick up guests at both 555 City Avenue and the Ivy Ridge train station and drop them off right in the hub of the festival, perfect for an easy ride on a student budget.
Although the event will mostly be focused on the art being displayed and sold, there will also be live music and delicious food trucks for guests to enjoy, along with the rest of the establishments along Main Street already participating.
This celebration of unlimited art and an enjoyable day of outdoor fun will be held from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Philadelphia is a city thriving with art, and as a student you should immerse yourself in as many creative experiences as possible. Whether it be visual art, dance, theater, or music, there are so many opportunities to engage in the arts community first-hand. In the summer months, art exhibits of all types are held more often and are typically held outdoors in the welcoming weather. The best part of these events? They fit a college students’ budget, as most of them are free and open to the public. Here’s a list of some exciting chances to engage in different events in the art community of Philly this week!
Pasion y Arte Flamenco Co. Performance in Public Spaces
When: Friday, June 12, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Where: The Porch at 30th Street Station. Cost: Free!
Pasion y Arte Flamenco is the premier all-female flamenco dance company in Philly and will be presenting an hour-long, interactive, and fun dance performance on the outdoor porch of 30th street Station. The entertaining performance will include a brief history of the Flamenco dance, Flamenco dancers and musicians from the company, live music, and an invitation for audience members to join in the Flamenco dancing and have fun.
ARTspiration!
When: Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Where: Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine Street. Cost: Free!
Fleisher will be holding its annual community arts festival ARTspiration!, which has become so popular it is often attended by more than 2,000 people. This free event that was started in 2007 will be held on Catharine Street right outside Fleisher’s historic campus. This festival will cater to all ages and offer a look into the creativity and art that is so present in Philadelphia. Activities include music and dance performances and art-making activities led by local artists.
West Park Arts Fest
When: Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Where: West Park Cultural Center, 4201 Parkside Avenue. Cost: Free!
The 8th annual West Park Arts Fest will be held at the West Park Cultural Center and celebrate different cultures and the diverse community of Philadelphia through music and dance. The celebration will include outdoor singers and performers, cultural dance groups, and activities for children such as arts and crafts under a pavilion.
Graffito Works at Shofuso House
When: Sunday, June 14, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Landsdowne Drive and Horticultural Drive. Cost: Free after admission!
Graffito Works is an interactive, site-specific dance performance that is open to the public, and is choreographed and directed by Steven Weisz. The on-site dance will show audience members a collaborative and thoughtful work as the dancers improvisational skills are shown through their interactions with each other, the site, and objects around them.
Open Spaces: An Art in the Open Exhibition
When: Tuesday June 16, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Where: Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagys Mill Road. Cost: Free!
The scenic and nature-oriented Schuylkill Center is hosting their Open Spaces outdoor arts exhibition. Nine artists will present their work both indoors and on the trails of the Schuylkill Center. These artists spent three days creating their work in public, some artists creating string and ribbon sculptures, and leaving their creative processes visible to audience members. The event will also hold a reception to celebrate these talented artists and offer light refreshments in the gallery, along with a guided walk to the outdoor works.
To celebrate Black History Month, we’re offering a look at venues and events that honor the importance of African-American figures in history and offer a celebration of contemporary African-American excellence. From museum explorations of historical art and happenings to modern film and poetry, this week’s Top 5 Events both take you back to the cultural history of African-Americans and offer a sample of the ways African-Americans shape Philadelphia today. So learn something and enjoy everything, because this lineup is a glimpse into history and filled with intriguing opportunities.
Underground Railroad in Philadelphia
When: February 7 & 8, 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Where: Independence Visitor Center Theater, Market Street, Philadelphia Cost: Free!
The Underground Railroad was an extensive network of routes and safe houses used by slaves as a passage to free states and Canada during the 18th and 19th centuries. Philadelphia was a notable stop on this escape route to freedom. You can celebrate Black History Month by learning about the people and places connected to this pivotal era in American history at Independence National Historical Park, where a slide program details Philadelphia’s role in the Underground Railroad system. A park ranger will guide you through the program, highlighting the stories of Henry “Box” Brown, “The Father of the Underground Railroad” William Still, and more. Be sure to check out Independence National Historical Park’s other Black History Month program and events!
Represent: 200 Years of African American Art
When: Now through April 15th Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia Cost: Free with admission ($14)
The Philadelphia Museum of Art houses numerous collections of fine art, and among them are several by African-American artists. This marquee exhibition brings together more than 75 works from the museum’s growing collection, and celebrates over 50 artists that explore an array of mediums and themes. Some of the works include pieces by Henry Ossawa Tanner, Horace Pippin, Alma Thomas, and Carrie Mae Weems. The exhibition travels chronologically through critical historical periods, beginning with pre-Civil War works and moving through the Harlem Renaissance and into contemporary pieces. This historical and progressive breadth offers a wide perspective on the progression of African-American art. Works vary from decorative pottery and sculptures to modern abstract pieces and compelling photography, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Tides of Freedom: African Presence on the Delaware River
When: Daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Where: Independence Seaport Museum, Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia Cost: $10
George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River during the American Revolution, but a history beyond the well-known one existed on this waterway. Tides of Freedom: African Presence on the Delaware River explores the concept of freedom by examining the African perspective along the Delaware River. The show was created by a committee of leading African-American scholars and was curated by University of Pennsylvania’s Tukufu Zuberi. Zuberi is a practiced storyteller and PBS History Detectives host, and will introduce each major section in the exhibition. Themes of enslavement, emancipation, Jim Crow, and Civil Rights highlight the show, and uncovered artifacts will be on display in the interactive museum. This exhibition offers the opportunity to examine a story that is part of Philadelphia and American history, one that has implications historically and contemporarily. Engaging storytelling and photos, videos, and artwork explore the meaning of “freedom” in this great exhibit by the water.
Ursula Rucker: My Father’s Daughter
When: February 6 & 7, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Where: Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3689 Walnut Street, Philadelphia Cost: $20
Philadelphia-born Urusla Rucker is a spoken word recording artist whose compelling poetry techniques and stage presence make her an explosively strong performer. She has toured with 4Hero and King Britt, and has gained national and international acclaim. The show My Father’s Daughter is a live, epic poem that is accompanied by music and video. In the performance, Rucker tells her personal story of survival, one that traverses both pain and victory. Her raw and soulful poetry draws the parallels between her mother’s life and her own, illuminating how her relationships and struggles have shaped Rucker into the woman she is today. This show will be electric and inspiring; don’t miss out! Check out some of Rucker’s other work here.
Mysterious Travelers Concert Series: Anwar Marshall
When: February 9, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Where: Free Library of Philadelphia – Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia Cost: Free!
The Music Department at the Parkway Central Library, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Jazz Project and the Producers’ Guild, present free monthly concerts that feature up-and-coming artists as well as veteran performers. This month features Anwar Marshall, drummer an co-leader of a ten-piece ensemble called Fresh Cut Orchestra. The ensemble regularly plays at the Painter Bride Art Center and the Kimmel Center. Marshall’s music has collaborated with noteworthy musicians Dave Douglas, Tim Warfield, Duane Eubanks, and many others. These deep grooves and soulful sounds are sure to be entertaining, so don’t miss this free show!
