Blue Stoop, a nonprofit organization and home to Philly literary community started by two West Philly writers, is holding its virtual winter fundraiser “Words of Revolution; Words of Solace” on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 7-9 p.m. Join Blue Stoop to hear readings from 10 of the most exciting voices writing in and around Philadelphia today: Brittney Cooper, Myriam Gurba, Anne Ishii, Airea Matthews, Trapeta Mayson, Kiley Reid, Nikil Saval, Eric Smith, Amber Sparks, and Elissa Washuta.

This is not another typical Zoom event – in fact, this will be an innovative video program produced by award winning Philadelphia cinematographer Aly Spengler.  Continue Reading

There’s a new group of local West Philly artists that meets every Saturday at 10 a.m. by the Turtle in Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore). The group, Clark Park Artists, was recently formed with a goal to support other artists, get better at drawing, and meet other likeminded artists.

More artists are welcome to join the group. Interested? Please bring yourself and your drawing supplies to the next meeting on November 14th to practice drawing with other artists. Typically, the meeting starts with a drawing exercise, then moves onto a longer drawing session. At the end, everyone will share what they have done.

For Winter 2020, Clark Park Artists’ meetings will be on Zoom.

For more details, go to: clarkparkartists.com. You can also email them at clarkparkartists@gmail.com.

At the time of the pandemic, when we can’t enjoy theater, Curio Theatre Company is working on A Symphony for Saint-Georges – a multi-disciplinary, ambulatory installation designed to encourage social distancing.

The installation will include sculpture, music, dance, fencing, projections, and spoken word that will tell the story of Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges – a Black fencing expert, virtuoso violinist, and accomplished composer whose life is left out of history books.

The project is supported by The Spotlight Fund, created in honor of Curio’s longtime friend and supporter, West Philadelphia resident Mary Allegra, who passed away last year. The fund continues her legacy by funding projects and initiatives that serve the community but are not otherwise covered by the theatre’s annual operating budget.  Continue Reading

The West Craft Fest held in spring and fall at The Woodlands will again take place virtually due to the ongoing pandemic. This Saturday, Sept. 26, work by West Craft Fest’s past vendors will be featured on its Instagram page (anyone who participated in the craft fest’s 2019 events is welcome to tag their IG posts with #virtualwestcraftfest).

Shoppers are invited to follow the Fest Instagram page and the #virtualwestcraftfest hashtag to find out what vendors have been creating, including some special one-day-only discounts. This is a great opportunity to shop for holiday gifts early and support local makers during these difficult times.

The December Fest, which was held at The Rotunda before the pandemic, will most likely be online-only also. The organizers hope that they will be able to return to the Woodlands in April 2021.

(Photo courtesy of West Craft Fest)

Mural Arts Philadelphia has partnered with DTLR, one of the stores that was looted during the civil unrest on May 31, to install “Messages of Hope” from local Black artists on its damaged storefronts around the city, including one on S. 52nd Street. Artists from the public art project Fill the Walls with Hope installed socially conscious artwork featuring powerful messages that aim to bring a sense of hope to the damaged storefronts.

DTLR, an apparel store, opened its Philadelphia flagship store near 52nd and Market last November. The location has remained closed since May 31. DTLR is planning to reopen this and other looted Philadelphia locations by the end of first quarter 2021.  Continue Reading

Students enrolled in any high school in Philadelphia, including homeschooled teens, can visit the Penn Museum free of charge this fall as part of a back-to-school initiative.

Free admission for students will be offered Tuesdays through Fridays, from 3-5 p.m.. Students will be offered a safe space during a critical after-school timeframe. They will also receive free admission on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Identification is not required, but teens will be asked by museum staff about their birth date, zip code, and the school they attend.

Students from any college or university are also able to visit the museum at no cost on Tuesdays-Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. In addition, teachers can always visit the museum for free.  Continue Reading