The West Philly Tool Library is celebrating a new grant with a barbecue and you are invited.

The cook-out will be Saturday from 12-2 p.m. at the West Philly Tool Library at 1314 S. 47th St. (near 47th and Woodland). The cook-out is a way of thanking everyone who voted in the State Farm “Cause an Effect” grant program. West Philly Tool Library and Neighborhood Bike Works were both awarded $25,000.

Seeds Gallery recently opened at 50th and Baltimore and this Saturday the public is invited to their official grand opening celebration. The gallery will present works by four super talented artists: Charles Barbin (Artist/Public Murals Designer), Bob Bruhin (Documentary Photographer), and West Philly artists Russell Brodie and Jeremy Fahringer.

Seeds Gallery is a modern art studio focused exclusively on local artists, both emerging and established, working in all media and styles. Exhibits are also showcased at other locations throughout the city, such as local restaurants, coffee shops, yoga studios, law firms and book stores. Visit www.seedsgallery.com for more information.

Grand opening of Seeds Gallery. Free and open to the public.
Saturday, August 11, 6 – 9pm
5011 Baltimore Avenue

40th Street resident artists have been working hard over the past year to complete their community engagement projects. The opening reception for their exhibit is Friday night from 6-8 p.m. at the AIR gallery (4007 Chestnut St. on the first floor). The artists and their projects include: Marie Alarcon/Park Pleasant Nursing Home & Rehab, Michael Konrad/Neighborhood Bike Works, EK Miles/A Renaissance is What They Call It (student-led art class for all ages), Sarah Lowry & Beth Nixon/Ms. Weinraub’s Drama Classes at West Philadelphia High School, and Martina Plag/University City High School.

The 40th Street Artist-in-Residence program awards West Philadelphia artists one year of free studio space at 40th and Chestnut Streets. In exchange, each artist shares his/her talents with the community by leading workshops, teaching classes, exhibiting in the area, etc. The residents for 2012-2013 will also be introduced at the opening reception, which will include a barbeque.

2011-2012 40th Street resident artists Michael Conrad and Martina Plag.

 

This week don’t miss the Second Friday on Lancaster Avenue, an event that fosters a great sense of community and showcases local talent and businesses in Powelton Village. Here’s what’s happening on the Avenue, from 34th to 45th Street, this Friday, from 5-9 p.m.:

The Community Education Center will be hosting a Summer Garden Series with an Open Mic Night, Poetry reading and performances (3500 Block). Green Line Cafe (3649 Lancaster Ave) will host a few acoustic players and free snacks. The 3800 block will feature music and Art by Emil Baumann and Jazz artist Alfie Pollitt at Art on the Avenue. The Make your Mark building (3861 Lancaster Ave) will be transformed to a small concert venue featuring performances by Drexel students. In addition to art and music, business owners will display their merchandise and food trucks and street vendors will be out on the sidewalk from 5-9 p.m. Please check the flyer below for Block by Block listings or visit the event’s Facebook page.

The Fall edition of the Go West! Craft Fest is scheduled for September 29 at The Woodlands (rain date – Sept. 30) and vendor registration is going on right now. The fest organizers would love to see some new faces, so if you are a local artist or crafts person and would like to become a vendor, fill out an online application that can be found here. The application deadline has been extended until Friday, August 10. Available tables are 6’x6′ ($40) and 10’x10′ ($60).

Each category of work has its own quota: jewelry, home goods, paper goods, bath & beauty, etc. and only works created by the seller are permitted. For more information, please email gowestcraftfest@gmail.com.

The Annual Giant IAC Rummage Sale is on Saturday, August 11 at the Calvary Church. Books, records, gently-used clothing, toys, games, housewares, small furniture and many other items will be on sale. Proceeds will help cover expenses for the IAC Solidarity Center office. See the flyer for more information.