Some of you have probably noticed blue bikes popping up in the last month at several locations in West Philly. They are actually a part of a multisite public art installation by Japanese American filmmaker and visual artist Rea Tajiri. Titled “WATARIDORI: birds of passage,” the project is part of the Asian Arts Initiative’s 25th anniversary celebration and “activates real and speculative histories” of Japanese immigrants in Philadelphia.

Check out this art installation at the front of the house at 4238 Spruce Street:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiwnzRWhpR6/?taken-by=westphillylocal

Other locations for Rea Tajiri’s public art installation include:  Continue Reading

Food service establishments are often high energy consumers due to using refrigeration and other 24/7 equipment and utilities are often their biggest expense every month. A new turnkey energy efficiency program, offered by the Philadelphia Energy Authority, helps small businesses in West Philly, such as corner and grocery stores, bars and restaurants, save money. The program is in partnership with West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution and Lime Energy.

Eligible businesses will receive a free energy assessment and will be provided grants, rebates and financing to install new, energy-efficient equipment that will help reduce monthly utility costs by up to 30 percent.  Continue Reading