Here’s some more exciting news from the historic Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion.

You may have noticed a new wood log installation near the road not far from the entrance where Tiny Circus usually holds its performances during West Craft Fests. By the way, that area is called a Community Welcome Zone. Here’s the story behind the installation, according to the Woodlands’ Program and Operations Manager Emma Max.

The Woodlands has recently completed tree work as part of the general tree upkeep and maintenance program. One large tree had fallen and two large trees died over the past year, which is not uncommon with over 1,000 mature trees onsite. Placing the large, hollowed out logs in the Community Welcome Zone was the idea of the Woodlands Arborist, Chris Arader of Arader Tree Service. Continue Reading

After a year in the COVID pandemic, which has paused some of its arts projects and events, Curio Theatre is ready to present to the community something quite extraordinary (and also safe for the audience and staff). Beginning this Friday, March 19 and through Sunday, April 18, the West Philly theatre company will present A Symphony for Saint-Georges, a massive installation celebrating the life and career of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the famed violinist, composer and fencer whose story has been buried by history.

The piece involves no live actors – A Symphony for Saint-Georges is a multi-disciplinary installation featuring five environments created by sculpture, music, projections, video and set design. Curio artists have been working for months independently on this ambitious experiment to highlight the life of an artist who rose from slavery. Born in Guadeloupe to an enslaved mother and a wealthy plantation-owner father, Joseph Bologne was once described as “the most accomplished man in France.” As a champion fencer, esteemed violinist, father, and composer, Bologne is said to have inspired musicians like Mozart. However, even he was not immune to the realities of racism. Continue Reading

As the ongoing pandemic keeps many folks in isolation, especially during winter months, a West Philly non-profit and art gallery, One For All, continues its work of supporting local artists and bringing people together. This winter, One For All, an all-women (and LGBT) and currently all-volunteer run organization, has opened an exhibition, “stARTing conversations“, which sparks meaningful reflection and discourse at the times of the pandemic and civil unrest.

The exhibition features an intimate array of eight local artists’ visual social reflections. One of the featured artists is Zoe Lowry, who presents an interactive, multi-sensory installation of large digital illustrations on fabric. Zoe has created an inviting, positive space for participants to explore concepts of self awareness and self love as a way to meaningfully connect with others.  Continue Reading

Lori Waselchuk will be giving away #SweetTProject T-shirts and raising money for local human rights organizations this Wednesday in Clark Park.

A project that began four years ago, on the day after the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States, will conclude tomorrow with a pop-up exhibition and fundraiser. West Philly photographer and activist Lori Waselchuk will be in Clark Park this Wednesday, Jan. 20 to present 700 T-shirts she has worn as part of this four-year project/performance titled #SweetTProject.

Waselchuk has worn a unique T-shirt – borrowed or handmade – each day of Trump’s presidency to “amplify the importance of resistance, activism, creativity, open society, human rights, and community” and posted images of her wearing these T-shirts on her Instagram page nearly every day. The project will conclude on the day of the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. By January 20, 2021, Waselchuk will have worn more than 1,420 shirts over the four years!  Continue Reading

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.