Last year’s “Everyday Places” program participant Karen Smith-Sistah’s Laying On Hands (photo courtesy of Barnes West).

The Barnes Foundation and People’s Emergency Center (PEC) have announced seven West Philadelphia-based social-impact artists who have been selected to participate in the second annual Everyday Places Artist Partnerships initiative: Nikki Brake-Sillá, Shanina Dionna, Gigi McGraw, Anssumane Silla, Jaime Wiesner (Instagram page) & Joanna Booth, and Yidan Zeng.

This year’s cohort of artists will partner with “everyday” locations in the neighborhood—public parks, civic centers, businesses and community organizations—to build interactive, participatory projects that engage with the business or site and residents. The 2022 Places are:

• University Square Complex
• Malcolm X Park
• Urban Art Gallery
• ​​New Africa Freedom Center/Square
• Clark Park
• Mantua Civic Association
• Drexel University Dornsife Center Continue Reading

UPDATE (5/6/2022): The annual Spruce Hill May Fair has been cancelled due to rain in the forecast for Saturday. The organizers decided to forego the rain date earlier this week. The raffle will continue, with the ticket purchase deadline of Sunday, May 22. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.sprucehillca.org/2022-may-fair-raffle/.

In recognition of the great hardship suffered by many neighborhood establishments, Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA), the May Fair longtime organizer, will purchase gift certificates from local businesses to bundle together in several themed baskets as raffle prizes. You can buy one book of six tickets for $5.

Please note that the May Fair is SHCA’s only major fundraising event, so purchasing raffle tickets is a good way to support them. Other ways to support this neighborhood organization is through membership or donations. Visit their website for more information.

Since the May Fair is cancelled, the University City Garden Club will hold a pop-up plant sale Sunday, May 8, 12-6 p.m. at the corner of Woodland Terrace and Woodland Ave.

People’s Emergency Center (PEC) brings jazz musicians and artists from the Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival for a preview of their big event on July 16th! Stop by The Porch at 30th Street Station this Friday, April 22 between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. to browse the art exhibitions (and meet the artists) and to hear a performance by the Mike Boone Quartet in conjunction with The Producer’s Guild of Philadelphia.

Pitruco brick oven pizza will be set up and selling delicious pizzas. Last year’s event drew dozens of guests to The Porch to hear the Jazz stylings of Kenny Sykes and the Ivory Keys Band (pictured).

For updates on the free, live, in-person, Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival on Saturday July 16, visit: https://www.lancasteravephilly.com/jazzfest.html.

Photo courtesy of PEC.

The West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance/Paul Robeson House & Museum (WPCA/PRHM) is hosting a virtual community gathering to celebrate the life of Paul Leroy Robeson, the distinguished African American actor, singer, athlete and activist. The event, which is marking Robeson’s 124th birthday, will highlight the many facets of his life not only as a performer, but also as a pioneer in the arts and entertainment industry.

The event will include a musical tribute featuring performances of Robeson’s classics, including spirituals and music from the Harlem Renaissance, produced by Key Arts Productions. In addition, dramatic renditions will be performed by Theatre in the X, and Paul Robeson High School students will share reflections of the man whose name the school bears. Continue Reading

The annual Spruce Hill May Fair is set to to return to Clark Park after a two-year hiatus. The popular outdoor event will be held Saturday, May 7, from 12 – 6 p.m. at the park located at 43rd and Chester.

The longtime organizers, Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA), are currently seeking vendors – local artisans, community groups and organizations who are interested in doing outreach and promotion at this event are invited to submit an application.

Space is limited and priority will be given to local community organizations and artisans. Vendor fees are affordable ($40 or less for the day), reflecting SHCA’s mission to connect the neighborhood with local groups and artisans. Continue Reading

In celebration of Black History Month, many Free Library of Philadelphia branches will be hosting special events for both children and adults, including book readings and discussions, lectures, arts and crafts, and other educational and fun events and activities. Here’s a list of events happening in West Philadelphia branches and on-line this week. For more events, visit this page.

Monday, Jan. 31, 6:00 p.m.

Walnut Street West Library (40th and Walnut):

W. E. B. Du Bois’ The Ordeal of Mansart Community Reading Group – Stop by the library for a community reading group of W. E. B Du Bois’ classic novel The Ordeal of Mansart. W. E. B. Du Bois was a public intellectual, sociologist, and activist and profoundly shaped Black political culture in the United States. This is a weekly event through Feb. 28. Click here for more information. Continue Reading