Opening reception for Julianna Foster’s photography exhibit, Latent Ground, Feb. 21, 2016.

Contemporary and collectively-run neighborhood art galleries seem to come and go often. Danger! Danger! Gallery and Gush Gallery were two solid ones in West Philadelphia, but closed in recent years. The most recent arrival to the area is Black Oak House, a contemporary fine art gallery which is based out of a house near 51st and Osage. This one might stick around for a while because the house owners live there too.

Catherine Pancake and her partner, Miriam Stewart, moved to the area from Chicago and decided to purchase a home in West Philadelphia and run the gallery together. While in Chicago, Pancake completed her MFA and was exposed to many types of art galleries, but was mainly drawn to those that were based out of homes. “There are a few spaces that are domestic and small but have very potent artwork,” said Pancake.

Works by photographer Julianna Foster are currently on display at Black Oak House.

Through her past and current work as a member of Vox Populi Gallery in Callowhill, Pancake built a large networking of contemporary artists in West Philadelphia and is optimistic about curating quality solo shows three to four times a year. “I have a lot of experience curating festivals and art events that are women and LGBTQ focused; we would like to do more studio visits with artists who are not usually represented.”

Pancake sees an in-home gallery as less intimidating than a public gallery or a First Friday opening and she’s especially intrigued by the idea of living with contemporary art. “It helps people see how contemporary art can be hung or installed in a house, versus a gallery environment,” she said.

Currently on display at Black Oak House is a show named Latent Ground, which showcases the work of photographer Julianna Foster. The next opening, which will present the works of Sharon Koelblinger, is in April.

Those interested in getting involved with the gallery are welcome to visit their website or by simply showing up to gallery openings and speaking with Pancake or Stewart.

– Rana Fayez (photos courtesy of Black Oak House)

This week’s featured adoptable cat is Anabel, an adult female medium-sized “tuxedo” cat.

Anabel is a professional cuddler – she can be found on or near you at all times. She doesn’t have many demands, just needs you to cuddle her immediately upon getting home. She will also require the use of your lap, the space by your pillow, and your back or stomach when you lie down.

You must regularly scratch the spot between her front legs but not down any further! Also, she must purr in your ear at least ten minutes daily. If you are sad or feeling ill, she’ll find a place near you and stay there until you feel better. Finally, your undivided attention is required, so please don’t bring any other cats around. She plans on returning the favor, as she’ll be following you to any room and sleeping with you every night. But that is all. See? Anabel is not a diva!

Anabel prefers to be in a one-cat home.

She is spayed, FeLV and FIV negative, current with shots, treated for fleas and worms, and is litter box trained.

To adopt this cat please complete and return a PAWS adoption application to ProjectMEOWAdoptions@gmail.com or mail it to: PO Box 32078, Philadelphia, PA 19146. The adoption application is available at the Baltimore Pet Shoppe (4532 Baltimore Ave), or online. Please use number A28564499 when applying to adopt this cat.

This cat is being fostered through the partnership of Project MEOW and PAWS. For additional information, contact projectmeowadoptions@gmail.com

The $3.5 billion development of 14 acres of parking lots and concrete dead space west of 30th Street into eight high rises connected by green public spaces and retail officially has a name – “Schuylkill Yards.”

The project, which was presented Wednesday by Drexel and master developer Brandywine Realty Trust, will begin with the conversion of the 1.3-acre parking lot across 30th Street from the train station into public space that includes a large, oval lawn criss-crossed with walkways. That project is scheduled to break ground later this year.

Other pieces of the plan include replacing the Bolt and Mega Bus stops along JFK Boulevard with glassy high-rise office and residential buildings, dedicated bike lanes along Market Street and a green and event space that will be called “The Grove.” The tallest high rise, which will sit a couple of blocks west of the 30th Street Station between Market and JFK will be about 950 feet tall, about the same height as the Comcast Center.  Continue Reading

Victim, 31-year-old Timothy Cary.

A Kingsessing man who fatally shot a West Philly resident outside of a University City restaurant two years ago was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday, according to reports.

Corey Gaynor, 28, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of 31-year-old Timothy Cary on the early morning of April 14, 2014 outside Copabanana restaurant at 40th and Spruce. Gaynor fired at least 10 shots at close range at Cary following an argument inside the restaurant.

The Philadelphia Common Pleas Court jury deliberated 22 days before they found Gaynor guilty of the murder, and the judge sentenced him to the mandatory life in prison without parole, Philly.com reports.

Snacks at Lulu Cafe (photo from Lulu Cafe’s Facebook page)

It took a little longer than planned, but Lulu Cafe, an Asian cafe and restaurant serving coffee, tea, snacks, and sweets, has finally opened at 4508 Walnut Street (next door to Hunter Gatherer Tattoo). The final inspection was on Tuesday, according to the cafe’s Facebook post, and it’s now ready to serve its customers.

The opening was anticipated and the wait was worth it. We checked on the new establishment on Friday, its opening day, and saw a sizable crowd inside.

The cafe’s specialty is milk tea. As one happy customer put it, “No more long trips to Chinatown for milk tea now!” The snack food menu includes popular Chinese and Taiwanese street food items (all garlicky and spicy), such as popcorn chicken, squid balls, sweet potato fries, and green beans. And you can top everything off with some shaved ice with three toppings of your choice.

Lulu Cafe is open daily 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit: www.lulucafeusa.com.

UPDATE (3/2/2016): A report about Wednesday’s rally can be found here.

West Philadelphia activists, parents and students will hold a rally on Wednesday morning to call for improvements to safety in and around the property of Andrew Hamilton Elementary School.

According to a report by ACTION United’s West Philadelphia chapter, neighbors in the vicinity of the school, located at 57th and Spruce Streets, have complained about litter, trespassers and drug activity in the schoolyard during nights and weekends. They are calling for more street lights and a lot light to be installed around the property, for a more consistent security presence and for better fencing to be constructed along the Frazier Street side of the property.

“Hamilton and the other public schools are important, valued institutions in our community,” says Chinara Bilaal, an ACTION United member. “School district and city officials need to ensure they are safe places for children to learn and play.”  Continue Reading