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.

 

About 1,500 cheering Barack Obama supporters packed the Bobby Morgan Arena at the University of the Sciences on Thursday for a rousing get-out-the-vote speech from First Lady Michelle Obama.

Obama was preaching to the proverbial choir in West Philly, a longtime Democratic stronghold. And her speech, aimed at rallying campaign supporters, even felt like a Sunday morning sermon. Obama punctuated a few of her most resonant points – on things like universal health care and education equity – with “Can I get an Amen?”

Obama’s day-long swing through eastern Pennsylvania will also take her to Montgomery County and Bethlehem to help keep Pennsylvania behind President Obama, who won the state in 2008.

“It’s all on the line,” she said. “Everything is at stake. That’s why we’re here.”

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.

This information came from neighbor Samantha who lives at 48th and Springfield.

“A grey cat with white markings has been hanging out by my apartment building for the past few weeks: northeast corner of 48th and Springfield. I don’t see it everyday, but it was hanging around tonight (August 7). I have attached pictures, though they are not too good because the cat kept moving around.”

Here’s the cat’s description provided by Samantha:

Young, grey, cat – maybe around 6 months?
Unsure if male/female.
White markings: white stomach, white paws, white spot over right eye, white ring around end of tail.
A little scared/skittish, but can be called over with a little patience and seems very friendly; appears to have nice temperament.

The cat lives outdoors; Samantha cannot bring it inside. Also, the cat’s stomach is bulging (pregnant or FIP?).

If you have any information about this cat, please leave a comment below.

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.