Strawberry Mansion: Kevin Upshur, Founder of the Strawberry Mansion Learning Center
Kevin Upshur, a longtime resident of Strawberry Mansion, has watched his neighborhood go through changes in his life. The biggest change? Upshur’s family owned and operated bar, was converted into the Strawberry Mansion Learning Center, a non-profit neighborhood education and resource center. Opening its doors in 2008, the center, has provided the children of the community […]
Allegheny West: Creative Program Helps Bridge Generation Gap
The Senior Partnership Initiative is one of several community outreach programs run by the Center For Emerging Visual Artists. The program creates an environment for fourth- and fifth-grade students to participate in the creative arts alongside senior residents at Newcourtland Life Senior Services. The program has several sources of funding, including The William Penn Foundation, […]
Fishtown: Joe Primavera Building Community One Music Lesson At A Time
After graduating from Temple University in 2008 with a degree in music, Joe Primavera taught private guitar and piano lessons throughout Philadelphia and parts of New Jersey. Shortly thereafter, he founded Philly Music Lessons, working out of a small recording studio in the basement of his Fishtown home. Soon after hiring a few close friends to teach […]
Kingsessing: Seniors Find Creative Outlet At Open Mic
Poems about New York and chapters from a romance novel echoed through the Kingsessing Library’s sunlit basement. On Sept. 28, the library hosted an open mic poetry night for older adults— the first of many, Rachel Hayes hopes. “I think it’s important for the community,” Kingsessing Library Supervisor Hayes said. “Anything positive, anything that builds […]
Point Breeze: The Pharmacy Serves Up Fresh Coffee And Indie Music
While walking through Point Breeze, it isn’t difficult to spot The Pharmacy, a coffeehouse on the corner of 18th and Wharton streets. On its outside wall, a large orange head spouting the number “1300” can be seen, signifying the shop’s 1300 S. 18th St. address. A closer inspection reveals a sign that reads “Black and […]
South Philadelphia: Local Artist Makes Fine Art More Accessible To Consumers
Philadelphia artist Jessica Joy London has a unique process when it comes to painting. Using natural materials like leaves, rocks and even some onion skins with a mixture of ink and water, she is able to create large scale masterpieces that will leave anyone in awe. After getting her bachelor of fine art from the University of […]
Arts & Entertainment: Budget Cuts To NEA Affect Public Arts Programing In Philadelphia
Celeste DiNucci remembers exactly where she was and what she was doing during the early hours of morning when she and the rest of the public arts world found out that President Donald Trump announced his 2018 fiscal year Budget Blueprint plan, which proposed the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). “I remember […]
Arts & Entertainment: Philadelphia Artist Gains Recognition for Skeleton Crochet Work
Those close to Philadelphia artist Caitlin McCormack describe her as humble, kind-hearted and talented. Though she views her self as “not good enough” and a “burden,” her peers strongly disagree. “She’s just such an incredible artist,” said Jason Chen, co-owner of Paradigm Gallery + Studio, who met McCormack after both graduated from college. “I want to say […]
Education: Five Classes To Try In Philadelphia Today
With all the negative attention education in Philadelphia receives, the community forgets about the different opportunities laced throughout the city. While there are endless programs serving the area’s youth, there are an abundance of classes and workshops available to all ages and skill levels. From arts education to STEM concepts, Philadelphia is a hub for […]
Chestnut Hill: The Arts Thrive on Germantown Avenue
Chestnut Hill, which is known as Philadelphia’s “Garden District,” is home to artists, an art supply store, art galleries, and the Woodmere Art Museum. The arts live and thrive in Chestnut Hill. Up and down Germantown Avenue, art can be found. Places such as the Chestnut Hill Gallery and Frame Shoppe and Gravers Lane Gallery […]