Category Archives: Philadelphia Art

Art in Philadelphia, PA.

David Foss @ Smile, Plastic Club Workshop Show…

DoN slowed down this past week and focussed on his own art work and missed a lot of the shows – you know how it is.  Tuesday at the Philadelphia Sketch Club DoN worked with charcoal and chalk to produce one of his best drawings to date.  Saturday, DoN turned in his entry for the Poets and Painters Show at the Philadelphia Sketch Club, a painting based on a song lyric by artist Henry Martin, which opens Sunday 6/22, 1-4PM.  Sunday afternoon, DoN painted in the garden at the Plastic Club with Bob Jackson, Kim, Lynn and about ten others – the subject?  Five lovely models posing in the nude under a tent in the summer sun.  DoN painted on a round canvas he’s carried around for years and listened to Ligetti on his iPod; a beautiful energizing afternoon.

Back to DoNArTNeWs – Friday evening Shoska and DoN attended the opening of David Foss Thought Forms exhibit at Ken Tutjamnong’s Smile Gallery at 105 South 22nd Street near Chestnut.  In a creative burst of energy Foss has changed direction in his art to more texture and form with diagramatic/pictographic ellipses, ovals and squiggles on both large and small surfaces of canvas or wood even sculptural wall hangings of vortex forms, symbols and signs. David and DoN discussed the Theosophist bent of the new works and indeed Foss’ artist statement immediately refers to mark-marking, symbolism and sacred geometry.  Many of Foss’ pieces verged on reiki symbolism – cool.

Artist David Foss @ Smile.

Artist David Foss @ Smile.

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Boy Wonder, Will Power, Dirty Frank’s, Othello…

Boy Wonder

Monday’s at World Cafe Live on Walnut Street is open mic night (no cover charge), art friend Henry Martin was on the bill so Shoshka and DoNarrived early to find a comfortable table with the intention of video taping Henry’s performance. The show is emceed by Boy Wonder with acts ranging from singer/songwriters to rap/hip-hop to jazz groups, folk-rockers and rock bands – the featured group was Philly’s own HEAD who totally rocked the house with a five song set. DoN videotaped two songs and hopes to get permission to share the LoVe because HEAD’s lead singerLexi Greene is HOT and sing’s like an illegal clone of Grace Slick and Alanis Morissette, backed up by keyboardist/singer Tori Ryzner, drummer Ryan Jarrell, Mark Greene on bass and Michael Zimney on guitar the tight rocking songs left DoN’s ears ringing and the crowd cheering. Boy Wonder keeps the show rolling with early acts getting to do three songs, then the HEADliner gets five, then more groups get to do three songs, then back to singers/songwriters who get to perform two, the last few performers get to sing one song. DoN will have some clips of Henry and some of the other performers ready soon.

DoN and Sho felt bad for the two guys who had to follow all the rock bands but they totally took on the challenge with an acoustic guitar and an accordian!?! Ironically, DoN bumped into Patrick Welsh in Rittenhouse Square and found out his group is called The Writers Club and the accordian player hangs out in the Beauty Shop Cafe (DoN knew he looked familiar). DoN congratulated both guys for the gumption to get up and sing while the buzzed crowd talked over their set of Americana/Ghettotech/Folk songs. Hey, this what they call,”paying dues.” Another standout performer was Elle, a sultry, sophisticated Philly girl singer who has a new album coming out – Elle totally dominated the room with her soulful pop songs.

DoN‘s gonna have to get a MySpace page so he can “friend” all this great talent but there was a joke in The New Yorker a while back – “What’s worse than your Dad having a MySpace page? Your Dad’s band having a MySpace page!” Since DoN isn’t a dad or have a band but is a great-uncle of adorable Jaelynn he’s been reticent, but watch for DoN on MySpace soon.

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American Spirit in the Arts

Spirit of the Artist

SOTA (Spirit of the Artist) on Pine Street in the heart of famous Antique Row only sells art and crafts made in America by artists owner Frank Burkhauser knows personally.  A simple concept; socially conscious business practices benefiting the community, artists and the gallery, creating a vibrant, entrancing art experience.  DoN and Shoshana joined artist Alden Cole as he replenished his stock of unique luminaries – lamp-like art objects created from new and old parts fitted with energy efficient LED bulbs which magically change color.  Burkhauser has been a long time supporter of Cole’s art including his paintings, DoN could tell their friendship is long and deep with great mutual respect. SOTA Gallery owner Frank Burkhauser with artist Alden Cole (that’s Alden’s latest luminaries on the shelf over his head - very cool!)

SOTA Gallery owner Frank Burkhauser with artist Alden Cole (that’s Alden’s latest luminaries on the shelf over his head – very cool!)

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Art & Poetry @ The Enclaves, Poets & Painters @ PSC, Code is Poetry…

DoN was invited by Debra Leigh Scott to attend an art show and poetry reading at The Enclaves ; you never heard of the Enclaves you say – DoN hadn’t either.  The Enclaves is at the intersection of Penrose & Pattison Avenues near the Platt Bridge and is a high rise development which was artistically enhanced by famed Philadelphian, Sam Maitin.

The Clubhouse @ The Enclaves.

The Clubhouse @ The Enclaves.

Wall installation by Sam Maitin @ The Enclaves.

Wall installation by Sam Maitin @ The Enclaves.

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Flower Power, Animalia, Olde City Arts…

DoN visited the  Flowers Galore show at The Church of the Holy Trinity on Rittenhouse Square which is held in conjunction with the Rittenhouse Square Flower Market for Children’s Charities.  Not only is the elaborate Norman style interior stunningly decorated, there is beautiful stained glass from English, French and American studios including five by Tiffany and one by Luc Olivier Merson.  The church is a wonderful supporter of local artists and DoN was surprised by how many of the fifty displayed he’s familiar with; the simple display of each painting on an easel with it’s own spotlight was inventive and a wonderfully modern twist to the Romanesque space.  Holy Trinity’s next show is June 6th – June 12th – DoN recommends you not miss this wonderful city landmark and the great images by local artists.Alden Cole @ Flowers Galore

Alden Cole @ Flowers Galore.

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