Lots of events are coming up. Some you know about (like the Kensington Sculpture Derby), some I bet you don’t (like Epic Metal, Hybrid Books and Brewerytown’s Art + Soul Food).

Epic Metal–Conference 1

Myra Mimlitsch-Gray upstairs at Wexler Gallery, www.wexlergallery.com/; Memlitsch-Gray has UArts connections both as a teacher and a student, and she was born in Camden!

Stanley Lechtzin at the Philadelphia Art Alliance, www.philartalliance.org/, uses digital and industrial technologies. Lechtzin teaches at Tyler. The Art Alliance will also show work from University of the Arts' metals and jewelry program, past and present. — Stanley Lechtzin at the Philadelphia Art Alliance, www.philartalliance.org/, uses digital and industrial technologies. Lechtzin teaches at Tyler. The Art Alliance will also show work from University of the Arts’ metals and jewelry program, past and present.

In an epic organizational effort, 22 galleries–even the Philadelphia Museum of Art is in on the happenings–will be exhibiting jewelry and metalwork in conjunction with the Revolution conference here May 20-23 of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG), the national organization of studio jewelers and metals artists.

Epic Metal
The conference is May 20-23
Dates vary for the exhibits at 22 galleries around the area. Check the link for details and map.

Hybrid Books–Conference exhibitions 2

Philadelphia, being a center for artist book production, is the perfect place for the upcoming Hybrid Book Conference, which will include three exhibits at the University of the Arts. (The conference itself is full, and Roberta, as well as Anabelle Rodriguez, will be there acting as respondents). One of the exhibits will feature work by Irma Boom, Gunnar Kaldewey, and Hedi Kyle. The other, of work by UArts Book Program MFA alums, was curated by Metropolital Museum of Art Preservation Librarian Mindell Dubansky and photographer and installation artist Clarissa Sligh who teaches at Penn and NYU.
Hybrid Book Conference
University of the Arts
June 4 – 6

And in the nabes–

Epic Art + Soul Food in Brewerytown

In what promises to be an annual event, look for a mix of fine and crafts artists showing in Brewerytown. Artists include Beth Beverly, Maria Eife, Sarah Peoples, Gregory Brellochs, Dan Murphy from Megawords, Natalie McDonald, and more. This is a neighborhood that has been growing its artist residences and studios! Maybe it’ll be the next new thing.

Gregory Brellochs, Cold Fusion, Graphite on Paper, 48” x 51”, 2009

The opening event is catered by Butters Soul Food, Deborah’s Kitchen and Rita’s Water Ice. The exhibits, curated by Sarah Peoples and Beth Smallwood, will also be open Saturday afternoons, June 20 and 27, and July 4. They are at 2621, 2711, 2819 and 2943 West Girard Avenue.
Art+Soul Food
Opening event June 13, 6-10 p.m.
Open Saturday afternoons, June 20 and 27 and July 4

Free Valet Bike Parking at Kensington’s annual art parade!

I presume everyone knows about the Kensington Sculpture Derby and Trenton Avenue Arts Festival this weekend (see Amy Rosenberg’s story on this in the Philadelphia Inquirer for more info), with music, food and neighborhood sizzle. How can you not support an event that’s over the top with action, enthusiasm, and free valet bike parking?
Kensington Sculpture Derby and Trenton Avenue Arts Festival
Saturday, May 16th, 2009 from 12 noon – 5 pm.
2000-2300 blocks of Trenton Avenue,