First Friday, Philadelphia

Every first Friday of each month in Philly the streets fill with all kinds of art lovers. This was my first visit and I only had time to discover a few blocks this time. Walking down the streets I was enjoying live instrumental FUNKY music from three men outside a Vivant Gallery. They made me wanna break-dance!!! ( not the I know how too). Some art lovers on this First Friday are vendors who sell everything from old school radios, fine art paintings and handcrafted jewelry, to charming type-machine written poems on the spot, recycled and hand-made shoes, screen printed clothes and henna tattoos (I got a henna tattoo for the first time). People from different non-profit organizations also set up shop to spread their word. I met two ladies from "the humane league" and they helped me realize why I will soon ban meat to enter my system ( oh yes slowly going in that vegetarian direction folks). The Humane League fight for farm animal rights, and if you ( like myself) are an animal friend please check out their website and make a small, one-time or monthly, donation ( www.thehumaneleague.com). Among all vendors who fill up the street one can also visit many of the neighborhoods 40-plus art galleries that adds flavor to the experience. I visited a few and was happy that my camera was allowed in at least two of them: Vivant Art Galley that displayed African art by Ken Laughlin, and Muse Gallery who displayed paper mache art by Drew Zimmerman. Drew explained to me that " a mask generally evokes an iconic character, some mythic figure or some venerable ancestor". He continued to explain that he conflates the spirit guides of his ancient tribe with the cartoon characters of his youth. Fun idea! Check out the photos below.

I have no idea what these people were protesting for. The lamest protesters Ive ever seen....more chickpeas to the people maybe? Anyways I will defiantly visit First Fridays again, and I really recommend it for any art lover in the Philly Area. Thank you for taking a look at my blog. Have a wonderful day!