Uwishunu.com

Anyone who’s ever journeyed to L’Etage for their fabulous Story Slams knows all about First Person Arts, a Philly-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting culture through documentary art.

In the past, they’ve given us x-rated improv; they’ve given us alterboys gone wild; they’ve given us “Nobody puts Jesus in the back-seat!”, and much much more.

This Wednesday, they up the ante once more with their monthly First Person Arts Salon, featuring works in progress from local artists, storytellers, and filmmakers.

August’s line-up includes mural artist Eric Okdeh, sharing the details of his most recent ; comedienne Juliet Wayne, regaling audiences with her jocular tales; and multi-media artist Matthew Borgen, whose latest installation, The Wing Rack, has already garnered rave reviews.

But the piece I’m the most excited about is a pair of short documentaries on bike culture, from local film-maker (and longtime bicyclist) Andrew David Watson. The first centers on local cyclist Fred Edny, while the second covers biking in the small Italian village of Treviso, Italy.

It’s a perfect fit for the Watson, who can often be seen cruising down the streets of South Philly, camera on back. “I was one of the founding members of the “pretzel ride” and “Thrashin’ Thursday” ride,” he admits. “So it’s definitely something I’m interested in.”

First Person Arts Salon, Wednesday, August 13 at the Gershman Y
401 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 402-2056
www.firstpersonarts.org