February 4, 2008
Just a hop skip and jump across from No Libs rests one of the newest, best generators of modern thought in Philadelphia: The Crane Arts Building. Never heard of it? You soon will…
I’ll leave the details of inhabitants and architecture for another time, but for the moment I advise you go have a look-see at two of their current (and soon to end) gallery shows. From Taboo to Icon features the aesthetic interplay of design, art and popular culture through the eyes of several prominent artists. Of note is the piece featured above- Shanty by Earl Fyffe – a sculpture resurrected from the detritus of a shantytown in Africa. Quite an interesting take and rife with irony.
Elsewhere in the building, the Hall gallery features the mixed-media ala-urban-planning work of Edward Epstein. On plexi over painted canvas, several large pieces envision a Philly without cars… how romantic.
FROM TABOO TO ICON:
Africanist Turnabout Curated by Sophie Sanders & Shervone Neckles
January 10th, 2008 “” February 10th, 2008
Hours: Wed-Sun 12-6 pm
Location: The Ice Box
EDWARD EPSTEIN: City Without Expressways
January 4th “” February 29th
Location: The Hall at Crane Arts
Hours: Wed-Fri, 12-6pm, Sat-Sun, 12-4pm
Crane Arts Building
1400 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
www.cranearts.com
January 24, 2008
Antiques, wallpaper and landscaping- oh my!
If I ever need to find my heart’s desire, I don’t have to look any further than my own back yard… the PA Convention Center hosts the Philadelphia Home Show this week with over 200 exhibitors on display. From bedding to pools to kitchens and even pianos, you can get everything you need in one single spot.
The addition of celebrity guests, contest giveaways and featured exhibits all combine to make this year’s event a dream like no other. After all, there’s no place like home…
Runs until Sunday!
Philadelphia Home Show
Pennsylvania Convention Center, January 19-27, 2008
Check website for info on pricing and times.
Philadelphia Convention Center
1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 418-4700
www.paconvention.com
December 12, 2007
With funds between dumpster dive and ikea-flat-pack, you can always find superior interior style at this perennial fave. What NYC stores would charge 10 times the price for you can get for, well, ten times less. Cheap IS the name of the game, my friend, but don’t think I’m talking of quality. Why just look at those flathead screws and dovetailed joints. And hot damn, if that isn’t a stickley-era cane rush occasional with original finish. (Hearts aflutter!) Easily done when you shop in the attics and sherriff sales of old Philly money, as Uhuru does. Very smart…
For those less affected and if you’re so inclined, think of all the worldly good you’ll be doing with a discount purchase: locally-found, repurposed goods going to a nonprofit that helps strengthen the community. Now who can argue with that?
Uhuru Furniture & Collectibles
1220 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-9616
November 27, 2007
The SPECTORCollection, announces a new print portfolio exhibition this Saturday, December 1st. In addition to their own work, ten selected artists have created a limited edition print exclusively for this project as well. With strong ties to both Philadelphia and SPECTOR, these artists represent a slice of the contemporary art scene recognized locally and international for their distinct talents.
Featured Artists include Jim Houser , Matt Fisher, Elizabeth Haidle , Randall Sellers , Keith Shore , Thom Lessner , Ben Woodward , CW Wells , Rebecca Westcott , and Zoe Strauss
On Saturday, a slide show presents each artist’s work, their influences and their environment. Thereafter, prints will be available for purchase as a portfolio that includes 10 images and a personal essay packaged in a handmade clamshell box. The prints can also be purchased individually, framed or unframed with prices starting at $100. After the four events, the artist prints will no longer be available at this price.
The last of four events in Philadelphia between September and December, the SPECTORCollection is a gathering of 25-50 people by reservation only. The event is free but space is very limited, so please RSVP as soon as possible. Curated by the SPECTORCollection and their super sister-site ArtJaw in conjunction with your hosts with the mosts, bahdeebahdu. Good times.
Saturday, December 1st, 7:30 PM
bahdeebahdu
309 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
RSVP 215-627-5002 or 215-238-0840
November 19, 2007
Located right on Rittenhouse Square, the Barclay Prime is one of 12 Stephen Starr venues in Philadelphia. Primarily a steakhouse, the restaurant is situated in the Barclay, a former hotel-turned-high end condo residence. A belated birthday dinner had me there the other night (thanks Mike), and overall the experience was very good. Designed by India Mahdavi, the lounge and dining room have the flair and coloration of a classic 1960′s spy flick: dark wood tones, creams, blacks, and the occasional lime green for pop… a great start.
Walking in, you’re immediately greeted with a host station flanked by a small dining area on the left and a lounge on the right. It’s a rather comfortable space- open, airy, and not at all intimidating. The lounge and front dining area are both fully-panelled black walnut in a style that appears to be original to the historic building. Further on, a black-and-white marble floor travels throughout. Juxtaposed with these classic details are furnishings that have a much more modern slant: flat-upholstered leather chairs, Eames-like green stools, as well as ottomans upholstered in a black & white geometric motif. Several other pieces like the vintage tripartite mirror, zebra skin rug, and fabric-wrapped wall sconces help bridge the divergent eras.
Escorted by the host into the main dining area, the eye immediately notices the colorful seating- armchairs of white, green, and yellow. These surround the steel and lucite pedestal tables dotting the room. Additionally, the lounge’s stools reappear briefly, only this time clad in polished steel. Lining 3 walls of the room are “floating,” cove-lit walnut bookshelves, complete with art and architecture volumes. Lastly, elegant glass chandeliers share space with a modern-coffered ceiling, another nod to the meeting of two eras. The lighting is further enhanced by pedestal lights by the windows, adding to the “study” theme of the room.
Lastly, I had to check out the bathroom. Often that’s where designers like to have the most fun: it’s small, out of the way, and people only visit briefly. This certainly did not dissappoint. A mosaic combo of brushed and reflective stainless steel tiles dot the unisex walls make for a luxurious feel. Additionally, individual stalls with doors that travel from floor to ceiling have their own small mirrors for inconspicuous touch ups as well as speakers to drown out noises from beyond. Lastly, modern pedestal sinks and contemporary nickel faucets round out the space.
In the end, I wasn’t disappointed with the Barclay Prime. Even though it could use a tweak here and there, the place felt relaxed but upscaled, and of course the food was great. Using an international designer such as Mahdavi further gives Starr a big plus in my book. More people should follow his lead here for destination dining. Afterall, plating and presentation’s just as important as taste.
Barclay Prime
237 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
www.barclayprime.com
