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Drawn from the expansive comics collection of William F. Wu, Marvels & Monsters examines stereotypes of Asian identity formed over half a century ago that continue to shape the perceptions of Asian Americans today. (Images courtesy Asian Arts Initiative)

Drawing from the expansive collection of science fiction author and cultural studies scholar William F. Wu, the Asian Arts Initiative’s latest exhibition, Marvels & Monsters: Unmasking Asian Images in U.S. Comics, 1942-1986, opens this Friday, February 3, with a free and open-to-the-public reception from 6-8 p.m.

Covering more than four decades of imagery, Marvels & Monsters offers a captivating look at America’s evolving racial and cultural sensibility as it is perceived in comic books, highlighting how images of Asian-Americans have influenced contemporary culture.

In addition to the images from Wu’s collection, the exhibit will also showcase a series of present-day graphic novels by Asian-Americans, including Ken Chen, Naomi Hirahara and Genny Lim.

And be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, March 1 at 6 p.m. when AAI hosts an exhibition-related film screening and panel discussion. For more info about the exhibit and related programming, click here.

Marvels & Monsters: Unmasking Asian Images in U.S. Comics, 1942-1986
When: On view February 3-March 23; Opening Reception, Friday, February 3, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.asianartsinitiative.org

Catch one of Mozart's rare operas at the Prince Music Theater, performed by the talented Center City Opera Theater. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

Mozart’s classic comedic opera, The Marriage of Figaro, comes to the Prince Music Theater February 4 and 5 as Center City Opera Theater (CCOT) stages its very first production of this popular 1786 comedy.

Since debuting in Vienna in 1786, The Marriage of Figaro has become one of the most popular operas of all time. The piece’s hilarious plot follows the trials and tribulations of Figaro and his bride-to-be Susanna as they attempt to plan their wedding, much to the dismay of lord Count Almaviva.

The production is fully-staged and sung in English, featuring members of CCOT’s Young Artist Program and chamber orchestra.

In an effort to bring affordable opera to the City of Brotherly Love, CCOT is offering general admission tickets at $39, with special VIP seating priced at $59, and student rush tickets are available at just $10 a pop!

Tickets are available online.

The Marriage of Figaro
When: Saturday, February 4 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, February 5 at 2 p.m.
Where: Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street
Cost: $10 student rush; $39 general admission; $59 VIP
More info: www.operatheater.org

Get a taste of spring this Thursday as the International House previews their spring programming for free. (Photo courtesy International House)

Head over to University City to check out The International House’s Spring Arts Preview this Thursday, January 26 at 7 p.m.

The free season-opening party will feature food, drinks, a live performance by musical duo Blues Control, spotlighting a unique combination of keyboards, guitar and tape manipulation, as well as a multimedia presentatin of upcoming events at The International House.

Plus, you’ll be treated to a series of surprise animated 16mm films and screening of Jean Vigo’s 1933 classic Zero For Conduct, in a new 35mm print by Janus Films.

To RSVP for the event, click here.

Spring Arts Preview at International House Philadelphia
When: Thursday, January 26, 7 p.m.
Where: 3701 Chestnut Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.ihousephilly.org

Celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Penn Museum with traditional Chinese dance, music and crafts. (Photo courtesy Penn Museum)

Ring in the Year of the Dragon at the 31st Annual Chinese New Year celebration at the Penn Museum, Saturday, February 4 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Festivities kick off with a dance performance by the Penn Chinese Dance Club at noon, followed by a Lion Dance workshop conducted by the Penn Lions where guests will learn the joyful movements of the thousand-year old dance.

The all-girls MeiMei Dance Troupe takes the stage at 1 p.m., performing a patchwork of dances about legendary Chinese folk tales.

And be sure not to miss the 3:45 p.m. finale, as lion dancers and drummers from Cheung’s Academy wind their way through the Museum with a traditional lion dance to chase away evil and usher in a year of good luck!

Family programming will be offered all day long and will include puppet shows, trivia games, Chinese calligraphy, crafts, traditional story times and more.

Chinese New Year celebration at the Penn Museum
When: Saturday, February 4, 11 a.m-4 p.m.
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South Street
Cost: Free with museum admission
More info: www.penn.museum

A passionately artistic event awaits guests on Saturday, January 21, as Brian Sanders’ dance-theater company, JUNK, hosts Snowball at the University of the Arts.

Performances throughout the evening will feature JUNK, MOMIX, dancers from Cirque du Soleil, Koresh Dance Company and more.

Guests are encouraged to hit the dance floor wearing creative white attire, as awards for most creative attire and jewels will be given.

And keeping with the theme, white cocktails and drinks, as well as themed hors d’oeuvres, “JUNK” food and decadent desserts will be served throughout the evening.

All proceeds benefit JUNK. Tickets begin at $35/person and are available at the Kimmel Center Box office by calling (215) 893-1999, or online.

Brian Sanders’ JUNK Snowball
Where: Hamilton Hall, University of the Arts, 320 S. Broad Street
When: Saturday, January 21, 7 p.m. VIP, 8 p.m. General Admission
Cost: $35 General Admission (includes one drink ticket and eatables); $75 Admission (includes Open Bar from 8-11 p.m. and eatables); $150 VIP Early Admission (includes VIP balcony with open bar and back-stage pass)
More info: www.briansandersjunk.com

The Center For Emerging Visual Artists dedicates itself to helping talented emerging artists, like Krisga and Portlock, reach their audiences. The pictured works are by Griska. (Photo courtesy Center for Emerging Visual Artists)

We recently told you about PAFA alum and Center City resident Jordan Griska’s Grumman Greenhouse installation at Lenfest Plaza.

And now, Griska’s work, along with prints and images by Tim Portlock, are the focus of the latest spotlight exhibition at The Center for Emerging Visual Artists (CFEVA).

On view through December 20, Recent Works features pieces that engage the politics of space, resources, identity and constructed reality. Using special effects and computer gaming tools, Tim Portlock’s prints are constructed images depicting the post-industrial city using the conventions of 19th century American landscape.

Jordan Griska’s sculptural reinterpretations of objects (like airplanes, bridges and gas pumps), meanwhile, deal with metaphors for creation and destruction and the struggle to reconstruct and relate personal experiences into the context of our current political landscape.

Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment.

Recent Works exhibition
When: Now through December 20
Where: The Center for Emerging Visual Artists, 237 S. 18th Street, The Barclay, 3rd Floor
Cost: Free
More info: www.cfeva.org

Inquiring Minds is the first of its kind: an exhibition that shows a cross-section of the Rosenbach's researchers’ projects from concept to completion. (Photo by K. Ciappa for GPTMC)

Each year, hundreds of researchers from across the country make use of the Rosenbach Museum & Library’s extensive collection.

And now is your chance to check out what they’ve been working on. On view now through March 25, 2012, Inquiring Minds: Rosenbach Researchers Report Back uncovers 15 exciting and creative projects, ranging in focus from fashion and music, to cheese (!) and Maurice Sendak.

Inquiring Minds enables visitors to see how studies of commonplace books, portraits, colonial maps, drawings and even tri-corner hats have turned into such varied endeavors as musical compositions, scholarly books, documentary videos, novels, blogs, artwork and fashion designs.

Researchers include composer Dave Burell (who will also perform new work created from his research at the Rosenbach in January), Ezekial Ferguson of DiBruno Bros., fashion designer Cari Brezina and Dacre Stoker, vo-author of Dracula the Un-Dead, among others.

Throughout, the Rosenbach invites visitors to learn how they, too, can work with the museum’s rich collection for their own explorations.

Inquiring Minds: Rosenbach Researchers Report Back
When: Now through March 25, 2012
Where: Rosenbach Museum & Library, 2008-2010 Delancey Place
Cost: $10 Adults; $8 Seniors; $5 Children; Free for Children under Age 5
More info: www.rosenbach.org

Waiting until the last minute to finish your holiday shopping?

Head to the Italian Market this Sunday, December 18 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., for the 5th Annual Procrastinator’s Holiday Bazaar, and get all stocked up on holiday cheer.

Gift items by local artists will include original artwork, jewelry, clothing, handbags and one-of-a-kind crafts.

To check out featured vendors’ work, click here.

Need more ideas for holiday gift-giving? Check out uwishunu’s official all-local gift guide.

And be sure to reference our companion guide to holiday shopping, including ideas for where to find free live music, awesome lunch specials and more.

Procrastinator’s Holiday Bazaar
When: Sunday, December 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Connie’s Ric Rac, 1132 S. 9th Street
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.positivespace.ney

The International House will transform into a festive holiday village for its one-day-only holiday bazaar this Friday. (Photo courtesy International House)

We’ve already told you about some of the great local spots to get your holiday shopping done this season.

And here’s another tip: this Friday, December 9 from 1-7 p.m., head over to the International House in University City for the multicultural center’s International Holiday Bazaar.

The one-day market will be housed in the International House’s Galleria, which will be transformed into a festive holiday village.

With a vast selection of unique crafts, delicious food, jewelry, toys, custom prints and fashion from around the world, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for your loved one (and treat yourself to something nice, too!).

Register for the event (admission is free) right here.

Plan to stick around in the city on Saturday, as well, as there’s free metered parking after 11 a.m.!

International Holiday Bazaar
When: Friday, December 9, 1-7 p.m.
Where: International House Philadelphia, 3701 Chestnut Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.ihousephilly.org

Nomad pop-up shop is open for the month of December only, an eclectic collection of modern, vintage and mid-century furnishings and accessories.
(Photo courtesy Nomad)

Looking for unique, locally made and collected gift items this holiday season?

Look no further. Nomad, a new home pop-up shop, is now open in Chestnut Hill and features an eclectic mix of modern, vintage and mid-century treasures, alongside a curated collection of original works by local designers and collectors.

Check out a few of Nomad’s featured local designers, collectors and vintage dealers below:

• Stable Tables: Hand-made farm tables and benches made from reclaimed wood from old barns and buildings.
• Philadelphia jewelry designer J. Rudy Lewis is creating new work this season that is catching the eyes and being acquired by top stylists.
• Mockingbird Moon: Kim Grant’s tabletop gardens, collages of found objects and photographs bring the exterior world indoors and feature natural imagery inspired by her rural environs.
• Cotillion: Fantastic treasures, antiques, art, designer accessories, clothes and more.
• Wing & Wood: Custom Furniture and Woodworking with a sustainable future in mind.

Click here for a full list of artists.

Be sure to swing by this Friday, December 2, from 5-8 p.m. for Nomad’s Holiday Party. A portion of sales at Nomad will be donated to the James Turrell project in Chestnut Hill.

Shop hours from now through December 31 are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Nomad Pop-Up Shop in Chestnut Hill
When: Now through December 31
Where: 12 West Willow Grove Avenue, Chestnut Hill
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.hellonomad.com