Category: Around Town With HughE

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Around Town With HughE

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Spent Easter in Philly

This is not an April Fools Day Joke. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce flew into Philly airport ie Atlantic Aviation, on Easter morning at about 9AM. They presumably headed to Jason and Kylie’s house in Haverford to spend the day with family.
The “End Game” couple then headed to the Four Seasons Hotel to spend the night (When touring Taylor always stays at the Ritz, but Travis, who was last in town for his brothers retirement announcement, stayed at the Four Season’s. When she toured last summer she did have JG George stay open late for dinner after the Saturday night concert), They flew out this morning around 10am.

The final destination today is Hollywood for the IHeart Radio Awards show tonight; their plane touches down around 12:30pm pacific time. Taylor is leading in the nominations. Tonight might be their official Red Carpet debut together. They did appear on the gold carpet at the Gucci after party on Oscar Night, but that was for a private event.

Today Show: This morning did you catch Kylie Kelce on The Today Show chatting about Eagles Autism Foundation this morning . Such a good interview, lots of Jason chat as well, she is such a supporter of his -All cards are on the table, he can do whatever he sets his mind to. He is so talented she told Hoda & Savanah. Kylie did not mention Taylor or Travis’ Easter dinner appearance. All that was mentioned of loved up couple was it was fun to see them together.

Then everyone headed out to the plaza where more about the work Kylie and the Eagles do on behalf of the Eagles Autism Foundation.

April Is Autism Awareness Month and the Philadelphia Eagles are inviting fans, arts and culture enthusiasts, autism supporters, and the community to experience a new gallery adorned exclusively with Eagles-themed masterpieces. The Eagles’ art gala, “Green Is the Heart Inspired,” will run from Thursday, April 11, to Sunday, April 14, at the award-winning Arch Enemy Arts gallery in Philly’s historic Old City District.

Speaking of former Eagles Players.

The Ertz Family Foundation (Julie and Zach Ertz) will host a benefit concert for House of Hope featuring Matt Quinn of indie rock band Mt. Joy, and surprise guests, at Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia on Friday, April 12.

Tickets went on sale today exclusively at brooklynbowl.com/philadelphia. A preshow package including a meet and greet, cocktails, light bites, bowling and photo opportunities, are also available.

House of Hope, a project supported by The Ertz Family Foundation, provides education, technology, and nutrition products and services to combat the ongoing food insecurity, gun violence, and drug use Philadelphia is experiencing.

Breakthrough’s Annual Spring Soirée 2024
Only 50 Tickets Left. Come Through...I will be photographing this event.

After a pause that left many yearning for its delightful aromas and communal vibrancy, the much-loved Red Gravy Cook-Off is making a triumphant return, stirring excitement among food enthusiasts and community members alike. Organized by the East Passyunk Crossing Civic Association, this cherished event promises to rekindle the spirit of community and culinary excellence that has been its hallmark.

I hope you had a wonderful Easter, for those who celebrate, as well as a time to reconnect with friends and family. This year was the first time in 14 years I didn’t attend the Easter Parade on South Street. I love it, and I will return, but I was excited to try something different this year and that was enjoying a lovely brunch with friends hosted by TV personality Brian Balthazar (r) and Dennis St. Germain (standing), real estate agent to the stars, but he’d never tell you that. (They moved to our area during the pandemic, here’s their home feature on The Today Show.) Rounding out this photo are my friends Rich and Jimmy Eib, owner of 1600 Spruce Interior Design & Home

The Cherry Trees seem to bloom earlier and earlier each year. I hope you had a chance to see them this weekend. They were so beautiful and bountiful. I’m heading into the busy Spring Social Season, but I am going to work hard at not getting overwhelmed and will post here at least 3 times a week.

Socially Yours, HughE

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Around Town With HughE

A Valentine’s Dinner Party: Love, the Barnes on 2/14/24

On Wednesday, February 14 , The Barnes hosted a fabulous, romantic Valentine’s Dinner Party among world class art and architecture. Guests enjoyed a deliciously curated menu, as we mingled with our Valentines, galentines and palentines.

Rachel and Michael Blanchfeld

The evening kicked off with a special cocktail hour where guests mixed and mingled while enjoying drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Lou Fatuato and Julia Dolinger
Autumn and Anthony Smiley, with Walt and Naomi Livingston
Yuliza Brel-Fousmier and Andrew Faurnier
Fidan A Lizata and Emre Kara

For dinner there was an aphrodisiac-rich, Mediterranean-inspired menu crafted by Constellation Culinary Group.

Meg Matmens and Sue Prieto

o Amuse of Winter Fluke Crudo o First Course of Warmed Hummus Mezze with roasted fennel & sumac, mint & garlic pesto o Choice of Entrée including Pan Seared Branzino, Harissa Braised Beef Short Rib or Charred Vidalia Onion o Sweet Treats including Gilded Chocolate Lava Cake Bites, Blueberry Cheesecake Torte, Spiced Carrot Cake and French Macarons o Plus, take-home Champagne truffles

Tarik and Brin Brooks
Jim Miller and Sean Hartigan

Why is this column showing up so late. Well as you know I have exclusives with three magazines. Philly Mag, Philly Style and Main Line Today. When I shoot something like this in February, I submit it to the mags. For each outlet I submit multiple options, and I only know which party they picked up when the magazine is published. This fabulous one wasn’t, so I am publishing it here on Chit Chat. I hope the Barnes has more of these events, it was quite lovely.

Socially Yours, HughE

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Around Town With HughE

Jefferson Health opens The Honickman Center

The wait is over, and it was worth it. Jefferson Health has cut the ribbon on its new outpatient facility in Center City, a 19-story tower which will integrate multiple specialties under one roof when it opens to the public on April 15.

The Honickman Center, at 11th and Chestnut streets encompasses about 462,000 square feet , has more than 300 exam rooms, 58 infusion chairs, 10 operation rooms, six endoscopy rooms, imaging and laboratory services and a pharmacy. It also has an underground parking garage.

“We’ve created an experience that will change the way we view and define healthcare in the future,” says Dwight W. McBee, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience and Clinical Health Equity Officer for Jefferson Health. “We’ve learned that finding parking for your vehicle, making your way through the building to your appointment, and how many times you answer the same questions are as important as the surgery you have and the follow-up care we provide. We’ve studied each moment in the care journey and thoroughly curated experiences that redefine how we think about healthcare.”

“The Honickman Center stands as our flagship medical facility in Center City and as the epicenter of a more than $1 billion urban development project in East Market,” Jefferson Health CEO Joseph Cacchione said.

The Honickman Center, located at the 1100 block of Chestnut Street, across the street from Jefferson Hospital, took four years to build and stands 19 stories tall. It will host over 300 exam rooms, 10 operating rooms, and 58 infusion chairs for treatments.

“The Honickman Center was truly designed by patients for patients,” said Dr. Baligh R. Yehia, president of Jefferson Health. “We spoke with hundreds of patients and community members who shared their perspectives and informed our design from concept through completion. The Honickman Center also represents the future of health care by blending physical and virtual care, while enhancing the human interaction between a patient and their care provider.” (source)

Jefferson officials said their goal was to create a more seamless experience for patients by enabling them to have multiple appointments in a day without needing to travel between buildings in Center City. All of the patient rooms will have digital screens that enable other clinicians and relatives to participate virtually in appointments.

One of the waiting rooms

Jefferson Health received a $50 million gift from Lynne and Harold Honickman, (c) along with their children Marjorie and Jeffrey Honickman 3rd and 4th from left) and Shirley Han 4th from right) and Richard Hahn, in support of its new 19-story medical building. More than 2,000 individual donors chipped in roughly $150 million as well.

Marjorie and Jeffrey Honickman helped pick out the art work with a committee for the new space. They wanted to make sure people going through treatment were surrounded by beauty.

58 infusion chairs for extended procedures, some have views of the City skyline.

One of the state of the art operating rooms, there are 10

Patients at the Honickman Center will have access to a number of Jefferson’s named care facilities, including the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Nicoletti Kidney Transplant Center and Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience. See additional photos at CBSPhiladelphia

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Around Town With HughE

Pixs: Philadelphia Film Society 11th Annual Oscar Party

Oscar Night in Philly: It’s was a night of food, fun and movies, with guests dressing up, some as their favorite characters from nominated films, walking the red carpet all in the name of raising funds to benefit the Philadelphia Film Society.

Hostess with the mostess Scarlet and TV Personality Jen Su, PFS Board of Directors Hope you caught her on Fox29 today, recapping the Oscars, and last nights party at Philadelphia Film Center on Chestnut, near Broad.
Ann Marie and Sadie Mendlow, Cashman & Assocs.
Fashion designer Andre Moore with muse, personality Laura Mazurek
Barry Johnson and Ernest Owens

Ernest’s favorites this year were best picture Holdover and everyone’s favorite supporting actress Philly’s own Da’Vine Joy Randolph, actress Lily Gladstone, actor Robert Downey Jr., songstress Billie Eilish, although he’d love to see songwriter Diane Warren win in her lifetime. She’s been nominated 15 times, and has never won. He knows his stuff as nearly everyone he chose won.

Delicious fare by 12th Street Catering

Andrew Greenblatt Executive Director of the Philadelphia Film Society, Producer of the Philadelphia Film Festival
James Claiborne has returned to Philly, after being appointed Barnes Foundation Deputy Director for Community Engagement and with equally stylish Sena Sullivan

Usually he’s in front of the camera, but fashion model Jalen Hoang who always makes the scene next level does a favor for a friend.

Jan’ah McClean and Diane Duncan loved Oppenheimer. The last film they saw was Dune 2, which they recommend. It’s sooo long you can grab a quick nap and still know what’s going on, but make sure you watch the first Dune so you can follow along.

All proceeds from this annual fundraiser support the Philadelphia Film Society’s mission of creating opportunities for diverse communities to experience film through initiatives that inspire, educate, challenge and entertain.

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Around Town With HughE

Mark Ruffalo Spotted, Sto Bar Moves, Mamajuana Cafe about to Open

Mark Ruffalo Spotted, Sto Bar Moves, Mamajuana Cafe about to Open, Old City Beer Garden will open and more PhillyChitChat…

I’m sorry I have been absent. A lot has been happening over the past years. The pandemic was a big break, and my blog took a backseat, my social media took the wheel. But I’m back, again. I hope to post 3 times a week. Today I am doing a gossipy tidbit entry.

Ezekiel Zagar, Jeremiah Zagar and Isaiah Zagar at the CraftNow fundraiser in October. In the fall I told you Jeremiah told me he was to direct a pilot episode and multiple other episodes of a new HBO series called “Task”, a crime drama from Mare of Easttown creator Brad Ingelsby as soon as the writers/actor strike was over. He’ll also serve as executive producer.

Set in the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia, the upcoming drama will follow an FBI agent who’s in charge of a Task Force that’s been assembled to “end a series of drug-house robberies led by an unsuspecting family man”. (source)

The show is just starting production, in fact they’re looking for a personal chef to cook healthy meals. Have a recommendation email hughe @ phillychitchat.com .

BTW the show also stars actor Mark Ruffalo , who was spotted over the weekend shopping along Pine Street.

The Burgerfi location in Center City across from the Reading Terminal has closed. The one inside Fashion District ie the Gallery, remains open.

Sto’s Bar in Old City has closed. I posted about it on Reddit and IG and folks are passionate about the iconic dive bar. Love it or hate it, it was memorable. The beer garden next door, on the 200 block of Market Street is still set to open in two weeks. Not sure where they will be getting their food service from as Sto provided the menu.

There’s a sign on the window at Sto’s that says “We will miss you Old City, except for that person who kept calling L&I on us.” We will have a new incarnation coming in a few weeks at 21st and Ludlow called Good Good Things. Moving on Up: This spot was formerly called Rogues Gallery, run by Lauren A. Beloff but closed during the pandemic. They had decent food and clean bathrooms.

Opening within weeks: MAMAJUANA CAFE PHILLY Located in the heart of FISHTOWN! Latin Fusion Cuisine , Cocktails, & Entertainment ! Opening soon !!! 1000 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19125. They have a few in NYC and my friend Russ tells me they have a fun fun brunch on the weekends. I stopped by over the weekend and caught up with the co-owner who tells me they’ll be open late as well. They’re located at the same spot where Mad Max, and later Fin were located, next Brooklyn Bowl. I think this is the perfect spot for a lively, fun, delicious Latin spot. They completely gutted the place, and brought a little Latino love to the new iteration.

Thanks for stopping by. I’ll see you more frequent. xoxo HughE

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Loch Bar Has It’s Sea Legs

Baltimore restaurateur Alex Smith addresses the crowd at the ribbon cutting, as developer Carl Dranoff looks on opening day October 12. Loch Bar is on the ground floor of his Arthaus condo building at Broad and Spruce Streets.

In October Loch Bar, a seafood house based in Baltimore, opened in Philadelphia at the corner of Broad and Spruce streets on the Avenue of the Arts. Andre Flewellen and I photographed the ribbon cutting and party. Since that time I have eaten there a dozen times.

Joe and Christine Sweeney

I’m a night owl. I like the nightlife, I like to boogie and that doesn’t always mean on the dance floor. I love the Philly vibe, smiles, laughter, and at Loch Bar I always find that.

Teri Vo,Anne , Marie Borns, Steve McGrath, and Deanna Frost

Plus they have live music but it’s not over whelming a conversation as you dine. It’s kinda a unique atmosphere. According to a Philadelphia Inquirer article: The live music — mainly solos or duos starting (during) dinnertime — plays into the Avenue of the Arts leitmotif. Arthaus is on the former site of Philadelphia International Records, where producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff created the sound of Philadelphia in the 1960s and ‘70s. The building was razed several years ago, making way for Arthaus. (Source)

Every time I go to Loch Bar, the bar is packed, and there’s always someone there I know. That’s a plus, especially since 4 square has ceased to exist.

Recently I ran into a few folks in the music industry at the bar: Luke Carlos O’Reilly, Eric Worthan and Durell Bottoms at Loch Bar. (12/28/23)

Chris Mullins, McGillin’s Ale House, David Blum, Montgomery McCracken and Bill Gehrman, board member of the Avenue of the Arts, and founder of EnRoute, was spotted celebrating the launch of the new Kimmel Center marketing project: NEWS: Ensemble Arts Philly Ensemble Arts Philly represents a wide variety of genres across the #KimmelCenter, #AcademyofMusic, and #MillerTheater in Philadelphia. The new brand from the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra for everything that you already know and love. For more information, visit www.EnsembleArtsPhilly.org

Sheila Hess, Philly’s City Rep, Michael DelBene, CEO Welcome America and Nicole Cashman, Ceo Cashman & Associates

Dr.Thanuja Hamilton and Lalitah Rocker

My favorite appetizer:

CRISPY POTATO SKINS & CAVIAR
horseradish cream, american caviar · 19

I love potato skins and now with the combination of caviar I’m in heaven for under $20

Frank Smrcka, Avenue of the Arts, Patrick Mullen, First Lady of the Avenue of the Arts, Laura Burkhardt, executive director, and Council Person Mark Squilla
Lauren Baumhotz, and Jacob Trachtenberg

CHICKEN & SAUSAGE GUMBO
andouille sausage, applewood smoked bacon
cup 9 | bowl 15

Tess & Scott Waldman

Chef Michael O’Halloran brings over 20 years of exceptional culinary having formerly worked as executive chef at The White Dog Café and Stella of New Hope.

Aly Green, Sharon Pinkenson, executive director GPFO and Lynn Rinaldi, General manager Lynn Rinaldi was chef-owner of Paradiso in South Philadelphia and recently did a stint at Dolce at the W Hotel.

People on my social media the other day were surprised when I raved about the fried chicken at Loch Bar. They were surprised it was on the menu. It was delicious. I’ve ordered it more than once on return trips. I also like the steak and the crab cake, which I just had on Wednesday night. So good. It comes with a choice of salad or fries. It’s January so I went with the salad.

I have had the fried lobster tail, so good. Never had it fried before.

Eric Settle, and Caron Graff

Happy Hour is Monday through Friday. Wouldn’t it be fun to do a Happy Hour crawl through Center City?

Marianne Harris and Barbara Gall of Art Haus Stop by to check out their units.

Philly’s night life mayor Raheem L.Manning and Salima Bradley checking out the night life at Loch Bar.

I think I am most excited about Loch Bar is it’s open later than most Center City restaurants ( another fav restaurant Steak 48 is across the street, but they close at 9ish most nights). It’s beautiful, there’s nothing like looking out of the expansive windows to see the ever changing movement on Broad Street. It’s great pre and post theater, and as I wrote last week Yannick Nézet-Séguin likes to head over after his gig at the orchestra, so you never know who might be on the scene. As for dining, I still have a long way to get thru the menu. I’m thinking the Seafood Tower is next on my dance card.

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8th Annual Philadelphia Fund Alliance

The Philadelphia Fund Alliance (PFA), a group of Philadelphia-based asset management industry professionals, celebrated their annual fundraising gala on November 2 at Rittenhouse Hotel, benefiting PhillySafe seeks to make place-based investments with proven crime deterrent solutions (street cleaning, greening, lighting and resident-owned home security systems) in dis-invested neighborhoods.

Since its inception in 2016, PFA has raised over $700,000 for Greater Philadelphia area charities.

Susan Buckley, and Bruce G. Leto Co-Chair, Investment Management Stradley Ronon

The annual fundraiser not only supports a great cause,

but also highlights Philadelphia’s deep roots and influence in national financial markets and services, including traditional mutual funds and alternative asset vehicles.

Through our annual event, we will raise money for a local charity and, as an ancillary benefit, we will raise awareness about our collective accomplishments and milestones in the asset management industry.

Jim Mahoney, Tait, Weller & Baker, Mary Ellen Mahoney, with Donna and Jim Shaw
Roger Pereira, Carly Winter, Caitlin Cohen, and Thomas Matousch, AWM Trust Solutions at PwC

Matt Ramano, Justin Dutka, Josh Sohmer, Chuck Nevin, Brian Cassidy, and Reese Blair
Kate Williams, and John Falco
Morgan Klinzing, Sunny Patel, and Meghan McGettigan
John Alshefski, Senior Vice President – Investment Manager Services at SEI Investments, Tom McCarthy, and Bruce Leto, Co-Chair, Investment Management at Stradley Ronon
Maria Palmer, Nancy Cloran, Maggie Malloy BackRow- Tara Reilly, Kim Togno, Lori Wayne
Lauren Engel, Kyle Whiteman, Dan Conroy, and Brian London

For more information on the Philadelphia Fund Alliance

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Ray Philly Housewarming Party

The Ray Philly Team

Ray, a brand rooted in hospitality and making art and design a part of everyday life, opened its first residential building, Ray Philly within the North American Street creative corridor last month. Pictured about the Ray Philly Team proudly stands in front of the building at 1525 N American St,

Six Acre Capital is a real estate developer, owner and operator founded by Mark Lansman (l) and Jake Borden (r) with Rennee McIntyre Vice President of Marketing · Scully Company

The 103,000 square foot building features six artist studios on the ground floor, 110 residential units – including 25 studios, 67 one-bedrooms, 18 two-bedrooms – free communal art studio (called the makerspace) for residents, and a commercial space, was built from the ground up, but purposely built as if were a factory of yesteryear.

Jazman Means, Rod Robinson and Samantha Webster
Sherri Apter Wexler, Wexler Gallery which opened nearby a few days after Ray Philly; adding to the vibrancy of the neighborhood, Cynthia Porter, Lewis Wexler, David Glesson and Rachel Zimmerman, In Liquid Gallery, located in the Crane Arts Building and really ignighted the improvement of the neighborhood from abandon warehouses to a vibrant communighty.
Jessica Scully, president of the Scully Company , Suzanne Demisch, artist at Ray with Dasha Zhukova art patron and founder of Ray, with new development projects in three cities.

“Ray Philly is a home and gathering space where people can express their unique voices and perspectives, whether as residents of the building or participants in Ray’s free public programming,” said Suzanne Demisch, Creative Director at Ray. “We’re excited to be part of the City of Brotherly Love and look forward to delivering an experience that brings art and design into people’s daily lives.”

Ray Philly rooftop with a view of the Philadelphia skyline.

Ray exists to perpetuate art and culture in the built environment. Founder Dasha Zhukova was inspired to apply her work within cultural institutions and public art spaces into a new category of the built environment. Dasha established the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in 2008, seeking to create a space devoted to the discovery and exploration of global art and culture. Her experience at the museum, particularly observing how people interacted with both the art and architecture, was the catalyst for launching Ray.

Anaïs Cooper-Hackman, Programming and Partnerships Director · Ray Philly, with Heather, Vincent, and Jeff
Siblings Lindsey Scannapieco and Michael Scannapieco came out to see Ray Philly, and meet up with old friends.

Ray Philly appears to be more than just a residential building; it seems to be a dynamic and integrated space that promotes a fusion of art, design, and community. Donations were suggested for entry and 100% of proceeds generated from the event were donated to South Kensington Community Partners (SKCP), a place-based non-profit located in Old/South Kensington with programs serving OSK and the surrounding neighborhoods of Eastern North Philadelphia.

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Rair Philly Celebrates 10 Years of Trash Art

On November 8, RAIR (Recycled Artist In Residency) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its signature annual event – Trash Bash, last night at the beautiful Atelier FAS in North Philly. RAIR a unique, non-profit arts organization uniquely situated within a construction and demolition recycling center in Northeast Philadelphia.
Ginger Rudolph, Sara McCorriston and Billy DuFala, co-founder of the Recycled Artist in Residency (RAIR) program in Philadelphia, which aims to raise awareness of sustainability through the creative reuse of materials. Dufala describes his work as an investigation of human beings and their relationships with themselves and others.
Sarah M, Judy Wicks, author/activist , Christopher Plant, KISMET COWORK, RADIOKISMET, and Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships at AIA Philadelphia, board member of PMA’s Collab Philly. Their annual event is happening Novermber 18, this year’s Design Excellence Award honoring American designer Stephen Burks. 
Samantha Wichen and Fern Gookin, Director of Sustainability, Revolution Recovery, and co-founder of Rair Philly, who’s mission is to continue challenging the perception of waste culture.

The whole concept of this creative organization is very unique and the work created is definitely one of a kind. An eclectic crowd gathered at this annual event, from business executives – Michael Newmius and Kevin Lessard, creatives Sarah H Gamble , philanthropists, politicians including Sen Shariff Street, entrepreneurs Lindsey Scannapieco,

Alexis Tuttleman and Max Tuttleman, Husband, Father, Philadelphian, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist.
Rachel Zimmerman, Founding Artistic and Executive Director of InLiquid, Co-Chair Philadelphia chapter of ArtTable, Board Member of GPCA (Save the date March 9 for InLiquid’s annual fundraiser- InLiquid’s Art for the Cash Poor) and John Wind, founder and chief designer of Maximal Art, wearing a Andy Warhol inspired Campbell soup sweater from Joan Shepp. You can find his jewelry at the iconic fashion store on Chestnut Street as well.
Blair M was happy to support Rair as well as to connect with old friends. Tony Diaz loves the unconventional items which are given a new purpose.
Salt Design Studio = Angela Fleagle, Rian Herilla, Sara Pevaroff Schuler, Le Xu, Olivia Boon and Katrina Rogus
Jason Kim, Ellen Houle, Leanne Weiner, Emilly Rollet, Kiet Tran, and Jon Wybar is the co-founder and owner of Revolution Recovery (the incredible company who created the material that built the temporary bridge on 95 which collapsed earlier this year, it makes sense he’s connected with a recyling art organization)
Reny Beloff, Kristin Katz, Yameen Allworld and Liza Tedeschi, board member RAIR (Recycled Artist In Residency) is a non-profit arts organization uniquely situated within a construction and demolition recycling center in Northeast Philadelphia.
The RAIR workspace includes a large project space, wood shop equipment, metalworking facilities, access to the waste stream for materials, and a material storage area. Artists-in-residence receive attentive support from RAIR’s staff who act as liaisons between the artist and the recycling facility. In addition to providing artists on-site access to recovered materials, construction equipment, and a fully-equipped studio space, RAIR’s residency program offers artists the opportunity to use the entire 3.5-acre facility as an expansive project space for the development and presentation of ambitious experimental work.
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Photos: Wexler Gallery Opening Party

Lewis Wexler, and Sherri Apter Wexler owners of Wexler Gallery Celebrated The Opening Of Their New Philadelphia Location at 1811 Frankford avenue last month. It was formerly in the historic district of Old City where they opened in 2000.

Pei-ru Keh editor of Wallpaper Magazine, with gallery owners Lewis Wexler, and Sherri Apter Wexler and furniture designer Jomo Tariku, Jomo Design Furniture. The four of them participated in a panel discussion about current trends in design and art.

Wexler Gallery, opened a flagship showroom at 1811 Frankford Avenue in the heart of Philadelphia’s bustling Fishtown neighborhood, definitely Philly’s new vibrant art and cultural center.

The new gallery space will serve as Wexler’s flagship location and feature a roster of established and emerging artists, as well as the main offices for the Wexler staff complete with meeting space for clients and customers.

Lana Masor, Gallery Manager at Wexler Gallery NYC and Samantha Goldberg

They have another gallery in Manhattan 200 Lexington Ave.

Lauren Rufrano, Jomo Tariku, Justin Wesley, and Mark Allen
Nick Missel, contemporary Sculpture, patent attorney, artist Ben Gillespie, lighting designer and owner of Ovuud and Jessica Uphoff, URBN

Thanks to my photographer Talya Hailey who shot this for PCC as I had two other events. It was definitely a party I missed. So many fun and talented people attended. Being a creative brings such personal joy of accomplishment.

Marsha Moss, Public Art Curator & Consultant, Jill Sablosky, Sculptor and Crystal Cuevas
Crystal Cuevas, Claudia Volpe, and Micah Monroe

Occupying a former pretzel factory built in 1910, the 11,000-square-foot gallery features a dramatic, 35-foot-high central atrium topped by large skylights cut out of the timber ceiling.

Franz Rabauer, Brian Daggett, X, and Kelly
Jerome Maury, Sherri Wexler, gallery owner, Stephanie Giesecke, and Nina Halper

The Wexlers aspire for the gallery to serve as a cornerstone, drawing in other artistic hubs like Corridor, and numerous others within the Crane Arts building vicinity (I always thank the Zimmerman sisters for really helping this area after they opened InLiquid nearly a decade ago in the Crane Arts Building), along with the Clay Studio and the recently inaugurated Ray Philly, a residential complex featuring artists’ studios on the ground floor, supported by collector Dasha Zhukova. It’s becoming a very exciting area, great for weekend strolls.