Leila Cartier, Executive Director, CraftNOW Philadelphia, Sharif Pendleton, LaserPhilly, Anna Solomon and Rebecca Ledbetter, NextFab
Philadelphia-based organizations Craft organization CraftNOW and makerspace NextFab have partnered again, welcoming new partner LaserPhilly, to present the second annual Tools of the Trades, a four-day hybrid conference focused on connecting artisans to business resources in Philadelphia and beyond.
The event started off on Tuesday with a breakfast meeting, before jumping into the 4 day conference, the first 3 days virtual and in person on Saturday, March 25th there were Workshops and a Networking Happy Hour at NextFab, 1800 N. American Street, Philadelphia.
Juanda Myles and Mark Coleman are excited for Philly Tech Week coming up
Paige Sato, MABEL who makes clothing, and bags out of old quilts
Jason Lempieri, Manhole Coasters and Lindsey Fogarasi, CraftNow
The Tools of the Trades conference schedule has three distinct tracks described below. These include ▶︎ Tools in Business, ◉ Tools for Creatives, and ❑ Tools with Contemporaries. If you missed this years conference check in periodically with Tools for Trade for next years date.
Sheila Hess, City Representative presents Kate Marlys, found of Philly Pr Girl with a Proclamation from the City of Philadelphia and Mayor Kenney recognizing her 10 years in business!!
Congratulations Philly PR Girl. Starting out as a WYSP on the promotional team, Kate Marlys knew how to get the word out. Friendly, outgoing, she easily made friends, and connections which would serve her later in life as she built her public relations business. Starting off as a blogger, she would write about her life of adventure, eventually sharing with the public info they wanted – where to eat, what to do, what to see; which morphed into a PR business where she could help businesses share their stories , connect with media. Many of her first clients were friends, and these days many of her friends are her clients. Congratulations Kate!! Well Done. OH forgot to mention, she also was a genius with the name of her firm. Catchy, memorable and concise.
Rachel Perez (Happy Birthday) and Stephanie Algayer
Farah Farag, Visit Philly, Andrianna Acosta, Philly PR Girl, Hector Nuñez, founder of Wooder Ice and Matthew Vogel, who is married to Farah, whose parents I went to high school with, which makes me old,..
Philly PR Girl is a full-time public relations firm for event planning, social media management, marketing, and promotions. Our company was built on the foundation of networking and relationship-building. Owner Kate Marlys has planned, facilitated and attended hundreds of networking events, resulting in a strong and dynamic network of contacts in digital, print, TV, and radio throughout the United States.
With an emphasis on organic branding and powerful online communications, our team brings winning strategies, forward-thinking implementation, and endless energy to non-profits and businesses of all sizes on both a local and national scale.
SNACKTIME Performed at Philly PR Girl’s 10th Anniversary Party at City Winery
It was great to be back at City Winery, I hadn’t been there since the beginning of the pandemic. We’re so lucky to have a major music venue like this in Center City, with food and good vibes. Plus a great event space with a stage. Check out today’s Metro Philly for more photos as well as my column in CBSPhilly. Congrats again Philly PR Girl!!
PS to my readers sorry I have been absent, social season is booming. I’m getting ready to go away for 5 days, and when I return I promise to be more consistent on this platform. Know that you can follow me on IG where I do post every 6 hours. PhillyChitChat Instagram
Old City was energized on Friday as First Friday resumed a few months ago, and really seems to be hitting it’s stride again this year. So many art galleries and shops were open, attracting locals and art enthusiast a like. I headed to The Museum for Art in Wood and the opening night of The Mashrabiya Project
Anila Quayyum Agha stands next to her work”Charred Gold,” is a Mashrabiya made of charred block is, each embellished with words in English and Urdu describing emotions. .
The Mashrabiya Project is a community-focused, shared experience that links the heritage of the mashrabiya, a screening element with ancient origins, to responses in art and design that reflect considerations of space and seeing in contemporary life. The Project—the first in the U.S. to examine the mashrabiya as both an architectural object and a locus of metaphor—presents an opportunity for dialogue and connection across cultural and geographic borders.
Hoda Tawakol ,Majida Khattari,, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Anila Quayyum Agha, and Jennifer-Navva Milliken, executive director and chief curator of the Museum for Art in Wood,
In newly commissioned works, six artists from the Muslim world— Anila Quayyum Agha,, Nidaa Badwan, Susan Hefuna, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Majida Khattari, and Hoda Tawakol created societal and cultural concepts evoked by the mashrabiya.
Bill Gehrman, Owner & CEO · En Route and Tracy Buchholz Director of Public Relations En Route
Amrut Mishra and Micki Burdick enjoying the exhibition
Hoda Tawakol, Zaid Alrawi and Yarub
Guests view Majida Khattari‘s “Orientalismes revisités à Philadelphie” in which a series of photos displayed on a video screen must be viewed through a mashrabiya. Many of the photos are local artists or art lovers in the Philly area.
Leila Cartier, Executive Director of CraftNow takes a photo of herself in Majida Khattari‘s “Orientalismes revisités à Philadelphie”
Patricia Fowler, Esq., President, Museum for Art in Wood greets the guests.
Guests relax on the sofa while enjoying the exhibition
Lindsey Bedford, with FringeArts is the new Director of Marketing and Communications and Rachel Zimmerman, Artistic and Executive Director of InLiquid
Ruth and Rick Synderman
“The Mashrabiya Project” is on display at the Museum for Art in Wood until July 23 and is free. The Museum also have other exhibitions on display, and a great gift shop. So many unique items.
In honor of Black History Month, Joan Shepp hosted her annual Women of Substance & Style soiree where black women who have influenced our community’s growth and prosperity are feted. This years honorees have been selected by Cheryl Ann Wadlington, Dyana Williams, and Tuesday Gordon. Each honoree will be presented with a certificate at the event, a change to talk about their lives to a room full of friends, family, supporters and change makers.
This year Joan Shepp will be giving back to Turning Points for Children, whose mission is to strive to bring social and health services to vulnerable people across the city of Philadelphia. Annually, they serve over 17,000 individuals, including children and adults, to offer services such as foster care placement, counseling and parental education, behavioral health services, and much more.
Christie Mandia, Cashman & Associates, with legendary Joan Shepp, and Bridgett Battles, Stylist, Brand Consultant and Director for Community Engagement and Supplier Diversity at Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health.
As with every Joan Shepp event, the fashion was fierce!
Famed jeweler John Wind was wearing an original design by Conrad Booker, where he takes a suit jacket and strips it down to it’s inners adding thread to create this unique jacket.
More than just a meticulously curated fashion boutique, for 50 years, Joan Shepp have provided exceptional service, exclusive designer events, and most importantly, a space for the fashion community to play, discuss, explore, and discover new designers and innovations in the industry.
SHANI NEWTON Dolly’s Boutique is one of Philadelphia’s most unique shopping experiences. Owner, Shani Newton opened the boutique named in honor of her late grandmother nearly 10 years ago. She and her staff pride themselves on providing an exceptional level of customer service. “When you come to Dolly’s, expect to be treated like royalty”, a frequent quote of Shani’s.
Shani told me that when she was younger her grandmother took her to Joan Shepp’s shopping. She enjoyed the experience, how they always had treats and champagne on hand for the customers. When she opened her store she wanted to create the same experience for her customers, and she has, as well as earning respect from her peers and the community.
In 2019, Joan Shepp introduced a new concept store, Joan Shepp Home, to enhance your space with unparalleled decor.
Stylish, stylist Linda Della Rocca
Tammi Toliver Principle Artist at Fashion Facez, getting the shot with Colona Rberts.
Joan Shepp and Ellen Shepp
Founded in 1971 in Lafayette Hill, Joan Shepp has since been recognized as one of the country’s style leaders by publications Harper’s Bazaar and Lucky Magazine. In 1984 Joan’s daughter Ellen joined the business. Together, along with their loyal and creative staff, they have continued to share the Chemistry of Fashion. The complete list of women honored at the event
Kristin Detterline, Alissa Frick, Jillian Mele, Christie Mandia, Jessica Boyington, Marisa Magnatta and moi
Saturday I had brunch at the recently opened Hook and Ladder Sky Bar & Kitchen , which is now officially launching brunch on the weekends. Located in Conshohocken and part of the new Hotel West & Main. Before I head into the brunch menu, We need to catch up on the ladies Kristin Detterline, Alissa Frick, Jillian Mele, Christie Mandia, Jessica Boyington, Marisa Magnatta , for long time subscribers you recognize them not only for their accomplishments, but as my friends I’ve photographed over the years, some from the beginning of PCC, most in the last 14 years.
I’ve known Marisa Magnatta the longest, meeting her at a Philly Style Mag Party in 2008. She’s still rocking it 20 years at MMR, and in the upcoming March issue of Philly Mag, she’s interviewed. Kristin Detterline, left her long time position as Editor-in-Chief and Group Editor of Modern Luxury Media’s Boston and Philadelphia publications, to accept a job with Athena Global Advisors. Plus she still produces content for PSM, as well as Philly Mag. Next up for her is the Build Me Up Buttercup fundraiser for the William Way Center. Jillian Mele, I met her in 2010 when she worked at NBC10, was there when she won her first Emmy in 2014, and have enjoyed watching her career soar to national heights, and then returning home where her heart, family and friends reside. Now you can catch her on 6ABC, reporting and anchoring the weekend news. Congrats to Jessica Boyington, who I’ve known for nearly a decade. What a bright ball of energy, and fun. She’s also was at NBC10, and is now at 6ABC. She just got engaged!! Great to see Alissa Frick, she also started out at NBC10, and is now at Fox29 where she is VP of Creative Services & New Media. She is also co-founder of the very innovated Blok, smart cutting board. Christie Honigman Mandia, my good friend for years, since 2009, then we became neighbors, those were fun years. A publicist for years, got married in a black wedding dress, who is raising a family in the burbs, now working with the premier PR Agency in Philly Cashman & Assoc. It was a great afternoon with amazing friends, who were generous in allowing me to photograph them, and chronicle their lives. Now we share cherished memories for life.
Hook and Ladder offers wide-open rooftop views and elevated twists on the classics, making it the perfect spot for weekend brunch. We started with appetizers, including my favorite caviar and chips. Soo good.
A few weeks ago I had dinner at Hook & Ladder, and tried this dish: Chips and Caviar $19, very good. The chips and the caviar. I was excited to have them again.
Scambled eggs Bread Bowl different, delicious and filling.
The dish that got away, steak and eggs, which looks so good. Jessica loved it. There was no doggy bag contents left to bring home. Photographs well too.
I really enjoyed my 2nd visit to Hook & Ladder, not only the company, the food, the ambiance, parking and the historic firehouse the restaurant and hotel are housed. Definitely a hot spot. Not what I would consider a hotel bar, and restaurant at all. Go enjoy.
Photo: Alex Holley
As I reported last week, Thursday night film crews shut down Chestnut Street between Second and Third Streets to film a limited series called “Sinking Spring” by Ridley Scott for Apple TV+. “Sinking Spring,” which is going by the working title “Catamount,” follows long-time Philly friends and delinquents who pose as DEA agents to rob an unknown house in the countryside, only to have their small-time grift become a life-and-death enterprise, as they unwittingly reveal and unravel the biggest hidden narcotics corridor on the Eastern seaboard,” according to Variety. Filming started Feb 7 and continues through July, with casting done by Heery-Loftus. Thursday’s shoot was a car chase, with one of the cars flipping over at 2nd and Chestnut Streets. The eight-episode series is set to star Brian Tyree Henry, Kate Mulgrew, Marin Ireland and originally Michael Mando, but Mando was fired last week after getting into a fight on the set with another actor, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The Better Call Saul actor has been replaced by Wagner Moura.No sightings of the cast out and about yet, but director/producer Ridley Scott has been spotted dining at JK Skyhigh at the Four Seasons several times now.
Congratulations to Alex Holley for banging the Phila Union Drum to kick off the Opening Season Saturday night !! You can watch every match on MLS Season Pass on the AppleTV app. BTW how crazy is Servant getting. you can watch that on the AppleTV Appp too.
The Philly Home + Garden Show is Back This Year with Over 275+ Exhibitors, Celebrity Guests, and a Little Bit of Something for Everyoneat the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA, I check it out this morning, I picked up a few things for our newly renovated kitchen. Mike and I went last year, and that’s how we found the company for our backsplash, and the granite for our kitchen renovation.
The Philly Home + Garden Show returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA for three days only from Friday, February 24th to Sunday, February 26th. Attendees will find new inspiration, innovative products, helpful tips, and amazing deals in remodeling, home improvements, décor, and outdoor spaces with opportunities to connect with hundreds of home and garden experts.
The show will include over 275 exhibitors ranging from home décor and furniture to garden and landscaping to kitchen and bath to food and beverage. If you’re like us, you watch HGTV, DIY, and TLC home improvement TV shows for tips and tricks for your home. Come get tips live from Celebrity Guest: Joe Mazza, star of the hit series “Home Inspector Joe” on Friday, February 24th, and Saturday, February 25th.
Other celebrity guest appearances include Jeff Devlin, host of DIY Network’s Stone House Revival and licensed contractor with more than 20 years of building experience. Jeff will be in attendance to share his passion for designing, creating, and building with attendees. Devlin will also have a ‘pop up’ shop filled with local handcrafted items and woodworking that is for sale along with a section dedicated to his Airbnb at Sycamore and Stone Farm. Click here to check out the full Main Stage schedule throughout the weekend, https://phillyhomeandgarden.com/show-features/speakers-celebrities.
Special Ticketing Days:
HERO DAY: Honor our local heroes on Friday, February 24th where all active and retired military, first responders, nurses, doctors, and teachers will get free admission upon identification.
SEPTA DAY: If you have a SEPTA key card, you have the key to the Philly Home + Garden Show on Friday, February 24th. Present your SEPTA key at the box office for free admission.
SENIOR DAY: Guests that are 60+ will receive a $3 discount at the Box Office courtesy of our sponsor, Luxury Bath! The promotion is offered at the box office with a valid ID on Friday, February 24th.
Jenna Naffin, Home Show Manager and Jeff Devlin, host of DIY Network’s Stone House Revival
Show Manager Jenna Naffin says, “We’re excited to be back offering the community the opportunity to do face-to-face shopping with local experts. Many of us have been spending more time at home. If you’ve been wondering how to redesign your kitchen or bath, spruce up your backyard for entertaining, or how to create your new home office, you need to be here. Here’s your chance to talk to business owners in person, shop, compare, and save with hundreds of vendors all under one roof. Don’t forget to make a fun family day out of it. Plan your visit around our expert and celebrity stage presentations, FREE DIY workshops, wine, and whiskey tastings, our NEW food truck rally on Sunday, and more
NRG Energy
Cheers
Kitchens
Set Sail! By Highway Marine: Experience the Highway Marine feature to find the perfect fit for your water adventures!
Home Improvements
Habitat for Humanity
Follow the link to the Philly Home + Garden Show website for more information regarding featured events and vendors, PhillyHomeandGarden.com.
Tuesday night @jason.kelce and his very pregnant wife Kylie, dined @mikesolomonov@zahavrestaurant with another couple. When he walked in the servers and diners clapped as he was led to his table. He acknowledged the appreciation, then enjoyed dinner uninterrupted. I wrote on my Instagram last night. (I love when I hear about these heartwarming moments, thanks to a reader) Later I learned …
He did pose with one of his favorite chefs, Michael Solomonov who reminded his readers about Underdogs, Jason’s clothing line, where the proceeds go to the BePhillyFoundation
Oatly Launches Plant-Based Cream Cheese with Philadelphian Tara Lipinski. Oatly, the world’s original and largest oatmilk company, unveiled their new plant-based cream cheese invented in Philadelphia by mostly Philadelphia-based food scientists with Philadelphia native and Olympian Tara Lipinski. As part of this pre-launch release, Oatly has partnered with local Philadelphia bagel chains Spread Bagelry and Philly Bagels, who are now serving Oatly’s Philadelphia-invented cream cheese today through March 31st (or until supplies last). No doubt they launched in Philly because where else, the staple Philadelphia Cream Cheese is so synonymous with our City, but they say it’s “this is the first time Oatly has embarked on a limited pre-launch strategy in one particular city. The hope is that Philadelphians adopt Oatly’s cream cheese the same way they’ve adopted other hometown staples like greased street poles, Gritty and the 2006 film Invincible.”
Filming of Sinking Springs continues tonight on 2nd Street in Old City.
I mentioned last year that Ridley Scott would be filming his Apple TV Series “Sinking Springs” in the beginning of February, and he did, turning University City into PhillyWood for a week starting on February 7.
“Sinking Spring” is a crime drama series, that stars Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry and “Better Call Saul” star Michael Mando as long-time friends posing as DEA agents and robbing a seemingly normal country house in the small town of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania. They unwittingly get caught up in a major crime operation.
The cast also includes Marin Ireland, from Amazon’s “Sneaky Pete” and Netflix’s “Umbrella Academy”; and Kate Mulgrew from Netflix’s “Orange Is The New Black.”
I have a busy night tonight, but I am going to try and capture some of the action in Old City tonight. It’s an over night shoot, normally I would scout out a location to spend the night, but I am shooting the Philly Home Show at 8AM so I can’t do that like I did for 21 Bridges hiding, er I mean scouting out from the 2nd floor window of Unite Fitness.
According to the Apple Insider: The most interesting thing about the series so far is its massive budget – the pilot episode alone cost over $50 million. That is almost as much as the budget of the entire first season of Game of Thrones! Season 1 of the HBO hit cost around $50-60 million, which breaks down to $5-6 million per episode. The pilot episode was filmed for two weeks in Bucks County according to Levittown Now, the money was used to rent out an entire town including the police force, fire department. According to World of Reel, that $50 million went on two weeks of shooting. Apple is said to have rented out a whole town, including hiring its police and fire department, and to have blown up a house.
If you capture any photos, send them to us at hughe@phillychitchat.com and we will publish them. I love car chases, and no doubt this one is going to be a fun one. BTW roads are closed in the area, and bus routes are re routed. Check with Septa for Info.
It has been 25 years since the rock memorabilia and live music-driven Hard Rock Café dropped anchor in Center City Philadelphia. The Philly Hard Rock, at 1113 Market Street, since that time, has become a totem for conventioneers, tourists, office workers, and locals alike looking for big burgers, tall cocktails, live music and memorabilia from The Who, the Rolling Stones and more.
Martin Cordova and Scarlett Hernadez
Brett Silver and Brittney Chappell.
Uneeka Jay, Founder of Rewrite 365 LLC and Elijih Crawford, Co Founder & Director At Ugly Art Films
Laura Burkhardt, Executive Director of Avenue of the Arts, Kyle Cuffie-Scott, owner of Darnell’s Cakes just did a pop up cafe at Philadelphia Museum of Art, but you can enjoy his tasty delights at his cafe 444 N 3rd Street, (he tells me there’s another pop up in a few weeks) and Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships AIA Partnerships
Sisters Kiki and Lani Aranita
Dani Reaves (still glowing from her trip to Paris in November) and Rashidah Cornitcher, CEO and founder of Ultimate Vision Sports Management.
Kevin Spence, Cinematographer ( Just returned from NYFW and spotted great street fashion) (I sure miss shooting NYFW myself) and Tiffany Laibhen-Spence, wife + mommy and content creator. The happily married duo has some life advice for you at BET.
Sheila Hess, City Representative and the team from Hard Rock Cafe
To celebrate, the group Boyz II Men performed at the anniversary show on Wednesday, February 8. The group’s four-time Grammy Award winners are one of the most iconic R&B groups in history, had the ladies, and a few men swooning when they handing out red roses to the crowd when they sang “I’ll Make Love To You.”
Ryan Schlegel, Senior Vice President, Mid Penn Bank,
Nil Pimentel, Chair, NSCAN,
Philip Balderston, Founder & CEO, Odin Properties,
State Representative Danilo Burgos, (District 197),
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District),
Rachael Pritzker, CEO, RAM Development Partners + Pritzker Law Group, and
Adam Pritzker, Partner, RAM Development Partners,
Odin Properties, LLC (Odin) and RAM Development Partners, LLC (RAM) are proud to announce the development of Front Street Lofts (2112-16 N. Front Street). The six-story mixed-use building will feature a total of thirty-one modern studio, one-bed, and two-bed apartments offering sweeping city views, a green roof deck, and convenient pedestrian access to public transportation.
Situated along the Market-Frankford Line (MFL), just one-and-a-half blocks from the Berks Street and York-Dauphin SEPTA Stations, the project also brings ground floor commercial space to the neighborhood, incorporating a retail storefront along bustling Front Street.
Front Street Lofts sits in the heart of the Norris Square neighborhood of Philadelphia. This rapidly evolving section lies within the River Wards corridor, adjacent to one of Philadelphia’s hottest neighborhoods, historic Kensington.
This development presents a unique opportunity to expand the development of Front Street’s commercial corridor while adding restricted affordable housing as part of the residential mix. “What makes this project special is the breakthrough collaboration between developers, city government, and neighbors to create new construction affordable housing. The groundbreaking of Front Street Lofts is proof that long-term affordable housing can be created in all neighborhoods of the City if all stakeholders are committed to working together productively” says Odin Properties CEO Philip Balderston.
The day after the Eagles cliched the NFC Championship, Eagles clad folks gathered to celebrate the name change of The Center for Art in Wood to the Museum for Art in Wood on North 3rd Street in Old City. Go birds!!
Jennifer-Navva Milliken, Executive Director & Chief Curator
On January 30, the organization officially rebranded as the Museum for Art in Wood after undergoing an intensive and diligent planning process. The move allows the Museum to be further recognized by an international community of artists, scholars, and collectors as a critical resource in studying art, craft, and design in wood. It also reinforces the Museum for Art in Wood’s mission to stimulate and nurture creative engagements surrounding wood, an organic, shapeable, sustainable, and conceptually inspiring material.
“This organization has grown to become the world leader in building appreciation, awareness, and scholarship for art in wood,” said Jennifer-Navva Milliken, Museum for Art in Wood’s Executive Director and Chief Curator. “From its earliest days as the Wood Turning Center to its pivotal move to the current location in the cultural and historic heart of Philadelphia, this dynamic Museum has hosted groundbreaking exhibitions, built a distinctive and important collection and archives, and opened its doors to the wonder of creativity in wood to visitors locally, regionally, and internationally.
Vivian Chiu,speaks about being part of The Vessel exhibition going on through Feb 12th at the Museum
In addition to the rebranding, the organization is honored to announce a historic and transformative $10 million endowment from the Windgate Foundation, designated to strengthen the future of the Museum and allow the organization to expand its mission, programs, and plans for growth. $3.5 million of the gift is held as a named, designated endowment at the Arkansas Community Foundation with the remaining invested by the Museum for Art in Wood.
Jennifer D. Martin, Executive Director of The Clay Studio and Leila Cartier, Executive Director of CraftNOW Philadelphia attended the announcement and reception.
The museum’s collection holds 1,200 objects, and its research library contains 1,000 books and reading materials about the history of wood turning and woodworking.
Under the new branding, the Museum for Art in Wood will host an inaugural, community-focused, exhibition and shared-making project titled The Mashrabiya Project. The Project, which launches March 3 and features new works by international artists from across the Islamic world, was made possible by a project grant from the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.
The cornerstone of The Mashrabiya Project is Seeing Through Space, a multi-disciplinary exhibition featuring newly commissioned works from six female-identifying international artists. The Mashrabiya Project also includes interactive programming, a
shared-making experience, and a publication showcasing and exploring the significance of the wood- turned mashrabiya.
Curated by Milliken, this will be the first effort in the United States to examine this
Thanks to the speakers who came out to support the day includin Senator Nikil Saval, Mary Isaacson, 175th District, State Representative and Councilman Mark Squilla
architectural object and its prominence in Islamic and Egyptian craft while highlighting its greater cultural significance in contemporary art. The Museum for Art in Wood will present The Mashrabiya Project from March 3 to July 23, 2023, and host hybrid programming to encourage further public engagement and discussion.
Located in Old City, Museum for Art in Wood is open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday and is free of charge to all visitors.
Teal Butterfly is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to raise awareness about the early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer by educating the public through community events and social media campaigns
