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,
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.
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.
They have another gallery in Manhattan 200 Lexington Ave.
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.
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.
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.
On November 2, 2023, the 43rd Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, presented by the Museum’s Women’s Committee, kicked off the annual premier exhibition and sale of contemporary American craft with a preview party at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show was founded in 1977 and was the first retail craft show established and organized by a volunteer committee for the benefit of a non-profit institution. This trailblazing show has served as a prototype for successful subsequent shows in cities such as Washington, D.C., and Glencoe, IL among others.
The Show is presented each November by the Museum’s Women’s Committee and the Craft Show Committee for the benefit of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A portion of each year’s proceeds is dedicated to the purchase of a craft object for the Museum’s permanent collection. Funds raised are also used to underwrite education and publication projects within the Museum.
Proceeds have enabled the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for the Audio-Visual and Conservation departments and monies have been contributed to the renovation of both Museum infrastructure and galleries as well as external installations such as the Rodin Museum and Mount Pleasant, an 18th century house in nearby Fairmount Park.
The 2023 Show will welcome 44 artists new-to-show, resulting in a total of 195 talented artists representing 13 diverse categories of art and design
The show runs all weekend through Sunday at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. TICKETS start at $20 per day, includes lectures and browsing.
Hello readers. Social season is winding down. I think this is something I repeat every time Social Season ends, it’s kicked my butt. This year more than ever. It’s after the pandemic and people are excited to be out and about. More than once all three of us have been booked on a given night. Although a lot of the content appears on my media partners sites, CBSPhilly, Metro, and Tribune. I will be putting events here to catch you up as well, today though I just want to publish HughE Around Town stuff for those who might not see my Social Media posts. (I took this photo 12;30 10/31/23)
So many events happen in the fall season that I don’t have time to attend. For years Mike and I were volunteers for AIDS Walk Philly, but in the last decade I haven’t been able to make it. Mike, who had volunteered for 15 years, decided to walk with friends this year. Thanks to PR maven Cari Feiler Bender who snapped this photo for us to enjoy. 10/15 For 20 years it is has been my privilege to work with @aidswalkphilly and Robb Reichard. It’s not too late to donate at www.aidswalkphilly.org. What a beautiful Sunday morning! #aidswalkphilly Cherri Gregg, WHYY, Karen Hua, NBC10, Pierre Robert WMMR, Cari and Rob Reichard.
Jane Fonda spotted in Philly late last month. Jane Fonda and Maura Tierney @mauratierney_ with the cast of Assassins at Arden Theatre Company which closed October 29. The Arden Theatre Company the show a genius work of Stephen Sondheim. Jane than appeared at a speaking engagement at the Kimmel Center on Monday October 23. (IG Post Arden Theatre)
James McAvoy lives among us, and enjoys our amusement parks. In the Summer he posted he was at Dorney Park, breaking news today, was bought by Six Flags parent company. Over the weekend, the Splits actor spent some time at Hershey Park. He met his wife Lisa, while filming M Night’s Splits movie. She was Night’s assistant. I broke the story when they married in 2019 as I spotted the wedding ring on Lisa’s finger at Rittenhouse Square, he officially made an announcement a few years later when they were having a baby in 2022. He’s been hanging around Philly since July, as he waits for the SAG-AFTRA strike strike to settle and Blumhouse Production’s Speak No Evil to resume. Must be agonizing as it only has 5 days left to film according to the British Sun.
Award winning Mister John’s Music, Music education for all, cut the ribbon on his new South Philly home at 761 S. 8th Street on Sunday, October 29th .
The building is still under construction, but the ribbon cutting, Halloween themed block party gave folks a sneak preview to what would come, another location for Mister John’s Music which offers an ever-expanding, wide variety of musical instruction for the whole family.
It was a fun day, where families dressed for Halloween, ate sweets, played games, music and sang along with Mr. John, Miss Angie, Miss Ashley, Mr Ben and other teachers at the music school.
Hey scarecrows
Many of the parents told me they love the atmosphere at Mister Johns, it’s very diverse, open and inclusive. A great social community for their kids, as well as developing their talent.
Shazam or is it SuperHero.io
I saw this couple Thursday night at Broad Street Ministry “Be Our Guest”
Vrommmm
The Shoap family
Little princess
Councilman Mark Squilla and Max Tuttleman
Mr John makes house calls: “Mr. John came to our house for a birthday party and my son said the best part of his day was, “Mr. John!” Mr. John played his favorite song and was so amazing and engaging with the children. He brought lots of instruments for the children to play along with. Would definitely hire him again!” client
A Message from Mr John:
Thank you everyone who was able to join us yesterday for our Halloween Party and Open House! 🎃🥳 It was so exciting to share what we’ve been working on for the past year.We’ve tried to create a space that is magical and beautiful for children of all ages. A space that will serve Philly families and musicians for generations to come.If you have the means, if MJM has created a space of creative expression, belonging and joy for you/your child/children, we’d love for you to consider putting your name on our donor wall on a custom brass plaque. You can purchase yours at the link in bio!
Caring People Alliance hosted its second annual Beer on the Pier at Cherry Street Pier on October 28. It will feature beers from 16 breweries.
Guests enjoying an unseasonably warm day, temps hit the 80F and it was a wonderful lazy Saturday raising money for a good cause.
It was a beautiful day. A great event. You have to go next year. There was a band, and dancing. Perfect day. Thanks for all you do Caring People Alliance. I love that Philly has so many incredible, helpful organization. They could use your support, financially, or people to volunteer. And if you need their services head here
Jimmy DeLaurentis officially opened his flagship location for his private label collection, James by Jimmy DeLaurentis, at 114 S. 19th St. yesterday.
A Philadelphia native and design trailblazer with more than 25 years of experience, Jimmy DeLaurentis is known for creating luxurious and memorable spaces through his unique design aesthetic that combines opulence with a touch of playfulness.
After honing his craft on the creative team at Ralph Lauren, he propelled his career by becoming an entrepreneur, designing stunning homes and businesses for A-list clientele. In 2016, he saw a void in the market for custom, luxury home furnishings and accessories with an element of surprise and launched JAMES by Jimmy DeLaurentis.
The showroom has stacks of eye catching books lined the shelves along with household accents, vintage black and white photos of James Dean, Paul Newman and race cars, welcomed guests to the new shop the showroom interior design and gift shop space. (Michael DelBene and Colin Burke)
Jimmy has other showrooms including one in Las Vegas, where his famous Bravo reality celebs, RHONJ Deloris Catania, Lisa Vanderpump of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and “Vanderpump Rules,” and her husband, Ken Todd, were all in attendance for the reveal of the Amalfi Furniture Collection and Poolside Pet Sofas at a Las Vegas, Nev. At the New York debut Teresa Giudice mentioned she has the Gabriella in her house. Don’t be surprised if you stop by his store and run into one of these ladies.
Sophisticated bar accessories
Jimmy also has these cute pet sofas which he debut in 2018 at a Union Trust party I covered.
As for who, the event brought out the fashionable crowd, friends, family and Instagram Personalities including Ramillionaire Carr.
James offers a luxury candles and adorable “James” line of bears fashioned from upholstery fabric. Our James Bears are a stylish, yet playful accessory intended to add extra personality and an element of surprise to interiors, a key component of my design philosophy,” said Jimmy DeLaurentis. “Complete with leather collars, the bears are the perfect luxe accessory to add a little bit of my design aesthetic to a space.”
Pete Davidson fans will have two chances to see the “Saturday Night Live” alum in Philadelphia. Davidson’s razor-sharp wit and brutally honest comedy will be at Fishtown’s Rivers Casino on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Rush Rewards members can purchase tickets beginning on today, Oct. 18 The public on-sale date is Friday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. He’s 1 degree from every reality show person you want on streaming. No doubt will be spilling the tea on them, and Hollywood.
Speaking of good will towards others, the Rivers Casino team spent yesterday doing good deeds in the community as part of the company wide Five Rivers Casinos in four states join forces for “Rivers Gives Day of Service 2023” on Oct. 17. Through Rivers Gives, each Rivers Casino annually contributes approximately 2,000 volunteer hours per property to local nonprofit partners. In addition to volunteerism, Rivers Gives includes board service, donation drives, in-kind contributions and corporate giving.
For its Day of Service, Rivers Casino Philadelphia teamed up with Temple Health’s Fox Chase Cancer Center. Team Members prepared hundreds of care packages for Fox Chase patients in the casino’s Event Center for delivery to the cancer center’s main campus.
Fox Chase is also Rivers Casino’s Change Makes a Difference program recipient in October, receiving contributions from Team Members and guests throughout the month. A formal check presentation with the month’s donation totals will take place in early November to further celebrate the partnership.
Other highlights of the day include a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk around the property and Penn Treaty Park, health and wellness resource tables for Team Members.
Check out the Rivers Casino Philadelphia website to see what else is happening on property this month, and the coming months. See you at Pete Davidson, he was so good on SNL this past Saturday.
The Ball on the Square celebrated it’s return with a sold out, excited glamorous crowd on September 28th. The gala returned to its more traditional format of a formal seated-dinner in a tented venue on the Square. The event committee was co-chaired by Wendy Rosen, Renee Tucci and Brian Emmons, members of Friends of Rittenhouse Square. The gala supplements state and city services to care for the park and its fountain, small structures, paths, and landscaping.
Delicious dinner by Philadelphia – Catering and Events – Neuman’s Kitchen; Evantine Design did a spectacular job as usual with the decor, transforming the center square into a unique space with the police gazebo as a central focal point. The glass was frosted, with inspiring messages adorning it describing who uses the square, and how it is maintained.
The evening started with a well attended cocktail party, under the starry sky.
A big project happening now in the Square is the lawn restoration where the Knight Foundation has invested $160,000 over the next four years, Friends plan to fully restore over 140,000 square feet in this historic Square .
Parks and Rec, an outstanding partner, helps us hang banners, fix electrical/lighting issues, remove dead trees, and maintain the fountain. They also staff the Park Rangers in the Guard House. The Streets Department hauls away the trash we bag and collect every day. – Doug Blonsky, in an interview with The Philadelphia Citizen.
Rittenhouse raised Megan Nicoletti and Billy Walsh newly engaged (160 days til their Palm Beach wedding) and partners in business at Serhant Pennsylvania.
The Friends of Rittenhouse Square was created in 1976 to address the increasing gap between available city funding and the maintenance needs of Rittenhouse Square. With a mission to “preserve, protect, and beautify” the park, the Friends work in a public-private partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. The Friends fund and manage many programs and projects needed to sustain the Square. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Friends provide funding through membership, special events, private donations, sponsorships, and capital campaigns. Join Us
Philadelphia’s famous foodie street kicked off fall festival season with a giant new all-day, all-age, five block long music and food festival yesterday, Sunday September 10, 2023. East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District hosted the inaugural East Passyunk Music Festival, sponsored by Samuels Seafood, Giordano Garden Groceries, Penn Beer and WXPN, on Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 11:00am to 6:00pm. Guests enjoyed a full day of live music paired with award-winning food and seasonal sips all under the beautiful end of summer skies. Many wore their Eagles game day outfits, before heading home to watch the first win of the season.
Pam Zenzola, who was previously president of the Passyunk Square Civic Association, then was the organizations’ Executive Director , is now on the board of East Passyunk Ave BID, and was ecstatic that the neighborhood was able to return to hosting another successful, fun event for the neighborhood.
Festival goers pecked out poems at Philly Typewriter, located at 1735 E Passyunk Ave
Ryan, Ryker, Megan and Cole were excited to see the Avenue once again alive with activity, and introduce 1 year old Ryker to old friends.
It was a T-Shirt kinda Day
Polaroid Man – 2 fo $10 (I need to raise my rates)
I’m not going to lie, I was disturb to later notice the background is in focus, and the bicycle handlebar mustache was not, ugh. Some photos ride to the occasion of ignoring that mistake.
“We are excited to debut the first-ever East Passyunk Music Festival featuring thirty top bands, musicians, live performers and DJs – including South Philly favorite Cosmo Baker and MTV’s DJ Diamond Kuts,” said new EPABID Executive Director Rebecca O’Leary, formerly of Fleisher Art Memorial.
Jason and Marla Dilks in front of their East Passyunk business P’Unk Burger
East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District is home to 160+ independently owned shops and restaurants that perfectly balance the best of old and new. East Passyunk is a mile-long continuously walkable corridor mixing boutique shopping, world-class cuisine, and world-famous cheese steaks, with trendy shops, handmade arts, and popular events.
It was a beautiful day, and umbrellas were necessary mostly for the blazing sun
For more information on the neighborhood, visit www.visiteastpassyunk.com and follow @eastpassyunk on social media.