Jane Gallery is one of those small galleries that really stands out. It focuses heavily on women…read moreartists and a lot of the exhibitions center around identity, culture, and lived experiences. Like most galleries, it clearly has its own curatorial style and the artists they invite reflect that. Here, the focus tends to be on representation, storytelling, and work that explores womanhood from different perspectives. I went for Philly first Fridays, and right now the exhibit is centered on women's bodies for Women's History Month. The pieces are powerful but still very tastefully done. Some works are intimate and vulnerable, others more bold and expressive. There's also a mix of mediums like painting, mixed media, and sculptural pieces, which keeps the space interesting. Last time I visited, they had a South Asian focused exhibit that really showcased culture and identity in a beautiful way. It's nice seeing a space consistently highlight artists and perspectives that are often underrepresented. Finding the gallery is part of the adventure. It's tucked down a small alleyway and you follow the pink lights to get there. It might look a little sketchy at first, but once you step inside you realize it's actually a hidden gem. They also had a make your own goddess craft activity during this visit. I am definitely not great at crafts but it was fun and made the experience feel interactive rather than just walking through and looking at art. Small space, but definitely not to be underestimated. The vibe is thoughtful, creative, and very welcoming. Definitely worth checking out.

With First Friday right around the corner its the perfect time to drop a review for another…read moredeserving Old City Art Gallery! I had no idea that Jane Gallery existed before Ministry of Awe started collaborating with other local galleries to mapped out a First Friday Tour. And from the moment that I walked through the almost hidden alleyway and entered the pink string lit door I was hooked! The owner, Alison Mustokoff, is fully committed to displaying art made by female and queer artists (https://6abc.com/videoClip/the-jane-gallery-nataliya-yermolenko-female-artists-queer/16022668/) and their main gallery caters to a featured artist each month. toss in things like a themed cocktail and a chance to meet with the artists, and the receptions feel like a big deal. In addition to art gallery viewings Jane also features things like drawing workshops and yoga on occasions which makes checking their Instagram for events a must (https://www.instagram.com/thejanegallery/).

Ok, ok. I may be biased in my 5-star rating because I work at The Andalusia Bookman shop, but trust…read moreme, I'm not. I simply love great rare books, collections of ephemera, and places that make you feel at home -- you get all this and more, here. Walk-ins aren't welcome just yet, so please call for an appointment, but once you visit it may become a routine like it has for so many others.. At the shop you'll find: over 60,000 items, specializing in 19th and 18th c. illustrated books, chromolithos, Philadelphiana, rare anthropology, early hermeneutics, Natural history, first editions, signed items, Beat lit, '60's material, unusual occult, erotica and esoterica. We have a vast collection of ephemera, art work (steel engravings, pouchoir, collotype), movie posters (of the 1940's - 50's) and a mass of important 19th c. bound periodicals (Oology to Archeology, Mathematics, Botany, Knitting), and 20th c. Art journals, Italian Fascist publications, etc., culled from Walter J. Johnson's liquidation, as well as a collection rare jazz records. And much more, just ask. Dave has been in business for twenty-five years in the incarnations of David L. Miller Rare Books, The Book Merchants, the Philadelphia's Riverside Book Fair and 30th Street Station Book Fair. In 1991 we purchased the business, name and stock of Samuel Kleinman's legendary Schuylkill Book and Curio Shop of 4207 Lancaster Ave., Phila. PA. Thanks for reading, and give us a call to check out the shop!

The perfect place to just browse or find that book for which you have long been searching. Everyone…read morehere is friendly and helpful and oh so knowledgeable. My goodness, I even found a rare piece by Louis Kahn here and bought my son a signed Louis Brandeis. What a great find- I love this place.

I was here to get three large pieces framed about 7/8 years ago. Awal did an excellent job then. I…read morewas very satisfied with the high quality and attention to detail. I recently purchased three additional pieces from travels to Europe and one piece I obtained from Nigeria. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my artwork. Awal is a good businessman. Kind, detailed and focused on helping you get the best frame a a great price for the quality. All framing is done in the shop, therefore the turnaround time is very good. My frames will be ready in under a week! I totally recommend Old City Art and Framing above any other business in the Philadelphia area.

Couldn't be happier with my experience! The owner was incredibly friendly and helpful in…read morerecommending /selecting the mats and frames. I dropped the prints off on a Saturday and I got a call Sunday morning that they were ready for pickup. Pricing was very affordable. Nothing but great things to say. We all need to support small businesses like these.

I love stopping by this gallery during First Fridays. Being located in Old City, it's housed in one…read moreof those beautiful historic buildings that immediately sets the mood. The original wooden floors are gorgeous and somehow make the space feel both elegant and welcoming at the same time. What keeps bringing me back, though, is the art. While the gallery is known for contemporary two-dimensional work, I always seem to find pieces that push beyond that. There are often sculptural elements, installations, and mixed-media works that spill into the gallery space and make the experience feel much more immersive than simply looking at paintings on a wall. The artists and exhibitions vary quite a bit, from highly abstract works to pieces that are more realistic and representational. The common thread seems to be experimentation. There's usually some interesting combination of materials, textures, or techniques that makes you stop, look closer, and think about what you're seeing. One of my favorite parts is the little nook toward the back of the gallery. There always seems to be something unexpected tucked away there, often a kinetic or three-dimensional piece that adds another layer to the exhibition. It's become the first place I check whenever I visit. Philadelphia has a lot of great galleries, but Pentimenti stands out because it consistently showcases work that feels thoughtful, sensory, and a little different from everything around it. Always a fun stop during First Fridays and one I find myself returning to again and again.

So putting up a First Friday event has me in the mood to review another spot that will surely be…read morevisited while many galleries that have offered viewing like it have disappeared (Lineage, Qbix, etc.) Pentimenti has really held onto its own and managed to bring in some diverse art. while it's on the small side it manages to be a two sided gallery that puts on two different displays monthly. This month featured the smooth and striated painting styles of Jacob Lunderby. His mountainsides almost had you staring into the horizon line. it also had the bizarre video arts of Tim Tate. When I peered into one of his video cylinders I saw the close up shot of a nude man and promptly ran away. but when I peered into others i saw hands typing, people dancing and then some. talk about art that's more than meets the eye.

Philly Arts Collective is another solid art gallery that keeps the First Friday tradition alive and…read morewell. But its name also reigns true in that it literally brings together a collective of artists and gives them a shot at putting together eclectic events. The Collective is one of those galleries I probably would not have came across if it weren't for my intention of finally getting to my friend's gallery High 5 (https://www.yelp.com/biz/high-5-gallery-philadelphia) and having time to explore something new. And when I did I was quickly treated to awesome comic pop art in the key of Batman, enjoyed a free cup of wine, and got to take in a DJ and some graffiti art. Overall it was a successful preview. And as past events followed I took in a collage art exhibit that also had an acoustic music performance, enjoyed a wood art exhibit inspired by ouja boards, and saw a bad ass Saturday Morning Cartoon inspired event with a good DJ. Every First Friday and First Saturday event is unique and offers up something completely different from the previous month. But Philly Artists Collective also has weekly classes that feature poetry, Caribbean dance, yoga, and capoeira.

Went tonight to see The BIG Exhibit - Celebrating the life of the Notorious B.I.G…read more It is a small venue and was very crowded. I really liked the art work but it was a little chaotic and disorganized. However it was a free event so I probably should have expected it. I would definitely go back if an interesting exhibit was taking place. I did find it strange that someone was selling clothing and another jewelry. The room really wasn't big enough to accommodate the huge crowd and the artists selling their creations.

Jim gave an interesting, informative, and participatory glass blowing lesson for beginners! His…read moreexplanations and instruction are on point and he makes you feel successful- highly recommend!

Had an amazing time taking a lesson with Jim Loewer! He explained things so clearly so that when…read moreit was time for me to try things myself I felt confident enough that I would be successful. He stepped in only when needed and gave great instruction while I was working the glass. The items we made were perfect for being challenging but still doable for a first time experience. I would highly recommend him if you're looking for a great experience and want to make something beautiful while having a fun time!

One of my favorite places to visit. The art work is eclectic and beautiful with a Philadelphia…read moreedge. There are plenty of affordable pieces and prints for purchase. I have purchased many unique items such as jewelry and frames that are true works of art and ALWAYS elicit compliments and intrigue.

I first found out about Cerulean Gallery when they hosted an event for the Sustainable Business…read moreNetwork, a meet and greet. The space was lovely; completely renovated, stock full of unique goods. I'm a bargain shopper, and I wasn't planning on shopping, but when I saw the prices I decided it was time to restock my stash of gifts. They had handmade journals, vases, bags, jewelry, etc., including many items from upcycled and or sustainable materials. In the front is an art gallery that shows really phenomenal work. I highly recommend checking this place out.

Very happy to see the gardens and inside of the museum…read more The security in the front desk staff were welcoming and so helpful. The weather was perfect for getting to enjoy the outside of the museum. Make sure when you come you get a nice tour from the knowledgeable docent . Of course you can enjoy the museum without one. They had a very nice gift shop! I got a pair very cute green socks ! I heard that one of the pieces was going to be changed out for another, so I was happy to look at each piece today !!! I'd like to come back!

I enjoy Calder's work and was excited to hear he'd get a museum on the parkway. I joined the Barnes…read moreto get early access! The space is beautiful, and once the Gardens fill in it will look so different. It's a place to visit with the changing seasons. I love the art, the building, the gardens. It's a good place to bring visitors. But so much of the layout, the plants and the art is presented without comment. That can be good and bad. As a curious person, I want to know more. I wish there was information or a book with statements from the landscape architect, the building architect, and the curator. Everything seems quite deliberate but I don't understand why.