Ugh! I thought that I've already been to the worst gallery that First Friday has to offer…read more(http://www.yelp.com/biz/larry-becker-contemporary-art-philadelphia#hrid:dyhw4pVDk3wufuaulP6heg). But Gallery Joe is absolutely horrendous! I've been here before way back when, but I totally forgot about it because it keeps it's doors closed, or closes early during so many First Friday's. And after revisiting it on on Friday I either wish it would figure out how to step up it's game, or stay that way. Since it's rarely open I thought I was going to be walking into a treat. Instead I came across pencil drawings on white paper that were so beyond plain that they were a joke. Some had squiggly lines that were sort of made to look likes water, while others where a total scribble fest. And some of them even looked like they were made with a Spirograph. Spirograph? SPIROGRAPH! because of how average the art was I thought that it was at least going to be somewhat inexpensive. How much did these Spirograhic scribble fests end up costing? $800-900! What the shit? $900 for something that my cousin's baby daughter could do? Fail! I was so stumped that I thought that it had to be a joke for the month, so I went to check out it's archival room. Inside the Archival room were pieces of paper that where fully shaded in with charcoal. The majority had darker charcoal X's shaded in over grey squares. To the artists credit if I did something like that I probably would have ended up slicing a hole through the paper. But it was still a big pile of crap. lesson learned. on the next tour consider this place skipped.

I'm not sure what the last reviewer is talking about. This was my favorite gallery waaaay back when…read moreI was in grad school in Philly (2001 - 2003) because I was nearly always inspired by what I saw there, month after month. I went back to visit a year ago (I live on the other side of the country now) and was so pleased to find it just as I remembered. The two artists showing at the time (Allyson Strafella and another whose name I can't recall) were both amazing.

Bridgette Mayer Gallery is one of my favorite exhibition spaces in town. It's very professional,…read morethe quality of presentation is consistently superb and the stable of artists are among the best in the city.

Nice, fairly small gallery featuring rotating contemporary works. It's free and located on the…read morenorthwest corner of Washington Square Park.

Awesome art lives here. Such a fun place to go and see what creative minds are doing. The art is…read moreincredible!

This is the premier art gallery in Philadelphia! The gallery owner and curator, Debbie Morton, has…read morefilled her space with exceptional pieces that span a brood range of mediums, subjects and price. The gallery is bright, inviting and interesting. Debbie is constantly on the search for artists to bring in as well as keeping her connections strong with the artists she already represents. If you are looking for a new piece of art, I would start here!!

As Nicole said it's more of a collective than a gallery. With that said Space 1026 has "art" that…read moregoes well beyond the ordinary. one time I came here and saw a really cool mixed media display that featured everyone favorite 8-bit video game characters. another time I came here and saw people in masks parading around like a bunch of weirdos. you never know what your going to get until you walk up those stares (or inquire with the people smoking outside) but it's always going to be pretty damn eclectic. as Nicole says the gallery also doesn't take itself too seriously which I find to be cool. You're never going to find an artist "who really connects with their viewers" try to sell a piece for $100,000 inside. half the time your not even going to find any art for sale. the Space is about the experience you take away from it . Recently Space 1026 has also started housing the occasional concert, and I couldn't think of a better spot for them to happen in. the past couple of bands who have played there have been as quirky as the art on and off the walls.

I have only been to 1026 once. It was for a free silk screening class in May but I found the place…read moreto be pretty cool. I found myself back in my childhood playing around in the pillow fort-like art which was actually hundreds of couch cushions covered and sewn together. There's also the felt fingers coming down the staircase that someone had to painstakingly weave together and the tons of old fat skateboards I found all over the place. Neat. The class was pretty cool. We learned how to make screens and different processes used to print on shirts, paper, etc. The crew was pretty cool and we even walked away with a free print on a blank shirt we brought. The place has a website with a cool blog and links to all their events. I have to go back again sometime; it was quite an experience. http://space1026.com/site.php

Honestly, I had no idea this place existed until I saw it advertised and decided to check it out…read more I'm glad I did because it ended up being one of the more unique museums I've visited in Philadelphia. It's a relatively small and intimate space. The first floor has a gift shop and an area for workshops and activities, while the galleries are spread throughout the building. When I visited, the first-floor exhibition featured quilts, while the upstairs gallery focused more on themes of American culture. Both were fantastic. The quilt exhibition was probably a traveling show, and I absolutely loved it. I know several quilting enthusiasts, so I have at least some appreciation for how much time, patience, and technical skill goes into creating these pieces. Some of them felt less like blankets and more like full-scale tapestries. The level of detail, color work, and craftsmanship was incredible. The upstairs exhibition had a much stronger political and social commentary element, which I personally enjoyed. Art doesn't have to exist solely to be beautiful or entertaining. It can challenge ideas, express opinions, document experiences, and start conversations. I appreciated that the museum embraced that side of art rather than shying away from it. One of the coolest parts was the workshop area downstairs. There was a small market set up and plenty of people actively crafting and creating things. For a moment I wanted to join in, but the space was packed. Then I watched what everyone was making and quickly realized these people were good. Very good. At that point I remembered I was in a fabric museum and workshop and that my own sewing abilities are... let's politely call them limited. The only thing that felt a little awkward was how often the museum reminded visitors about the recommended donation. I completely understand why. Free museums need support, and I have no issue contributing. It just came up enough times that I started feeling a little self-conscious about it. I was already planning to donate on my way out, but repeated reminders always make me feel slightly uncomfortable even when I understand the reason behind them. Overall, this was a wonderful surprise. Thought-provoking exhibitions, beautiful craftsmanship, active creative spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere. If you're interested in textiles, contemporary art, or just want to discover a museum that's a little different from the usual Philadelphia lineup, it's definitely worth a visit.

Such an amazing exhibition to visit! Big fan of textiles, especially quilts! The staff at the front…read morewas very friendly and the art was lovely to see.

Love the name and easy to remember since it's right on Arch Street. Arch Enemy Arts has become one…read moreof my favorite galleries to visit, especially during Philly First Fridays. Every gallery in the city tends to have its own vibe and the artists they invite reflect that. This one definitely leans toward the fantastical. Think dark fantasy, surrealism, gothic influences, mythology, and a lot of incredibly detailed imaginative worlds. As someone who plays a lot of D&D, this place is basically catnip for me. A lot of the paintings feel like concept art for worlds that could exist in a campaign. Creatures, strange landscapes, dreamlike characters, and scenes that feel like they have entire stories behind them. The art style tends to be very polished and illustrative, with rich colors, dramatic lighting, and tons of detail. You can stare at one piece for a long time and keep noticing new little elements hidden inside. It really feels like you could step into some of these paintings and explore the world inside them. The space itself is intimate but well curated, so the exhibitions always feel cohesive. Every time I come for First Friday there is something new and interesting on the walls. Always a great time and definitely one of my favorite galleries in Philly.

This is an awesome gallery…read more When we were lucky enough to hang out here last week, the pieces on display were alternately beautiful, dark, haunting, freaky, creepy, and most certainly conversation pieces. I'm a fan. Combined with a well-lit, large and well-appointed space with a very accommodating staff, it's unsurprisingly an excellent place to host a private event. My only issue with the entire space was the spotty wi-fi, which made using the Sonos music system a bit of a headache. Perhaps it would've been better if (excuse my language) we were not on the "Arch Enemy" network, but the "Suck A Bag Of Dicks" network. Or maybe we should've tried "Peg Me Like A Dirty Whore." I guess we'll never know.

This is a very nice space in the 'Arts District' of Philadelphia. During the course of the year…read morethey hold several 'Opening Receptions' for past, current and new artist. Many of the pieces of art are deep and meaningful without be too 'abstract'. Unfortunately I'm a regular working person and I cannot afford art with the average cost of $1500. There are some less expensive items and prints if you are short on cash, but nevertheless they are a very interesting gallery to visit. When you visit you are greeted with a warm welcome and assistance with any questions you may have. Additionally there are several art programs, classes and workshops offered by Brandywine. If you love art make this a stop on your rounds. The building is located next to the world renowned Clef Club and near many dining options. So stop by checkout some art, go next door to listen to a set and treat yourself to dinner. I will be worth it!

I'm glad they closed ... not a great gallery ... too silly ... amateurish ... no one there ever…read moreseemed to have any sense of artistic gravitas ... it was all for pretty , cool , look-at-me show ...

HOTBED creates great shows for fine arts professionals. Contributed wonderful opportunities to our…read morecommunity. The '1 star'?... don't kid yourself.