Art lovers and those looking for creative ways to spend their weekend in Philadelphia are in luck, there’s plenty to see and do in the city in the category.
Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show
On June 7, 8 and 9, Rittenhouse Square will be adorned with 145 artists from the US and Canada showcasing their own creations. The event, now in its 95th year, is known as the oldest outdoor fine art show in the country. It was founded by a handful of local students exhibiting art on clotheslines strung between the trees in Rittenhouse Square Park, and its grown to become an annual fan favorite for art enthusiasts from all over.
“Come to the art show – it will be the best thing that you can do,” says David Oleski, professional artist and member of the Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Association Board of Directors in a statement.
“Looking at art and meeting the artists makes your life better. It’s good for the heart, feeling the rush of falling in love with a piece of artwork. It’s good for the eyes to see and understand more by meeting the artists and investing yourself in their work and their experiences. It will make your life better when you own a new piece of art and find a new way to love your home and your space. Investing in art will show how much you love your life and how much joy you have to share with the special people around you.”
This year, the Fine Art Show will also feature the Art Therapy Department of Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation in the center of the Square. As a release notes, the creative therapy uses the process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It will be available all three days of the occasion.
1800 Walnut St., rittenhousesquarefineart.com
Art for the Cash Poor
Organized by nonprofit arts organization InLiquid, Art for the Cash Poor is back after a two-year hiatus (from Canadian wildfire smoke and inclement weather) to offer affordable art to Philadelphians and visitors. The festival on American Street features creative pieces like paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, prints, collages, illustration, home goods, accessories, clothing and more—all for $250 or less.
“Over the past 24 years, this affordable art fair has become a treasured event for artists and attendees, attracting more than 3,000 visitors from greater Philadelphia to support the local creative economy,” said Rachel Zimmerman, founder & executive director of InLiquid in a statement.
“In addition, the event has been embraced by the surrounding businesses and community and helped to elevate the neighborhood where InLiquid’s office and gallery are located. The outdoor festival highlights local artists and connects unique galleries, artist studios, restaurants, cafes, and distilleries in the burgeoning American Street Creative Corridor.”
While there, neighboring restaurants and cafes will have some specials, Second State Press will be on site for free BYOT (bring your own tote) screen printing, or, visitors can check out InLiquid’s current exhibition at their gallery in the Crane Arts building. Art for the Cash Poor will take place this Saturday, June 8, from noon to 6 p.m.
1400 and 1500 blocks of North American St., inliquid.org
West Park Arts Fest
Taking place this Saturday, June 8, this free, family-friendly event aims to showcase the city’s “arts and cultural diversity while promoting greater awareness of the area’s history and heritage.” The artful activation held in West Fairmount Park from 1 to 6 p.m., will feature live music, dance performances, artmaking activities, a handmade marketplace, historical trolley tours, and much more.
Entertainment spans live music, spoken word, dance and more, a children’s activity zone, a Handmade Marketplace with up to 60 vendors, a trolley tour of the Fairmount Park Centennial District, narrated by Kathy Lee and other all-ages activities. More information can be found online.
1769-1825, State Rte 3005, westparkcultural.org
