RSS
Home
Support the arts in Philly at these five unlikely locales
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
While Philadelphia’s museum and gallery scene is among the most creative in the country, there are plenty of other places to check out emerging artist’s work while still enjoying a night out. As the holidays approach, many of these exhibitions offer affordable, one-of-a-kind gift alternatives that support the arts in Philly.
Leather daddies know a good thing when they see it, like the enormous mugs of beer and the rotating art exhibitions at the Bike Stop (206 Quince St., 215-627-1662), Philadelphia’s premier bear bar. While you don’t have to don your finest chaps to gain access to this longtime tavern (women are welcome, too!) when visiting this cozy den tucked away just footsteps from the theatre district and the city's eccentric Gayborhood, check out the art exhibitions, including the latest Voyeur show featuring multimedia works, including photography by University of the Arts grad and instructor Joe Fuiman.
Dirty Frank’s (347 S. 13th St., 215-732-5010) “Off the Wall” art exhibitions command plenty of attention in this friendly dive bar. In the heart of the city’s antiques row, each month-long exhibition showcases some of the brightest new art all stars in the city. Painting and photography dominate the space, which is shared by a slew of afternoon and late-night drinkers, but you’ll also see mixed media, sculpture and small installations. With reasonable prices and a creative ensemble of participating artists, stopping in for a beer never looked so good.
Coffee drinkers certainly have their pick of art-friendly cafes throughout the city, including Tuscany (222 W. Rittenhouse Sq., No. One, 215-772-0605) where you can snag free Wi-Fi, a gourmet sandwich and a cup of Joe, all the while taking in the latest art exhibition in Rittenhouse Square. The shows change every few months, with emerging and locally known artists hanging their works. Just remember to let coffee diva Suzanne know the Examiner sent you.
Ten Stone Restaurant & Bar (2063 South St., 215-735-9939) is a reliable go-to spot for Sunday brunch. Not only will you love the egg specialties and Jen the bartender’s decadent Bloody Marys but the art shows spotlight painting, drawing and photography by locals, regulars and even a few Ten Stone employees. It’s an ideal destination to take tourist friends who, in addition to enjoying a good meal at a friendly tavern, may also want to pick up a souvenir.
Kelliann’s Tavern (44th and Spruce, 215-222-4188) is going the way of the gastropub when Brendan Hartranft and Leigh Maida of the Memphis Taproom (2331 E. Cumberland St., 215-425-4460) take over the college-friendly haunt and rename it Local 44. Come for the great grub and big selection of beer and stay for the good conversation and changing art exhibitions. While you’re bound to run into some amateur work by struggling students (have a heart, people), West Philly is also a haven for plenty of fine artists with a taste for photography, funky illustrations and ironic graphics you may want to see not just on the wall, but also on the front of your T-shirt.
Related Articles:
Comments
