Archive for July, 2009

Weekend Art – The South Philadelphia Boat Show

Friday, July 31st, 2009

An Art Show not a Boat Show

An Art Show not a Boat Show

This one almost snuck past me it’s flying so low on the radar. There’s a group art show happening in an unusual spot this weekend. The South Philadelphia Boat Show is not to be confused with, you know, an actual boat show. This is a cheekily named, nautical themed, salon-style exhibition of local artists. Get down to 1414 S. Darien St. (small street between 8th and 9th on Reed) either Saturday or Sunday between 1 and 7 PM to see a whole bunch of fabulous local art. Let me see if I can suss this location out a bit better, so as not to mislead anyone. [Ed note - aha! New space called Storage. A live / work / show space. Thanks, Little Berlin blog & Darla!] Meanwhile:

Artists participating include: Sara Atlas, Nick Balko, Gabriel Boyce, Chang Chang, Danielle Conkling, Alex Curtis, Jamieson Daley, Adriane Dalton, Nathan Dixon, A Dufala, Wyatt Dunn, Michael Eddinger, Joy Feasley, Alex Gartelmann, Richard Harrod, Beth Heinly, Katie Henry, William Hildalgo, Charles Hobbs, Joseph Hu, Darla Jackson, Jake Kehs, Gabrielle Lavin, Preston Link, Tristin Lowe, Jacob Lunderby, Barry Lutz, Amy Mash, Jeremiah Misfeldt, Kaitlin Mosley, Brian Murray, Kristen Neville, Joslyn Newman, Philthy Paul, Scott Pellnat, Leslie Rogers, Raul Romero, Hiro Sakaguchi, Paul Swenbeck, Katie Tackman, Rick Tygger, Candace Vivian, Jeremy Waltman, Casey Watson and others.

Quite a few familiar names in there. Alex Gartelmann is founder of My House Gallery, a member of Little Berlin collective, and a definite mover and shaker in Philly Art. Darla Jackson is one of my favorite working artists in the city; she just showed at Mew. Tristin Lowe is the toast of town right now for his work at the Fabric Workshop and museum.¬† Kaitlin Mosley just showed at Last Drop, Adriane Dalton showed at Benna’s Cafe, in fact many of these names have popped up on the artblog at least once. Should be a really great show. Unfortunately, I work always Saturdays so I’ll miss the big byo party opening. Hopefully I can stop by Sunday, for the big byo party closing. No one throws a party like artists.

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August Listing – Art in Bars

Friday, July 31st, 2009
Erika Matyok

Erika Matyok

Oh August. The galleries are closed as the monied make for cooler climes. The collectives throw bbqs. The recent art graduates go on vacation rather than push their portfolio, or, horrors, make new work.¬† Let’s see what’s going on in the Bars.

August 2009 – Most shows begin First Friday August 7th and end at the end of the month unless otherwise indicated.

Jesse Beamesderfer

Jesse Beamesderfer

Erika Matyok – “Pick Me” at The Abbaye 3rd & Fairmount. Opening reception August 7th, 8-11 PM. Through August.

Jesse Beamesderfer – “Paper Dolls” high fashion photorealistic drawings at Arcadia Boutique 819 N. 2nd. Through August 22nd.

Bodie Chewning at The Bean Cafe 615 South St.  Through August 12.

Bodie Chewning

Bodie Chewning

Underworld Amusements Publishing: Germophilia at Germ Books 2005 Frankford Ave. Opening reception August 7th, 5-9 PM. Through September.

Matt Leake at Memphis Taproom Corner of Memphis and Cumberland.  Opening Friday August 7th. Through August.

Matthew Leake

Matthew Leake

Screens ‘N’ Spokes (group show of limited run screen prints) at Mugshots 2100 Fairmount Ave. Opening reception Thursday, August 6th at 7PM. Through August.

Annie Bortnick original oils  at The Random Tea Room 713 North 4th St. Opening Reception August 13th from 6-9 PM. August 13th-28th.

Aaron Klingensmith, Carley Herman, Nina Campellone, Kelley Williamson at Soy Cafe 630 N. 2nd St.  Opening reception August 8th  6-10 PM. Through August.

Annie Bortnick

Annie Bortnick

This listing only indicates new shows, and is accurate only insofar as folks e-mail me (shout out to Meghan from the Abbaye and¬† Leigh from Memphis Taproom – the best bartendrixes out there and inspiration for this blog!) or I could deduce through the internets. Full listings always available on the listings page. As always, let me know if I missed anything you know that’s happening this month.

If you are a bar, bookstore, boutique, cafe, hair salon, laundromat, record shop, restaurant, skate shop or whatever that occasionally rotates artwork up on the walls, and are interested in having your shows listed,  OR if you are an artist or a friend of an artist with a art show at a not-gallery,  please contact me at admin@artinbars.com.

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Cheap Drink Challenge – Bob ‘s Happy Hour Tavern

Thursday, July 30th, 2009
Bob's Happy Hour Tavern

Bob's Happy Hour Tavern

Recently Lunch Money stopped in and said hello to Bob’s Happy Hour Tavern, a thirty three year old family owned and operated “Irish” sports tavern a block up from Circle Thrift and the Rocket Cat Cafe, so you know it’s cool.

Sporty Bar Top

Gin and tonic in a high ball glass three dollars or six John F. Kennedy's

We ponied up to the bar and discovered the bar top covered in neatly spaced laminate sport cards. Baseball and basketball stars, humps, and journey men of the mid nineties cover the stretch of the thirty foot bar only stopping in the middle to spell out the name of the Tavern in President John F Kennedy half dollars. This all may sound gauche but think about it, where else would you find a Kennedy except spread out over an Irish bar? JFK phoned it in and you know that! (more…)

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What’s on the Walls – The Whistle

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

It seems cliché to mention that a phrase is an old cliché. To quote Poly Styrene “I am a cliché.” This Cliché I’m going on about is: A picture is worth a thousand words. But what if left my picture taking machine at home and I just give you the words?

For a while now Art in Bars has given you photos of artwork, drinks and even bathrooms. I want to give you a feel for the bar Whistle in Rittenhouse with just the words. By reading this list of things I saw on the wall you’ll understand what type of bar this is.

-Framed photo of the Phillies #41 Gavin Floyd
-Framed jersey of the Phillies #6 Ryan Howard
-Framed photo of Bobby Abreu 2003 All Star Homerun Champion
-Framed Miller High Life Champagne of Beers mirror
-Framed Miller High Life Champagne of Beers mirror
-Neon Miller High Life sign
-Neon Blue Moon sign (not plugged in)
-Camel cigarettes chalkboard
-Mirrored shelves behind the bar
-Buttershot schnapps
-Pomegranate Smirnoff vodka
-Watermelon Smirnoff vodka
-Green apple Smirnoff vodka
-Washington apple Smirnoff vodka
-Kamikaze Burst Schnapps
-Redheaded Burst Schnapps
-Soccer ball

Whistle
38 S. 19th St.

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What We’re Doing Tonight – Root Cocktail Competition

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
root_cocktail_competition

Where I'll be tonight.

You’ve heard the buzz about town about Root. You know it’s¬† developing a local following. You know it’s Jenn’s new favorite spirit. But have you experienced it?

I, honestly, have not. I am very intrigued, but also a little hesitant. I have a dubious history with non alcoholic root beer, a very boring story about my little sister always ordering it, not drinking it, and then my parents commanding me to finish hers against my will. This sort of¬† negative association¬† has conditioned me to be not very fond of root beer. But, I love herbaceous spirits and infusions, and word about town is Root avoids being sweet or cloying. Rather than plunk down the cash for a whole bottle of experimentation, tonight I’ll be attending the¬† Root cocktail competition at Silk City.

The most exciting aspect about this event is to see (or rather, taste) all sorts of clever applications of this unique and versatile booze.  So not only do I get to taste Root, I get to taste what the finest mixologists of the city have developed with it. I think I may get tore up. Something like a dozen barkeeps will be on hand presenting their best cocktail, which I understand will then be judged by a fine panel of experts, such as Arthur Etchells of foobooz, Victor Fiorillo of Philadelphia Magazine, George Costa manger of Southwark (renown among lad mags throughout the country as the best place to get a Manhattan in Philadelphia,) and sommelier Marnie Old, which are names that should spark somewhere in your head if you spend enough time exploring the local blogulous. Like, sigh, I do.

Woodward's skull made of pidgeons

Woodward's skull made of pidgeons

The best beverage of the evening earns its creator a gift certificate to AiA and the recipe will be featured on the website. Local glory, story to tell the grandkids, and subsequent use of cocktail for pr purposes are assumed, if not stated. The MC of the evening will be MR. 10 Fingers (hmm, I’m awful about local pseudonyms, but I think that is that Space 1026er / now head of Art in the Age artist Ben Woodward – I love his work.) The event will feature complimentary hors d‚Äôoeuvres and reduced price ($5) ROOT cocktails. See you there, kids.

The ROOT Cocktail Competition
Silk City Garden
435 Spring Garden St.
7-9

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Drink Me Р“ROOT” espresso martini at National mechanics

Monday, July 27th, 2009
Root Martini
Root Martini

I have fallen in love. With an alcohol of course! ROOT is probably one of the most delicious liquids I have found in a bottle in a very long time. Sweet and spicy, potent and complex; ROOT has it all.

I‚Äôve been following the ROOT website for months now, and it seems every week they are promoting a new Philadelphia bar that has begun to carry ROOT. I chose National Mechanics because this bar is on my way home from work. When I sat down with my friend I was rambling excitedly about what the ROOT special could possibly be. When our server came to the table I asked about what sort of wonderful drinks National Mechanics have been manufacturing with ROOT. Her answer so disappointed me that I am still disappointed to this day. She said that she only found out what ROOT was that night (even though artintheage had been promoting National Mechanics as a ROOT hub for at least a month *see Editor’s Note ) and she and the bartender didn‚Äôt know what to do with it, and that the table that ordered ROOT earlier that night got it with ginger ale. ‚ÄúFresh ginger ale?‚Äù I asked, hopefully. ‚ÄúNo; soda‚Äù she says, a bit annoyed. And as much as I like paying $9 for alcohol and soda, I decided against that drink. So, I ordered the first thing I could think of, something I‚Äôve been making at my house anyway‚Äîthe espresso martini.

The martini was good. Very good. But I was so disenchanted by the ‘create your own cocktail’ apathetic attitude of National Mechanics that it ruined the whole experience for me. ROOT is awesome. I suggest you readers check out the Art in the Age website at artintheage.com and more specifically the history of this delightful infusion at the history page.

National Mechanics
22 S. 3rd St.
“ROOT” Espresso Martini

Reverend Michael Alan - the official artist of ROOT

Reverend Michael Alan - the official artist of ROOT - image from the aia website

* Ed note — This story is so weird. National Mechanics, Art in the Age, and Gyro have been heavily promoting ROOT at NM since at least late April with a teaser campaign and huge launch / pr blitz. I know this because¬† a) I’m on their mailing list and b) one of the very first AiB posts was nearly about Reverend Michael Alan’s Botanical Illustrations, which were on display at the¬† Art in the Age store in May, and for which there was a ROOT launch party AT NATIONAL MECHANICS. How is it the servers didn’t know about the signature liquor their company is partially responsible for launching? Also, why is there a lemon in an espresso martini? So many questions.

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Weekend Art Picks – Memphis Taproom Craft Fair

Saturday, July 25th, 2009
Memphis Taproom Handmade Market

Memphis Taproom Handmade Market

But you love Ladysmith Black Mambazo!

Now, I told you all about this way back when they were looking for crafters, and boy oh boy did you respond. Today there will be more than 50 crafters selling their wares¬† from 10am-3pm in the side yard at Memphis Taproom (Memphis and Cumberland Streets in Kensington.) Everyone is super local, and there are many many talented folks in the line up. A partial list of vendors is online at memphistaproom.com. So go, enjoy the day, support your local artists and craftspersons, and have lunch and a beer at Memphis afterward. If for some reason you’ve never made it up to the Memphis Taproom for their delicious pub fare and great beer selection, here’s a great excuse. Go!

P.S. Ladysmith Black Mambazo is playing at the Mann tonight, so, that explains the random Mean Girls Quote. Kinda. Not really so much, actually.

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Something to do tonight

Friday, July 24th, 2009

This very night, the super cute thrift store / boutique / gallery The Curiosity Shoppe will be hosting its bi-monthly gallery opening. Every couple of months they stick a whole bunch of local artist’s works up on the walls, and do fairly brisk business with it. This cycle features new work by: Bryan Smith, Free Lauren Marsella, Liz Krick, Woodcut Block Prints by Rebecca, Key 77, Steven Michael Quinn, and Tiffany Davis. And you’re invited.

What does this have to do with Art in Bars? Besides my ongoing internal struggle as to include boutiques or not. (Psst – you can still vote on that issue.) Well, in addition to being a great source of very affordable local art, the opening will feature the styling (dj, performance, who knows) of Lunch Money, aka Art in Bars reviewers Mike and Tshombe. You should stop by. 9pm. It’s byo but ‘alcohol friendly’ and will feature competitive thumb wrestling, which is free to sign up for and participate in. See the work and mingle with the culturati of Philly. Come out support your local artists, local business and local economy.

The Curiosity Shoppe
529.S 4th St
myspace.com/areucurious

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Update – Sorry Folks

Friday, July 24th, 2009

Hey loyal readers. Let me apologize for the drop off in posting. It is not for lack of content, but rather, lack of time devoted to editing and formatting the content my contributors have provided.

Three things happened this weekend that waylaid my consistent until now posting schedule. Firstly, the partner decided we needed to rearrange our entire home, so it looks as though a very neat explosion went off. None of our furniture is where it was. Now, it does flow better, but not everything is put away, and I was left to battle a colony of dust bunnies that emerged on the defensive, protesting being ejected from their ancestral home land.

Secondly, we got rid of cable (nuts to you and your broccoli, Comcast!) and I’ve had some wonkyness with the Internets, which means I was blogging less and cleaning more. See excuse #1.

Thirdly, and most importantly, my dearly beloved Canon Powershot SD450 decided to freeze with the lens extended and effectively break. It refuses to retract and now makes angry noises at me. Now, I’ve had this camera for more than four years, clunking around in my purse every day so I can take photos wherever I go. It’s really ruined my mojo (and plans to start reviewing art) when I can’t take pictures. And being poorer than Zoidberg, it’s not like I can run out and buy a new one.

But enough about me, this is about you dear readers, and assuring you that posting will be back on track. Look for a few more posts today, then back to the one a day schedule next week.

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Water Closet Review – 12 Steps Down

Monday, July 20th, 2009

12 Steps Down

12 Steps Down

12 Steps Down is a fake dive bar in South Philly, in the Italian Market area. I say fake because yes, 12 Steps Down has a never ending stream of surly bartenders and it’s kind of dark in there. But in reality the drinks are not cheap (except “brunch” specials and a weekly beer special); the beer selection is very impressive and they serve real food. These are not bad things at all, just not dive-y.

Interesting tile there

Interesting tile there

Anyway! On to the bathroom. The bathroom at 12 Steps Down is very clean; soap, hand towels and toilet paper are all there. Two locks on the door. The walls are painted in textured faux stucco with a light and dark green and a white. The floors tiled, with a brownish color. The door seemed to be the only place with graffiti, some of it carved into it. In fact, the only strange thing about the bathroom is the toilet itself. It runs, and it has been running for years; I know because I tried to fix this toilet at least once before. But, sadly, I couldn’t because it is a real industrial toilet. And I’m no plumber. This is all very good news, in the bathroom world. Clean, fully stocked and colorful with locks on the doors. Not too much to ask; and for 12 Steps Down, it’s not too much to give.

12 Steps Down
9th and Christian

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