Photo by Michael Albany

Calling all artists! It’s time for Funky February. Remember last year’s popup on Carpenter Lane? Well this year we’re home—which means bigger and better. Look for the return of the Friday Night Artists’ Café (more coming soon) on Feb. 24, and a celebratory Art Market on Feb. 25 and 26.

Artists’ scoop—2 day show. Saturday, Feb. 25 from noon till 6 pm and Sunday, Feb. 26 from noon till 5 pm. Like what you hear? Download the application and send it in. It’s a time to show off and sell your winter work, meet other artists, and have a great time.

You know, our Art Market (like everything we do) is never just about selling and promoting; it’s not just about the lighting and space. It’s not just about meeting other artists, sharing skills and knowledge. It’s about, and always has been, building community. Barb Danin, one of our members puts it just right. She says “We bring the arts to the community and create a community for artists.” Join us at the Funky February Art Market.

Germantown High School Stained Glass Project

Jon Laidacker, Mural Arts, is getting closer to finalizing the theme. But we still need more input from G’town…particularly the kids. What better way to celebrate the accomplishments of our kids than to have their vision represented on the wall!  I have had the great pleasure, over the last several months, to get to know some of the young adults from the Germatown High School Stained Glass Project. And when I think of what should be on that mural, I would celebrate them. And all the others in Germantown who we are proud and grateful for in so many ways.

So, to all  you parents, kids, and young adults, come talk about what Germantown means to you… Wed., Feb. 8 from 3:30 – 6:30 pm at First United Methodist Church of Germantown, 6001 Germantown Ave.  Express your creativity and vision through drawing, photography, painting, writing… See you there!

Photo by Steve Weinik

If you’ve been reading our blog, then you’re aware the MuralArts Program has begun the process for the Germantown mural at 310 W. Chelten Ave. We invite you to share your vision for this mural—whether you create a drawing, bring a photo, share some historical information, bring a sample of your artwork, or bring something special to share with MuralArts. What does Germantown mean to you? For me, I have a vision of the Germantown High School Stained Glass Project students being represented on the wall—their work, their photos, their victories. And I have a funny feeling they just may be there.

Our next community artmaking workshop will be this Saturday, Jan. 14, at 5534 Pulaski, from 10am – 2pm. No you don’t have to stay for four hours. Stop by, make your contribution, hang with your neighbors and artists. Please come, bring your families, your neighbors. For those of you who are teachers, bring your students. All ages—the only requirement is spirit and enthusiasm, no artistic experience required! Just art materials, tables to draw and create, and high energy.

Spread the word; don’t miss this opportunity to create something so very special.

Photo courtesy Steve Weinik, Mural Arts Program

Mural Arts invites community members to participate in the creation of artwork that describes what Germantown means to them. Express your creative ideas through drawing, painting, writing, and photography—absolutely any medium you choose! Bring inspirational items you can use to create your design. The pieces of artwork will inspire muralist Jon Laidacker’s new mural design at 310 W. Chelten Avenue.

Date: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 and Friday, December 16, 2011
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: 5534 Pulaski Avenue

Remember, your input is vital! Once the theme has been designed, join us at the Mt. Airy Art Garage for Community Paint Days in January. More to come!

Join Us!

After brief introductions around the room, several artists presented their own representative works to the group, describing their inspiration and techniques… and answering questions. Following discussions of ways to proceed with the group, we decided to split off into informal groups of interest. Those who had not yet had the privilege of experiencing Meei-Ling Ng’s exhibition in the Mt. Airy Art Garage went along with her to see the exhibit while others began networking and meeting fellow artists.

Moving forward, we decided each monthly meeting will begin with presentations from 3-4 artists who will sign up ahead of time by email with Paula Mandel (paula.mandel@gmail.com).Following the presentations there will be time for artists to discuss inspirations (exhibitions, theatre, concerts, etc.) derived from their art experiences in the past month which would be pertinent to the group.
Finally we will either break up into small groups of interest, or simply network informally for the remainder of the time together.

Professional musicians, writers, performance artists, video artists as well as 2 and 3D artists are all welcome. You don’t have to be a member to participate—but you just might want to join after one of these salons! Bring your own coffee and muffin and join in the ongoing dialogue.

Join us at 11 West Mt. Airy Avenue, the third Thursday of every month, 9 am.

• Two Figures, Olshan

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  Two Figures

  

• Blue Rocks Harbor Judy

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  Blue Rocks Harbor

  

• CMcGill 4 Clay Tile Lady Tending Her Flowers 2011 small

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  Clay Tile Lady Tending Her Flowers 2011

  

• Cantu-HertzlerL1

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• ABBEY Carol Nashleanas

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Doris Grey

We’re getting ready for the Holidays in a BIG kind of way! And that means welcoming you with open arms to come in out of the cold and celebrate with us. During the first three Saturdays and Sundays in December starting Dec. 3 and ending Dec. 18, from 10am to 5pm at 11 W. Mt. Airy Avenue, Mt. Airy Art Garage (MAAG) will open its doors and offer you a diverse selection of fine art and handcrafts created by artists from Germantown, Mt. Airy, and Chestnut Hill.

Our Holiday Art Market Extravaganza is busting loose! Over 30 local Northwest visual artists and handcrafters have created a variety of unique, one-of-a kind gifts. Here’s just a small sampling of what you’ll find—fine art, handmade leather goods, photography, crocheted and original children’s clothing, clay tile and pottery, jewelry, stained glass art, woodworking, sculpture, you name it.  And our gallery will be stocked to the brim with work from our Mt. Airy Art Garage artists, 110 members and growing. Since we’ll be rotating artwork in the gallery, and different artists will join us each weekend, you’ll have new treasures to choose from every weekend.

Did we mention food and music? Yes, all local musicians from the Northwest. You just might even find your neighbor or plumber playing. Dance the afternoons away with Saint Mad, Not My Dogg, Chana Rothman, Art Miron, Tim Laborie, Richard Redding, David Cantor, and all the friends they bring to play with them! Music and art—you can’t find a better combo. Admission is free and open to the entire family. What a way to spend the holidays!

So, stop by 11 West Mt. Airy Avenue to browse the unique display of original artwork and enjoy the holiday festivities. We’ve decorated just for you! After all, supporting local artists (in the community you already love) surely beats going to the mall.

For more information, call 215.242.5074 or visit www.mtairyartgarage.org.  

Arleen Olshan

Kevin Bennett

To expand community involvement in the arts and enhance the urban landscape of Northwest Philadelphia, the Mt. Airy Art Garage (MAAG) will host a series of Community Paint Days in collaboration with the Mural Arts Program to complete four new public murals. Relative to the rest of the city, the Northwest currently has few existing murals, and this project celebrates the diverse and historic neighborhoods of Germantown, Mt. Airy, and Chestnut Hill while fostering community participation in the arts. This vision for the Northwest will invite participation in the arts process while harnessing the strength that is present in these neighborhoods. Murals will be designed and painted through a series of Community Paint Days in MAAG’s 5,000 square foot location, led by mural artists in collaboration with community members. Free and open to the public, these Paint Days will engage new arts audiences by reaching out to underrepresented communities and drawing participants from local schools, businesses, and community organizations. MAAG member artists will take a leadership role in Northwest community outreach.

The next community meeting for the Germantown Mural will be held Nov. 21, 6 pm at 5534-36 Pulaski Ave. All members of the community are welcome and encouraged to participate in determining a theme to this community mural to represent your voice and your vision. Join us in celebrating the Northwest’s unique voice and vision created by our lifelong residents, young people, and all points between.