POST @ Indy Hall

During the weekend of October 3-4, Independents Hall, a coworking space & community, will be participating in Philadelphia Open Studio Tours, a grassroots, citywide event geared toward opening the creative spaces and studios through out Philadelphia to the general public.

POST (as it is also known) is an excellent opportunity for Indy Hall members & supporters to get involved in the local art scene, as well as to showcase our skills, talents, & interests to our already vibrantly active community. Indy Hall members will be sharing just about anything and everything for the weekend of POST, including projects and presentations, a musical component, & an impromptu gallery of art & portfolio sharing space; think of it as a weekend long Show & Tell from 12-6 this Saturday & Sunday.

Independent’s Hall 20 North 3rd St, Unit 201, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Philadelphia Open Studio Tours allows visitors to “Follow Art to the Source” by organizing & promoting artists (and now Indies) to open their spaces, to show and sell their work in a unique setting – their own. POST, now celebrating it’s 10th year as the largest annual tour of artist studios in Philadelphia features hundreds of artists during the first two weekends in October: East of Broad October 3-4 & West of Broad October 10-11.

POST Blowout Birthday Party 9/25 @ the ICA

Philadelphia Open Studio Tours is celebrating it’s 10th year tonight, Friday September 25, at the ICA in University City. Guaranteed to be a good time you won’t want to miss!

Philadelphia Park(ing) Day 9/18/09

Park(ing) Day was originally envisioned by Rebar in San Francisco in 2005 to address the issue of how space is utilized by urban areas. Focused on Parking Spots all over the city, this event celebrates parks and pedestrian friendly city planning, while also serving to question how limited space can be utilized for everyone’s benefit (including commuters & car owners). On Friday, September 18th Philly will be re-envisioned by over 30 official spaces all over the city, putting the Grass back into Grassroots. And those are just the official spots, be on the lookout for impromptu parks all over Philly (cause DIY is just how we roll here). Check out the snazzy interactive map to help navigate to spots near and far & Park your butt in a Park(ing) spot. Enjoy the space in a different way than you might have imagined.

This Weekend: Help Keep the WTR Barn Doors Open.

If you know me at all, or have followed my ongoing project Work To Ride (a work in progress), you know that this is something that I am extremely passionate about. I’ve been volunteering with Work To Ride for going on 3 years now; 2 years ago, I even quit my job (and fancy Rittenhouse office) for the opportunity to run their summer camp (a uniquely challenging and ultimately vastly rewarding experience). I often jokingly refer to the WTR crew as my kids, and I couldn’t imagine my world without them.

This Saturday 8/22 at 1pm in the Belmont Plateau section of Fairmount Park, come check out Polo in the Park; a fundraiser being organized by the WTR kids, to allow them to raise money and show their friends and family what they’re made of – on their own turf.  (Polo is a high speed team sport played on horseback, riders score by driving a small white plastic or wooden ball into the opposing team’s goal using a long-handled mallet.)  For the Fundraiser, the kids will be “Stick and Balling” which is basically like a smaller scrimmage styled play, much like shooting hoops. There is also information specifically about the Work To Ride Polo Program available.

I’ve seen this program change lives; from the kids that directly benefit through academic achievement from tutoring and gaining confidence from working with the horses. But I’ve also seen it vastly effect people whom the program touches; from staff and volunteers to competitors and bystanders at equestrian events. This program changes the way people think, while shifting historically accepted social norms that are in desperate need of systemic change. Through all of this, WTR has embodied the spirit of the underdog, the essence of the outcast who refuses to settle for looking in from the sidelines.

Work To Ride is a program for at risk and urban youth located in the Belmont Plateau section of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. Founded in 1994 by Lezlie Hiner, WTR started as a refuge for kids who were willing to put in a little work to get off the streets of West Philly. In exchange for doing barn chores, they were allowed to pursue an equestrian sport of their choosing. Following Lez’s passion, many of them chose Polo; and in 1997, they had the first African American Polo Team in America. Over the years the program has evolved from a mere handful to over twenty and has seen the addition of Kate Simmer, Program Director, who facilitates increased community involvement and support. The kids still have to work with the horses and now undergo tutoring to keep their grades up in order to participate in everything from Horse Shows to Steeple Chases. Today, against all odds, these youths continue to break through boundaries of class and race; proving themselves both on the field and off.

The Work To Ride Documentry trailer really puts it best: “Sometimes the fastest way out of the city is on the back of a horse.” Directed by Jamie Moffett & Shannon Oberg. Edited by Del Lukens & Jamie Moffett. Definitely adds perspective and is worth watching to get a real sense of what this program accomplishes, against all odds:

Come find out more about this unique resource in the heart of Fairmount Park and find out how you can get involved! You can get more info at either the Anyvite event page or the Facebook event page. And please feel free to invite your friends or people you think might be interested.
Anyvite: http://anyvite.com/fpp5bnmeai
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2Xcqm4

Can’t make it out this weekend, but interested in making a contribution? There are many ways to Get Involved with this unique program – that truly deserves to keep it’s barn doors open.

Work To Ride Polo in the Park Fundraiser.

Polo in the Park & Horsemanship Skill Display Saturday August 22nd, 2009 @ 1pm
(Rain date August 23)

Work To Ride is a program for at risk and urban youth in Philadelphia. In in exchange for barn chores the kids are offered the opportunity to work with horses and pursue equestrian sports  while also undergoing tutoring to maintain their grades. In 1999, they had the first African American Polo Team in America’s history. WTR is a wonderful program that impacts countless people each year. Come find out more about this unique resource in the heart of Fairmount Park and find out how you can get involved!

Activities & Events are being added every day, but here are some of the plans thus far:

• See the Work To Ride Internationally Acclaimed Polo Champions
• Trophy and Wall of Fame Display
• Horsemanship Lessons & Pony Rides
• Exciting for Adults & Educational for Kids!
• Food & Refreshments available
• Free Parking and Tailgating Areas
• A great way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the Park with friends & family!

General Admission: $10
All proceeds will help the Work To Ride kids & this wonderful program continue to make a difference in people’s lives.

Chamounix Equestrian Center, Fairmount Park
98 Chamounix Drive, Philadelphia PA
Google Map: http://bit.ly/1aBtgB
Serviced by Septa Bus route 38 & 40

Questions? Call Work to Ride at (215) 877-4419 or (267) 531-3321 or for more information about the program visit the Work To Ride website  http://worktoride.net

You’re Invited! RSVP today on the Work To Ride Polo in the Park Anyvite Page, where you can even invite other people you think might be interested! There’s also a Facebook Work To Ride Polo in the Park Event Page, making it even easier to share the info with everyone in your social network.

This is the What. Stay tuned for a follow up post on the Why.

Starting Somewhere (or why I <3 Dailymile)

After being sick and tired of being sick and tired, I recently decided I was going to make more of an effort to get in shape. Truth of the matter is, it’s not so much that I’m lazy, its just that, when presented with the option to do something or work out, I will, as a general rule, choose something, anything, over physical exertion. So I decided to do a few things based on my personality that would make me more inclined to reach this goal.

First I decided to take little steps, choosing to start with Yoga, something I used to be very good at and continue to be passionate about. Half an hour of a few simple sun salutations, maybe a warrior series, a balance pose or two, and a cool down. Taking these bite sized approaches to working out not only made it approachable, it gave me a realistic stopping point. A goal I could reach with out that unproductive feeling of giving up, which has generally lead to my permanent abandonment of fitness goals & practices.

Second, I reactivated my DailyMile account. Initially the idea was to be inspired/motivated/guilted into actually doing my workout by people I know and love. It has the added bonus that my “coaches” don’t have to see me work out so I get all the positives of having personal cheerleaders without all the negatives of embarrassment when I look utterly ridiculous about 3/4 of the way through my practice.

The way DailyMile works, you can include any physical activity. Walking to the store? That counts. Walking to Center City for errands – Counts! Getting Gelato on the way home from a Philly’s game – Counts! Hell, I just paced around my house for half an hour during a phone call, according to DailyMile’s calorie counter, that was 161 calories, and that my friend, Totally Counts! As a result, you end up treating more things like exercise, which makes it seem like less of an effort, and makes you more inclined to make healthy decisions like walking or riding your bike places (as opposed to siting on your couch eating an entire pint of Ice Cream)

Map your routes using Google Maps, or use routes uploaded by other DailyMile users.

It all adds up. And that brings me to my Third Point: DailyMile made my workouts tangible, something I could collect & add up, which made them, in a way, all the more real. In my opinion, this factor has contributed the most to my energy levels. It is also why I’ve experienced one hilarious “drawback” to DailyMile; I’m addicted to it. I’m not addicted to working out, I’m addicted to racking up the miles, calories burned, every minute of every bit of physical effort I put forth, I log. Since starting DailyMile, a little over two weeks ago, I’ve racked up 25 workouts totaling 12 hours, 40 miles (biking & walking), and 6,457 calories.

Motivated by all of these factors, I now do at least 1 hour a day (in 30 minute increments), and now with less of a break in between. I have also branched out to beginner Pilates. Today, I even did half an hour of Yoga, half an hour of Pilates, and then half an hour of Intense Vinyasa Yoga, with 5 minute water breaks in between. I sweat, I get tired, and sometimes I really have to Make myself do it. I take breaks when I need to (including days off) but every day I do work out, I always feel a million times better. It’s all about getting started, and using that momentum to push through to a happier, healthier outlook on life!

Art For The Cash Poor

So Lately I’ve been talking a lot about Art, especially how to make it a part of your life (going so far as to call Philly the Filene’s Basement of Art). This weekend’s Art for the Cash Poor June 13th & 14th is an excellent example of all of those direct to the source opportunities that are so abundantly available in the city of Philadelphia. AFTCP, now in it’s 10th year, is run by InLiquid, a non profit which serves as a resource center while nurturing the creative community through events and exhibitions.

As a bit of an art groupie I never miss the chance to squeal omg it’s so-and-so artist!!! because I <3 art, and artists usually appreciate being treated like rock stars. Featuring some of the area’s most talented artists and a price cap of $199, (insider tip: most things are under $100) going to AFTCP is practically like stealing the stuff. Even better than getting a good deal, you’ll be supporting the artistic community directly while engaging first hand with individual artists, learning how something was made and why. Feel free to bring the kids – between demonstrations, live music and great food stalls – there is plenty for everyone to see and enjoy!

When: Saturday, June 13th from 1-6pm & Sunday, June 14th from 1-6pm
Where: The Crane Arts Building 1400 N. American Street, Philadelphia PA MAP

Philadelphia IS the Filene’s Basement of Art – Don’t Hate

1) Art doesn’t have to be expensive – especially in Philly. With at least 5 major Art institutions to its name and a burgeoning underground art scene, Philly is a great place to start your collection.

• Accessibility to these resources has an incredibly low barrier to entry. Organizations like The Center for Emerging Visual Artists and InLiquid have made it their mission to make art approachable by hosting outreach events and supporting the artistic community. The Art Blog does an excellent job of reporting on everything from major gallery exhibitions to artist collectives, it’s a great place to stay informed and get educated.

2) Art doesn’t have to be scary – especially if you know what to look for. A few insider tips can turn the daunting task of deciphering the art world into an educational adventure for what best fits your style and your budget:

• The easiest, cheapest way to go is Prints. Lithographs, Photographs, Screenprints- art doesn’t have to be a one-of-a-kind to rock your wall. Prints are run in editions, the fewer produced, the higher the cost, and vice versa. The supply and demand model can work in your favor; get ‘em while they’re hot to get a good deal. Also – skip the frame, often artists sell unframed prints at a much lower price, because framing is labor and resources intensive.
• Pro Tip: For cheap frames Ikea can’t be beat for price, but they are limited in styles & sizes. If you’re looking for a custom framing job to make your new pride & joy really shine, Trinity Framing in Society Hill can get you where your art needs to go. They’re independent, and what’s more they’re true philly locals – skaters who can be found in Tattooed Mom’s at the end of the day. I once tipped them with a 6-pack of PBR pounders – proving that they also have a great sense of humor. More importantly – they have a great passion for what they do – and they do it exceptionally well – they’ll even hang it for you.
• If you still can’t reason spending any kind of dough for something that just sits on your wall – go with functional art. Crafting is alive and well here in Philadelphia. From Jewlery to fabrics to handmade bottle openers and other housewares, if a person lovingly created it for others to enjoy – it’s art. What’s more – it could be your art.
• If on the other hand, you are looking for a masterpiece to grace your grand foyer, Studio clearance sales can be a great way to go – I once got an amazing piece from a painter I absolutely adore for a killer deal, because he was looking to make room in his studio, and now I can’t imagine my life without it.
• Skip Old City and First Friday all together and go directly to the artists themselves, they’re good people. Beautiful things are bursting out of the old warehouses and empty lots North of Girard. Thanks to Crane Arts and surrounding studios, 2nd Thursday is gaining a lot of traction in the art world as a younger, hipper version of the open gallery night tradition.

3) Art doesn’t have to be defined by experts – don’t buy art cause it’s expensive, don’t buy it cause someone else told you to, buy art that you like and BAM you’ll have a kick ass collection that you’ll love on a personal level, which is really the whole point.

• Maybe the art you love is the art you make. There are plenty of workshops and classes through out the city to explore your inner painter, printmaker or ceramists. Check out Fleisher or University City Arts Leauge, or one of those 5 world renowned institutions that are practically in your back yard (both UArts & Tyler have Saturday Classes).  Even if you don’t consider yourself artistic, you might be surprised, or even better, you might have fun! As long as you like it – who cares what anyone else thinks.

Art Star Craft Bazaar May 30 – 31

I have to say, Philadelphia is seriously the Filene’s Basement of Art.  I know that might sound a bit callous – but lets face it, you can get really awesome, high quality stuff at bargain basement prices, if you know where to look.  With at least 5 major Art institutions to its name and a burgeoning underground art scene, Philly is a great place to start your collection. There are organizations and events throughout the year that actively foster the city’s cultural community. This weekend’s Art Star Craft Bazaar at Penn’s Landing will help make the art world less intimidating for everyone, including the artists.

The 2009 Art Star Craft Bazaar
When: Saturday, May 30th from 11-6pm & Sunday, May 31st from 11-6pm
Where: Philadelphia, PA @ Penn’s Landing Great Plaza – on Columbus Boulevard between Walnut Street and Chestnut Street (directions)

Declaring My Independence

So today was my UC Hearing (that’s Unemployment Compensation to the uninitiated) and after 3 months of dealing with the Department of Labor & Industry, I’m hoping the end of receiving Notices of Financial Determination and the beginning of receiving my Unemployment Benefits. At my Pink Slip Party, Alex told me I hadn’t been laid off, I’d been “Recently Liberated”, so it seemed only fitting that today also be my first official day at Independents Hall, a coworking space in Philadelphia.

I’ve long been a fan of Indy Hall. As someone who believes the 9-5 work day as long out-dated (don’t even get me started on the agrarian based school system) and that most jobs don’t actually require a physical presence within a set space, working in the same PJs for several days in a row isn’t exactly a great alternative (even though you could if you wanted to – no judgment here). People are social creatures and as such require a modicum of social interaction beyond talking to their house plants or pets. But to say that Indy Hall only offers that basic of human needs, other humans, would be a vast understatement. Imagine being able to choose your own co-workers: the smartest, funniest, most bad ass of people you know. Put them in a centrally located space, give them internet, and watch them go! The result would be a real life mashup of some of the most innovative, creative, and industrious things to come out of Philly since Ben Franklin.

An event horizon where a million things apex, Alex Hillman and Geoff DiMasi may have set the groundwork, but the entire community is working together to build it brick by brick (or App by App as the case may be). After a year and a half of lovingly occupying 32 Strawberry Street, a town hall styled meeting was held where the community weighed the cost benefit ratio of investing in a new space. The community spoke through membership which nearly doubled at all levels in response to the idea of movin’ on up. Hillman and DiMasi knew this day was coming, but I don’t think anyone envisioned it so soon. Nonetheless a promise (or maybe it was a challenge) was made: the space would be ready, with desks, chairs, and internet by May 1st.

6 weeks, hundreds of volunteer hours, and several cases of beers later… it was done. The new space is amazing, with over 30 desks ready to go, a full kitchen (including dishwasher), a bangin’ conference table, and several bathrooms (including one which is being converted into a library). All of which could not have been possible without the amazing oversight of Dana Vachon, Operations Manager and Cupcake Deviant. The transition across Philly’s great North/South divide, otherwise known as Market Street gained a lot of buzz – just Google Indy Hall to see for yourself. Technically Philly has posted a video of the new hotness (totally paraphrasing there) and it’s pretty awesometastic.

The new space is being dubbed Indy Hall 64, while the old space has been coined Indy Hall Classic – but there is still some debate, and final naming convention has yet to be established; but the original space will continue it’s initial intent – to foster and grow the community through it’s newest incarnation as an event space. The first official IndyHall U class, Cocoa Programing Foundations, implemented the model of peer education that is fundamental to the Indy Hall concept. Wildly popular, it was sold out weeks in advance, prompting other organizations to utilize this club house type environment.

I meant to take 10 minutes to kick out a blurb about my first day at Indy Hall… and then it turned into a feature length essay on the meaning of Life (and Indy Hall) and I feel like there is so much more to elaborate on, but for now, I think I’ll just have a cupcake, because here at Indy Hall, it’s Cupcake Thursday, and really, what more could a girl (or geek for that matter) ask for?

Photo Courtesy of Jonny Goldstein