First Friday Focus

Lori Hill's First Friday hit list.

by Lori Hill

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Published: Nov 29, 2006

PAFA

Gifts that one makes oneself are surely appreciated for their heartwarming qualities, but gifts one buys from the hands of far more talented people — well, you can't really lose. That's the beauty of PAFA's annual print sale. You get unique artwork for great prices, and your friends and relatives might actually hang them somewhere other than the bathroom. Here's the deal. For one night, the Academy opens up the print shop to the public and lets students sell their work for under $100. Lithographs, etchings, stamp prints and more are offered in all shapes, sizes and visions. The best part? Hear the stories behind your gifts straight from the artists themselves. They'll even wrap it up in protective paper so you can get it home safely. We know your grandma would just adore that potholder you made with your hipster knitting circle, but just to be safe, go ahead and throw in a limited-edition woodcut, will ya?

Fri., Dec. 1, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, 128 N. Broad St., 215-972-7600.

Projects Gallery

You know when you discover B-sides from your favorite band? That feeling of rapt attention — you're a little uncertain you'll like it, but at the same time completely intrigued? Projects Gallery is embarking on a similar endeavor with "Little Secrets," featuring rarely seen work by the likes of Chuck Close and Sidney Goodman, among others. They're keeping things a bit mum, but expect the unexpected. That is, rather than paintings and large-scale works, more intimate expressions will be on view, such as Goodman's 1950s boot-camp sketches and a signature Close portrait of artist Lucas Samaras, only this time from a letterpress book. Poetry, prints, collaborations and more await, if you're in a B-side kind of mood.

Opening reception Fri., Dec. 1, 5-9 p.m., through Dec. 22, 629 N. Second St., 267-303-9652.

Fleisher Art Memorial

For Christians, Nativity scenes, live or otherwise, can be mesmerizing, a quiet image to provoke reflection. For art lovers, they can be just as spellbinding. Fleisher Art Memorial is installing a traditional presepio, which is similar to the typical manger scene of Mary, Joseph and the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, except presepios are set in everyday 18th-century Italy. This means that shepherds, angels and wise men share the stage with miniature tradespeople, farmers, peasants and high-society folks — all amid grand classical ruins. The more than 100 pieces in this Neapolitan presepio were collected over the years by the late Elizabeth Anne Evans on her travels, and were donated to Fleisher by her sisters. Look for the scene in Fleisher's lobby during regular hours (11 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed Dec. 22-25, Dec. 30-Jan. 2), or see it illuminated in the windows facing Palumbo Park.

On view Dec. 16-Jan. 6, 719 Catharine St., 215-922-3456.

And Then There's...

'Tis the season for holiday shows — and small works shows, apparently. Muse Gallery is hosting "Small Works," the first exhibition in its new space next to the Arden, christened with these intimately scaled works by local artists. Reception Fri., Dec. 1, noon-8 p.m., 60 N. Second St., 215-627-5310. ... Silicon Gallery has a small works show called "Tis the Season" (Dec. 1-Jan. 2, 139 N. Third St., 215-238-6062), while Rosenfeld Gallery presents "Gigantic Small Works Show," with 120 works by 30 artists (Reception Sun., Dec. 3, noon-5 p.m., through Dec. 31, 113 Arch St., 215-922-1376). ... This First Friday will be the last for Nexus Gallery in Old City. After 16 years, they're moving house to the Crane Arts Building in Fishtown, but not before an "Inventory Clearance Liquidation Sale." The gallery will clear out its prints, drawings, photos and sculpture to benefit the move. Fri., Dec. 1, 5-10 p.m, 137 N. Second St., 215-629-1103.

(l_hill@citypaper.net)

 

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