One of Philly’s treasures is its art scene, from its public murals to its museums. You can spend a whole day at larger institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. But there are smaller spaces sprinkled around the city celebrating artists from Philly and beyond.
Icebox Project Space
Among the multitude of studio spaces and art galleries within the Crane Arts building on American Street is the Icebox Project Space. The contemporary art space provides a platform for amateur and professional artists to showcase their work through film, music, clay, mixed media – you name it. Its exhibitions are an immersive and innovative experience.
Taller Puertorriqueño
Taller Puertorriqueño’s Fairhill cultural center acts as a bookstore, classroom, and art gallery. The art gallery showcases different Latin American artists across the diaspora. Past exhibitions have included Alexis Duque’s “Los Dueños de Nada,” Dorcas Tang’s “Los Paisanos del Puerto,” and Patrick McGrath Muñiz’s “Arcanas Neocolonial Retablos Inspired By Tarot.”
Twelve Gates Arts
Twelve Gates Arts’ name derives from the gates surrounding ancient cities such as Delhi and Jerusalem. Within the walls of Twelve Gates’ Old City gallery, international artists display their work. Aside from the rotation of exhibitions, the gallery leads a residency program for early-career artists and hosts workshops, artist talks, and open mics.
Urban Art Gallery
Urban Art Gallery acts as a springboard for up-and-coming artists to display and sell their work. The West Philly space not only hosts regular exhibitions, but it is dedicated to empowering local youth. Some of its programs include free art classes, a chess club, and music programs.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu Fine Arts Gallery in Germantown centers itself in the South African philosophy “I am because we are.” The space showcases the photography of Steven CW Taylor and acts as a meeting space for guest exhibitions and community conversations. Some work featured includes Taylor’s “The Time Thief,” which transports the viewer across landscapes – from Abu Dhabi, to Brazil, and back to Philadelphia.
