We attended a fundraiser for Tree House Books at WHYY in Philadelphia.

Tree House Books is a non-profit organization located in North Central Philadelphia. They have a variety of programs all centered around reading, art and literacy. It’s a warm and inviting place where kids can go after school to express themselves creatively through reading and writing. In addition, they provide homework help and the kids even get to publish their own magazine. Executive Director Vashti Du Bois, Program Coordinator Michael Reid and After School Manager Lauren Macaluso, work hard to make sure the center runs smoothly.  Make a donation or volunteer; it’s a great place.  If you are interested in supporting Tree House Books contact them at  info@treehousebooks.org or for more information call 215-236-1760.

Tree House Books

1430 W. Susquehanna Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19121

“Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.”

Maya Angelou

The centerpieces were books, houses and trees

One of the centerpieces on the tables

A presentation by the children who attend Treehouse Books' programs

Vashti DuBois, Executive Director of Treehouse Books

Vivant!

We attended the kick off for the 5th anniversary celebration of Vivant gallery in Philadelphia. The event was held  at the James E Marks Intercultural Center on the campus of Drexel University. The show featured art inspired by the history and culture of Haiti. Florcy Morisset, curator of Vivant Art Galley was decked out in her native Haitian regalia and gave us a mini Haitian Art 101 lecture . It was a fun evening complete with good conversation, live music, poetry and authentic Haitian cuisine. Ahhhh but this is only the beginning, there is lots more to come as we commemorate this thriving art gallery. Stay tuned! Visit www.vivantartcollection.com

Mushrooms Rice and peas
Fried pork
Picklies ( coleslaw with no mayo )
Poule en sauce (Chicken)
Couronne ( drink)

It's Halloween!

African Art & Design: Solange Knowles' Losing You

Fashion maven and singer Solange Knowles just released a new song and video entitled "Losing You." The song has an 80's British Soul /Pop vibe. The visual, is a colorful adventure that is part fashion show, part music video and part tour of a township in Capetown South Africa.  It was produced by Dev Hynes, directed by Melina Matsoukas, and styled by Ty Hunter among others. The video was inspired by and includes men from the Le Sape Society (Society for the Advancement of People of Elegance), an exclusive club of elegant and impeccably dressed men from the heart of the Congo. They are featured in photographer Daniele Tamagni’s book, Gentleman of Bacongo . However, the video is not without controversy. Some critics labeled the video exploitative and questioned the relevance of the ghetto chic location. But that is to be expected; after all artistic expression is often criticized.  What do you think?

African & Global Art Style at First Friday in Old City Philadelphia

First Friday’s in Philadelphia are always fun; especially when the weather is nice and you can find a good parking space. It’s one big creative global fête. We saw a lot of interesting art and people, met some twitter folks face to face and reconnected with some shop owners. There are a lot of shops that cater to African and global art and design; each with their own unique personality. It was an all around great way to spend a Friday evening. 

We loved the mix of Indonesian and African art and style in this shop

Of course we had to show this chair!

Lighting By David Trubridge

Seating and lighting by David Trubridge

David Trubridge

Seating and lighting by David Trubridge

David Trubridge

Vivant Art Collection and Gallery

Florcy Morisett, Owner of Vivant Art Collection and Gallery

Beautiful wood workings at the Center for Art in Wood

There were artists who took to the streets to do their thing

Musicians filled the air with melodious sounds

Galbraith & Paul–Textile Artists

I met Liz Galbraith, textile artisan, and Ephraim Paul in 1994 when I was working on my book “The Spirit of African Design.” My co- author and I borrowed one of their lamps to use in the book. Back then, Liz was making unique handmade paper lampshades and lighting. I remember when their studio was downtown in Old City Philadelphia. That was a while back and a lot has changed. Today, Galbraith & Paul is a global company with showrooms from New York to Paris to Australia. Luckily for Indaga Home, (Denys Davis and Monna Morton) they are still headquartered in Philadelphia. The studio is located in a renovated textile mill in the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia and open by appointment only.

Galbraith & Paul specializes in sturdy handmade block printed textiles, rugs, printed wallpaper and lighting. The lighting is made exclusively for the furniture store Room & Board.

The new Fall Collection is an artistic blend of subtle colors and bold patterns. Whatever you choose from their vast collection is bound to make a beautiful statement in any room. We can’t wait for the open house at their Annual Sample Sale - December 1st . www.galbraithandpaul.comwww.galbraithandpaul.com

Tents Wallpaper

Tent Detail

Candystripe

Candy Stripe Detail

Diamond

Diamond Detail

Ribbon Wall Cover

Galbraith & Paul lighting is available exclusively through Room & Board. Please visit their website at roomandboard.com

Galbraith & Paul lighting is available exclusively through Room & Board. Please visit their website at roomandboard.com

Midnight Links on Upholstery Linen

Architectural Digest, May 2012

Links Detail

Thanks to Galbraith & Paul.  

Check out the What We Make tab to see how we used the fabric from last years sample sale.