Go West Craft Fest

The weather was perfect for the Go West Craft Fest at The Woodlands Historic Cemetary in West Philadelphia. We met some very creative people. There was even a lady on a flying trapeze. There were a wide variety of unique items for sale: jewelry, pottery, clothing, candles, hand and body potions, lipstick… all handmade. We can’t wait until the next one.






Anne Enke -Glam Tribal: Nature-inspired jewelry and gifts
www.facebook.com/pages/GlamTribale

Jennifer Joseph-Revival Clothing Upcycled Hand Dyed Clothing
www.etsy.com/shop/TheRevivalClothing

Megan Gibson-PB & Jams All natural Nut Butters
www.pbandjamsphl.com

Lori Thomson- Olive and Bo, Handmade Quilts and accessories for the modern baby.
www.etsy.com/shop/oliveandbo

Leah Johnson- Peculiarbreed, Handmade Beads and Jewelry
www.peculiarbreed.com

Emerald Hill Gourmet Candles
www.GourmentCandles.org

Shera Patrice, Crayon Lipstick
www.etsy.com/shop/SheraPCrayonLipstick

Standing in Support of Renowned Artist, James Dupree

James Dupree in his studio space in West Philadelphia

 Last Saturday we went to world renowned artist and educator James Dupree’s 64th birthday celebration at his studio space in Philadelphia. More importantly, we were there in support of his cause to stop the

City of Philadelphia from taking his property by Eminent Domain… for a grocery store. This amazing 8,646 square foot place that took blood, sweat and years in the making is a mecca for the creative community. This is truly a cause to fight for... we stand strong in support to save this studio.

Exterior of Dupree Studios

Detail of the exterior of Dupree Studios

The Real Housewives Of Purpose.

Organization established in 1933 to encourage African American housewives to patronize African American-owned businesses. The national organization was comprised of local groups, the most important of these being the Housewives' League of Detroit, which was founded in 1930 under the leadership of Fannie B. Peck. The Detroit League worked in conjunction with the Booker T. Washington Trade Association whose organization was headed by the Rev. William H. Peck, and the National Negro Business League. The record group includes minutes, correspondence, publications, and activity files of both the national organization and the Detroit league. The series in the record group are History and Organization; Core Records; Correspondence; Programs and Events; Media Coverage; Publications; Chapters; Related Organizations; and Other Materials. The largest portion of the Chapters series consists of records of the Detroit league and include history, publications, and other organizational materials.

Source:
Repository: Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan1150 Beal Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113
Phone: 734-764-3482
Fax: 734-936-1333
e-mail: bentley.ref@umich.edu
Home Page: http://www.bentley.umich.edu/

Toni Morrison at Swarthmore College

                            Went to hear the iconic author Toni Morrison 
                   speak to an overflowing crowd,at Swarthmore College. 

Zawadi means Gift in Swahili

For twenty two years Irene Whalen has owned and operated Zawadi African Art Gallery and Gift Shop in Washington DC. This beautiful store is in the heart of Washington’s trendy U street district and sells a unique blend of traditional and contemporary art, textiles, home goods, jewelry and more.  

For more information check out their  website www.zawadidc.com.  

 or visit the store at
1524 U Street, NW Washington, District of Columbia 20009

Denys Davis (r)  and Zawadi owner Irene Whalen (l)

A Stamp for the Legendary Jimi Hendrix: Painting Rudy Gutierrez

It was a great feeling to hear that Rudy Gutierrez was creating the art for a US Postage Stamp honoring the great guitarist Jimi Hendrix.  This is so special because Rudy attended Pratt Institute with Monna.   She remembers his friendly demeanor and kind smile. 

Rudy says..
"When Jimi said to "wave your freak flag high" for me he really was talking about the beauty of being ourselves and seeing the divinity and validity in who we are! Everyone has this beautiful light unless they allow it to be put out! "

 

"To all my Gypsy, Rainbows and Lovers of the Sonic Medicinal Electric Warrior known as Jimi Hendrix, here is a video of me painting Jimi for the stamp and being interviewed by Christopher Tyree of the Journey Group. The amazing designer is Greg Breeding!"
http://uspsstamps.com/stories/channeling-jimi

To see more of the artists work: http://www.rudygutierrez.net/‎

In Celebration of Women's History Month

We celebrate Augusta Savage born Augusta Christine Fells ,  

Artist, activist, and  educator. Born on February 29, 1892, in Green Cove Springs, Florida. to 1962.

 www.biography.com/people/augusta-savage-40495