Collaboration, exhibition, innovation: Experience it all at DesignPhiladelphia
DesignPhiladelphia, whose events are mostly all free and open to the public (though registration is required), takes place at various venues throughout the city from Wednesday, Oct. 8 through Friday, Oct. 17.
There's a party or celebration for seemingly everything nowadays: LEGO lovers, techies, thespians, artists, fashionistas. The list goes on and on. And that's one of the best things about this city!
The latest festival, organized by the Philadelphia Center for Architecture, gives designers, — multimedia, graphic, furniture, home — architects, urban planners, and more a chance to kick up their heels and mingle through workshops, demonstrations, tours and parties.
DesignPhiladelphia, whose events are mostly all free and open to the public (though registration is required), takes place at various venues throughout the city from Wednesday, Oct. 8 through Friday, Oct. 17.
The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at digital agency Bluecadet (1526 Frankford Ave.) with cocktails, food, silent auction and a chance to experience Bluecadet's interactive work. Things get a little wild starting at 8 p.m. when the afterparty begins with food trucks, a DJ and beer.
Put your dollars to good use on Thursday, Oct. 9 for volunteer-run community-fostering organization, Philly Give & Gets DesignPhiladelphia auction at Johnny Brenda's (1201 Frankford Ave.). With prizes including roasting your own coffee at Reanimator or churning your own ice cream with Little Baby's, the event promotes community bonding. The auction runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and all proceeds will be donated to Philadelphia Wooden Boat Factory, which teaches local youth about maritime arts.
Throughout the duration of the entire festival, various architects who submitted work to the American Institute of Architects Philadelphia chapter Awards for Design Excellence will have their designs displayed at The Shops at Liberty Place (1625 Chestnut St.) and on Friday, Oct. 10, the public will have a chance to meet the architects and hear about their projects from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The creative minds at Art Star Gallery and Boutique are bringing back their eye for design and style during a curated Art Market on Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11 at Tyler School of Art (2001 N. 13th St.). From noon until 7 on Friday and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, shop the finest in local handmade goods, demonstrations and a happy hour (Friday evening).
Take it to the streets on Saturday, Oct. 11 for a two-hour tour, departing from the Center for Architecture (1218 Arch St.) at 3 p.m., when Philadelphia's 85-year neon sign history will illuminate the evening.
You know how mom's homemade meatballs can elicit such a strong reaction, pulling you back to a time and place? Well it's not just you — science can back this stuff up. Bring a meal that pulls at your heartstrings to the Center for Architecture (1218 Arch St.) on Sunday, Oct. 12 to learn about sensory memory and share stories at this potluck dinner from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
So you put your innovative mind to work and now you have a marketable good. Now what? Etsy? Figure out how to get your product out to the world on Monday, Oct. 13 at MADE Studios (305 Cherry St.) for a two-hour discussion from local entrepreneurs.
Artist Lyn Godley's exhibition at International House Philadelphia (3701 Chestnut St.) opens on Tuesday, Oct. 14 with a reception from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The artist, who works with light and fiber optics in her work, will be at IHP to discuss the art.
Don't lie: Despite being a "grown-up" with a job and responsibilities and stuff, the desire to break out the coloring book remains from time to time. Fulfill that desire on Wednesday, Oct. 15 when coloring company (for adults) Hooley supplies the frequenters of Independence Hall (22 N. 3rd St.) with all the necessary tools to beautify a giant pattern created by local artists. The collaborative coloring activity runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Leading women interior designers will answer career-building questions during a panel at Moore College of Art & Design (20th Street and the Parkway) on Thursday, Oct. 16. Following the discussion, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the guests of honor will take part in a reception with the audience.
The eight-day affair closes on Friday, Oct. 17 with a closing celebration from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Crane Arts Ice Box (1400 N. American St.) with an installation from Sean Martorana and Dejha Ti: "Lairs of Self in Everyday Life," an interactive work with projections displayed on the walls of the space. Audience members are even encouraged to perform live interpretations of the designs.