Philly antiques show is largest ever

FORGET WHAT YOU think you know about antiques. The 2012 Philadelphia Antiques Show is not just about the old as it moves to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, its largest location yet.

Along with 58 notable dealers, the show promises brilliant renovations to one of Pennsylvania's prestigious traditions. Since its start in 1962, the show has become the premier exhibit for Americana antiques. The 51st-annual outing marks itself with a logo and layout revision, ushering in the perfect fusion of new and old as it reaches out to a new generation of collectors.

Gretchen Riley, who is chairing the event, explained the changes as a way to connect with a younger crowd by redefining antiques. "When people think of antiques, they think of the dictionary definition as something that's a hundred years old," she said. "We've expanded that so the dealers will be able to bring works up until 1970."

Show features have expanded to fill the new venue. The number of lectures has doubled. New design rooms mix contemporary interior styles with featured antique pieces. A loan exhibit from the Pennsylvania Hospital Historic Collection, "Where History Meets Medicine," provides a distinguished assortment of fine art, furniture and books dating to the 18th century. Show proceeds will continue to benefit Penn Medicine, this year supporting the establishment of a lung-transplant program at the University of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., Saturday-May 1, $17, 610-902-2109, philaantiques.com.

— Amanda Wagner

honoring Solomon's choices

The Mount Airy Art Garage celebrates community, fine art and the late photographer Solomon Levy, whose leadership and love made MAAG possible. The opening reception and dedication of the permanent gallery features a retrospective of Levy's work, "Travels Through Time," covering his life as a community activist and professional photographer. Expect European landscapes and city abstractions.

For the past two years, MAAG has been transforming an abandoned ambulance-company building into a gallery, artist studios and community space. Levy discovered the building and saw great potential for the space to be a catalyst to unite artists from the city's Northwest. Donations made in Levy's honor launched the first phase of building.

This event concurrently marks a milestone as the final phase of construction brings a long-awaited vision to life, said Linda Slodki, president and co-founder of MAAG. "It's a labor of love, ushering in a new time for artists to dream together," said Slodki, who left a corporate job to spearhead the project.

Levy's 40 years as a leading figure in organizations such Habitat for Humanity and Project Learn left an enduring impact. The unveiling of a place for teaching, learning, sharing and inspiring is an exciting reminder of the unifying power of art in a community. n

Mount Airy Art Garage, 11 W. Mount Airy Ave., 6-8 p.m. Friday, 215-242-5074, mtairyartgarage.org.

—AlyssaStein

Art Attack is a partnership with Drexel University and is supported by a grant from the Knight/NEA Community Arts Journalism Challenge, administered by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.