North Philly arts scene gets boost from Tyler School of Art

Before Temple University's Tyler School of Art moved from Elkins Park onto the main campus in North Philadelphia, officials knew they would have to get the word out about its new gallery space at 12th and Norris streets.

To that end, they started researching the art scene in North Philadelphia and discovered more than 20 long-established arts organizations.

"There were all these hidden treasures, and we didn't think a lot of people knew about them," said Shayna V. McConville, exhibitions coordinator for Tyler.

Tyler reached out to the groups, sparking the creation of the North Philadelphia Arts and Cultural Alliance.

It will present "Treasures of North Philadelphia Open House" on April 25.

About 25 organizations make up the alliance, including the Philadelphia Doll Museum, the Paul Green School of Rock, the Avenue of the Arts, the Charles L. Blockson Collection and the Murals Arts Program.

The April 25 tour, from noon to 6 p.m., will give visitors a peek at the groups, which are scattered throughout North Philly.

For one event, Art Sanctuary, housed inside the historic Church of the Advocate on 18th and Diamond streets, will host a discussion from 4:15 to 5 p.m. with Richard Watson, one of the two artists who painted murals of biblical scenes from an African-American perspective.

Some organizations, such as the Village of Arts and Humanities, have been around for years.

Kumani Gantt, artistic and executive director of the Village,which has headquarters on Germantown Avenue near Cumberland Street, said her group provides art programs to teens living in the Fairhill and Hartranft areas.

Others, like the Cerulean Gallery, on Ridge Avenue near Broad, are fairly new.

Tina Rocha, co-proprietor of Cerulean, said the Tyler move will mean a "a lot more recognition" for other arts groups in North Philly. She said the members of the alliance have started working together.

The open-house schedule also includes visits to, among other locations:

* 1 to 3 p.m. The Wagner Free Institute of Science, a natural-history museum housed in a Victorian National Historic Landmark building at 17th Street and Montgomery Avenue.

* 1 to 2 p.m. A tour of the Uptown Theater, which once hosted such musical acts as the Supremes, the Temptations and Marvin Gaye. Space is limited to the first 20 people. Meet at 2227 N. Broad St.

* 6 to 7 p.m. A closing reception with music and hors d'oeuvres will be at the Arts Garage, at 15th and Parrish streets.

For more information, contact www.northphillyarts.org. *