Join Barbara Grant (ACG ’09), Betty Leacraft (ACG ’09), Blanche Epps (ACG ’06), Elaine Hoffman Watts (LTA ’07), Nehad Khader (ACG ’08) and Suzanne Povse (ACG ’09) for an array of outstanding events at the Philadelphia Folklore Project (PFP). For 23 years, PFP has been committed to sustaining and archiving folk arts and cultures of the Philadelphia region’s community and people. This fall’s roster of community visionaries will weave folklore, history, culture and social change through exhibits, workshops, lectures, documentaries and more.
All events will be held at Philadelphia Folklore Project located at 735 S. 50th St., Philadelphia, PA 19143. Call 215.726.1106 or visit folkloreproject.org for more information. PFP’s galleries showcase local folk and traditional arts – vernacular and alternative expression. Hours run from September through June on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00AM to 6:00PM and by appointment. FREE, donations encouraged.
STORIES FROM THE SHOP FLOOR – What is it like to be a skilled factory worker and a woman? Listen to Suzanne Povse and her guests share stories about their experiences as women workers, challenging assumptions in challenging times. Then, share your experiences. October 8, 2010 at 7:00PM.
GIFTS FROM MOTHER EARTH – Bringing together her interest in traditional gardening, and in alternative medicinal practice and her artistry with textiles, Betty Leacraft conducted a series of workshops with community members this past year. She will present quilts that came out of this project, as well as documentation of the effort. A celebration of master gardener, craftswoman and mentor Blanche Epps will be held on October 23rd. Exhibit runs October 18 through 29, 2010, Opening reception:October 23, 2010 from 3:00 to 6:00PM, Gallery Talk: October 26, 2010 at 3:00PM. Please RSVP to 215.726.1106.
MAKING HOME PLACE – How do you use folk arts to face hard issues and the challenges of making an enduring and hospitable place? Local peoples’ conversations (traced on our walls, continuing outside them) open the experiences of immigrants and long-time Philadelphians. This first community exhibition reflects learnings from PFP’s inaugural “Community Folklife Documentation Workshop.” Listen, look and share. . . November 5, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00PM.
WHEN MY MOTHER BROKE HER LEG (and came to live with me) – Veteran media-maker Barbara Grant turns to folklore and oral history in a very personal project about aging, advocacy, and health care policy – and her mother. In her multi-media performance piece, she reconsiders her role and her knowledge of family history, and raises questions about equity in health care, especially for elders. November 11, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00PM
EATELEH: A LIFE IN KLEZMER – With Elaine Hoffman Watts, Susan Lankin Watts and friends. PFP premieres a new documentary on these amazing women, third and fourth generation klezmorim. After the screening, enjoy a concert and party with the musicians and special guests. The Hoffman family has had a major impact on Philadelphia musical culture for a century. Elaine and Susan continue to break new ground. The documentary tells the story of these women and this family tradition. December 4, 2010 at 7:30PM at Crossroads Music: Calvary Center for Culture and Community, 801 S. 48th St. Tickets: $10 – $30. For more information: Call PFP at 215.726.1106. To watch a preview of the upcoming documentary visit folkloreproject.org.
Tatreez: Palestinian Women’s Embroidery in Philadelphia – Making and sharing traditional needlework, stitching patterns belonging to villages that no longer exist, local Palestinian women artfully sustain heritage and community through the beauty that is tatreez. Nehad Khader curates a new exhibition about the meanings of this art—the first in a new series of Community Folklife Documentation exhibitions at PFP curated by community members. To view an online version of this exhibit visit Tatreez Exhibit.
