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Comics, circus arts, dragon boats, and vibrators
The Weekly Roundup, June 1-8
Kyle V. Hiller
This week welcomes the unofficial beginning of summer with a variety of events. Coming up, Da Vinci Art Alliance and Partners & Son open a new exhibit highlighting comics and illustrations, Hedgerow gets electric with In the Next Room, or the vibrator play, FringeArts brings the Hand to Hand festival back, and the American Chinese Museum celebrates an old tradition. Then, the Clay Studio and the Women’s Coalition for Empowerment talk about the arts with a pair of community-focused events.
Stay cool, Philly. It’s going to be a hot, hot summer.
Printed Copy
Now through June 22, 2022
Da Vinci Art Alliance, 704 Catharine Street, Philadelphia
DVAA teams up with jurors Gina Dawson and Tom Marquet of South Philly comic shop and gallery Partners & Son for a comic and illustrations exhibit this month. Printed Copy explores the visual art form via 25 artists.
In the Next Room, or the vibrator play
Now through June 19, 2022
Hedgerow Theatre Company, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media
Sarah Ruhl’s In the Next Room, or the vibrator play opens this weekend at Hedgerow, telling the story of two people in the 1880s who “innocently” invent the vibrator as a new treatment for “hysteria.” The adult comedy is about marriage, intimacy, and electricity.
FringeArts’s Hand to Hand
Now through June 12, 2022
FringeArts, 140 North Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
The annual contemporary circus festival is back with two weeks of performances and workshops, including acrobatics, aerials, clowning, juggling, and more. There are some outdoor events, too!
Making Place Matter
Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm
The Clay Studio, 1425 North American Street, Philadelphia
The inaugural exhibition from the Clay Studio arrives in its new home and looks to explore the idea of a place with regard to personal history, cultural heritage, and social justice. Featuring Peruvian-born artist Kukuli Velarde, American-born, Massachusetts-based artist Molly Hatch, and Egyptian-born North Carolina-based artist Ibrahim Said, the day opens the floor with panels, performances, hands-on activities, and more. Join in-person or by Zoom.
Behind the Curtains
Sunday, June 5, 4-6pm
The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
Streaming online
The Women’s Coalition for Empowerment heads over to the Rotunda this weekend to wrap up its series of moderated discussions and live performances showcasing local artists of intersecting cultures and multiple generations. We mentioned the Coalition’s Sistah Soul Series a few weeks back in a May roundup (which continues through August), so be sure to show them some love if you have the chance. The event is free and open to the public.
Dragon Boat Festival
Sunday, June 5, 10am-3pm
American Chinese Museum, 7345 Oxford Avenue, Philadelphia
The Duanwu (Dragon Boat) Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday that’s thousands of years old. This weekend, the American Chinese Museum hosts the Philly edition with live music, Kung Fu displays, Chinese dances, food and drinks (featuring Chinese teas), arts and crafts for the family, and a Peking Opera performance. The event is free and open to the public.
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