Summer’s right around the corner and everything would seem a little greener -- if we weren’t in the middle of a drought. But a new gallery on 16th Street is adding a bit of summer cheer. Grass, which was scheduled to open officially yesterday, is an eye-catching space, with bright-green signage and an adorable row of potted blades of grass lining the front window. But it’s not just about the decor -- the folks behind Grass, Bethany and Mark Sorrell, hope to make this a space dedicated to showing the work of new, local artists. Go check it out on the next sunny afternoon (401 S. 16th St., 215-545-6226).

Local artists also got a chance to make a statement at last week's InLiquid panel discussion, "Artists Outside the Box." While "thinking outside the box" metaphors are pretty tired, the lively panel of curators, artists and gallery owners certainly were not, nor was the crowd of 50-some people who came to hear what the panel had to say and put in their own two cents. Panelists included PAFA's curator of contemporary art, Alex Baker; Dissentia Curatorial Services' Nick Cassway; Bozart Toys' Larry Mangel; Kevin Reay, of the currently homeless Pogo Gallery; BaseKamp's Scott Rigby; InLiquid's Joan K. Smith (also a CP contributor); Shelley Spector, of Spector Gallery; and Richard Torchia, director of Arcadia University's art gallery.

The panel discussion, moderated by InLiquid's James Rosenthal, was chaotic at times, but it was fascinating to see so many different perspectives on the state of Philly's art community from local artists. Topics ranged from living in New York's shadow to marketing Philly as an art town to the general satisfaction of artists living here. (The latter raised both positive and negative reactions, from those who reveled in the "easiness" of being an artist in Philadelphia to those who warned of the dangers of becoming too comfortable to strive actively for change.) The evening was a credit to InLiquid, already a pioneer in bringing together local artists.

The Kimmel Center announced its summer season on Tuesday. Kimmel is kicking things off by living up to their promise that the domed building will be accessible to all, all the time -- at least for one night. June 21, summer solstice, will be an all-night celebration, with music, poetry and dance performances running through the night until sunrise. Kind of like From the Mixed-Up Files of Mr. Sidney Kimmel.... (For a complete event listing, see www.kimmelcenter.org).




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