Also this issue: Three Sisters Theatre Exile presents a world premiere that’s a real family affair. -Deni Kasrel Remembering Ella Local artists react to the death of Ella King Torrey -David Warner Still Here Elaine Stritch (still) isn’t afraid to speak her mind. -A.D. Amorosi Gentlemen Volunteers -Juliet Fletcher Philadanco -Janet Anderson Rennie Harris Puremovement at Salute to Youth -Deni Kasrel Stango Gallery opening -Debra Auspitz ArtsQuicks More stuff going on this week …

May 8-14, 2003

artpicks

Project Room Benefit Party

by Debra Auspitz

Since 1999, Kait Midgett has hosted a number of fascinating exhibitions at Project Room by artists taking advantage of her offer of a non-traditional work/exhibition space for site-specific shows. Now she's decided to turn the Eighth and Girard workshop into a nonprofit to expand her ability to support local artists, kicking it off with a benefit party this Saturday.

Midgett nearly left Philadelphia not long ago, but was coaxed into staying by the local arts community. Some of those artists are now showing their support for Midgett by helping to create one hell of a raffle for the benefit. Three lucky winners will each receive a portfolio featuring six original works of art. Midgett contributed her work to each portfolio, along with artists as varied as Pepón Osorio, who currently shares Midgett's workspace and has collaborated with her on some large-scale installation projects, and Randall Sellers, whose tiny drawings are painfully precise and beautifully intricate renderings of fantastical landscapes. The portfolios also include customized sneakers by Frankie Martin and Tyson Reeder, and pieces of three-dimensional art by Matthew Suib and Paul Swenbeck.

The benefit will also serve as an opening reception for Project Room's latest exhibit, Raphael Di Luzio's Eucharist, a digital installation that was recently on display in Italy. Midgett will also be selling pint glasses and T-shirts designed by local artists Clint Takeda and Charles Burns, and displaying work from past Project Room exhibitors such as Jane Irish, Virgil Marti and Osorio. A ton of Northern Liberties' bars and restaurants have donated food and drink for the occasion, with beer provided by Yards Brewing Company. It should be a fun evening for an important Philly arts space.

Project Room Benefit Party, Sat., May 10, 6 p.m.-12 a.m., $25, Project Room, 960 N. Eighth St., 215-413-3101.