Elevated

Opening reception Fri., June 6, 5:30-8 p.m., runs through June 30, Coral Street Arts House, 2446-2468 Coral St., 215-739-0310, positivespace.net.

by Monica Weymouth

visual art

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

West Philly-based artist Suzanne Francis has some news that her peers might not be ready for: The kids over in Fishtown aren't all that much different. In fact, the two neighborhoods have strikingly similar artist communities, despite (and maybe even because of) how unlikely they are to admit it. Motivated by the playful rivalry between the two regions, Francis decided to bring everyone together for a friendly artistic showdown. "Elevated: East vs. West on the Blue Line" includes work from members of West Philly collective Dead Artist's Guild and Fishtown's Positive Space, all inspired by one mutually agreed-upon commonality — the Market-Frankford El.

"It's a friendly rivalry. Not too many people know each other even though they're doing very similar things," says Francis, who likens the show to a game of intramural soccer as opposed to a serious competition. "It's a way for people to come together. It's a way to think about the world and environment around them." Acting as ambassador, Francis has painted a large-scale gouache of the Spring Garden stop. Firmly representing Fishtown, Vick Aita has reimagined the Berks Street stop in lovely twilight pinks and blues (pictured). And while no piece or neighborhood will officially be declared the winner, there is talk of a dance-off at the First Friday reception during a set by local band Northern Liberties. We hate to break it to you, West Philly, but if Fishtown were to win anything, it would be a dance-off on Coral Street.

Opening reception Fri., June 6, 5:30-8 p.m., runs through June 30, Coral Street Arts House, 2446-2468 Coral St., 215-739-0310, positivespace.net.