First Friday Focus
Carolyn Huckabay's First Friday Hit List
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Snyderman-Works Galleries
Ellen Benson thinks my lack of siblings may explain why I've never heard my mother utter the phrase, "When you grow up I hope you have children just like you!" But of her vintage-y Mom Collection, part of The Works Gallery's "Found Object Art" group show, Benson suspects that even under-harassed only children can relate. The wonderfully intricate, purposefully clunky necklaces are themed according to mothers' classic nags (You're Too Young to Wear a Bra; Eat Your Dinner, There Are Children Starving in China) represented through a mishmash of tiny trinkets — everything from dollar bills and shells to Altoid tins and doll furniture. Delicate locket-like photos of finger-wagging matriarchs tie it all together. "I looked for little images of mothers that were stern or guilt-inducing," Benson says. "Not so much the chirpy June Cleaver type, but more 'go to your room, young lady.'" Alongside Benson's work are found-object creations from 30 artists of myriad aesthetic sensibilities: The stoicism of Gordon Chandler's massive Oil Drum Kimona plays nicely against the intricacies of Larry Culkins' encaustic A Horse Named Phil. Upstairs, John Eric Byers presents his eighth show at Snyderman, this time exploring the serenity of irregular patterns and textures. Opening reception Fri., Oct. 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m., free, ends Oct. 31, 303 Cherry St., 215-922-7775, snyderman-works.com.
And Then There's ...
Highwire Gallery presents "Nature and Nurture: Three Women and the Art of Sustenance," featuring the work of 2007 PAFA grads Piety Choi, Maria DiMauro and Karen Steen. Opening reception Fri., Oct. 2, 5-9 p.m., through Nov. 1, 2040 Frankford Ave., 215-426-2685, kenbmiller.com/highwire. ... Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST) kick off this weekend, and CFEVA's hosting a guided trolley tour for those who need a little hand-holding. Hop on to see the work of Darla Jackson, MONARC and more — or go on foot, for free. Sun., Oct. 4, 1 p.m., $75 (registration required), 1521 Locust St., 215-546-7775, philaopenstudios.com.
(carolyn.huckabay@citypaper.net)
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