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Travel to Hong Kong, Your Gateway to China
Story, photos by Kelly Kusumoto Have you ever thought about a trip to China but found yourself intimidated by the cultural differences or the language barrier? It can be daunting, but there are a few things you should know before skipping Hong Kong for Europe… again. Hong Kong is where East meets West. Only in Seoul and Tokyo will you find places in the Far East as open to us Westerners as Hong Kong. But unlike South Korea and Japan, Hong Kong was once under British rule. From 1842 to 1997 (with a Japanese WWII interruption), Hong Kong was a British colony. That means many of its inhabitants speak English.…
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American Boho Boutique Giving Vintage Jewelry New Life
Story, photos by Jill Beckel Explore recently had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Haley Waugh on a warm January Sunday morning. Haley is the owner of American Boho, a small Philadelphia-based jewelry boutique. According to her website, “American Boho is a small boutique with original designs from repurposed pieces. This shop is dedicated to providing customers with affordable, one-of-a-kind accessories including hand-selected vintage items. As this small business grows, American Boho can be seen in small consignment boutiques or pop-up shops in Philadelphia.” Originally from Maine, Haley went to college in Massachusetts where she studied public relations and minored in fine art. She then moved to Philly to pursue museum studies…
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The Inn at Villanova: Brainstorm and Stay the Nova Way at New Hotel
Story, photos by Sharon Kozden I’m no architect, but am I “Wright” in vibing something “Frank Lloydian” at the eye-catching entrance? Arrows point the way. There’s a new kid in town – a new kid on the Main Line’s block. Erstwhile Villanova Conference Center, previously run by Aramark, closed in November, 2016. Fast forward to July 1, when The Inn at Villanova set out its welcome mat to public and community alike, proudly presenting a sleek, ultramodern and fully renovated 56-roomed hotel and conference center situated on the 32-acre site of the former Montrose Estate, home to its historic Montrose Mansion. Moreover, Villanova University is now firmly entrenched in the owner-operator seat. Boasting 14 innovative meeting rooms and a ballroom…
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Shadow + Flame Hosts Venetian Themed Prospero’s Ball at FringeArts’ La Peg
PROSPERO: “Spirits, which by mine art I have from their confines called to enact My present fancies.” – William Shakespeare, The Tempest, Act 4, Scene 1 Photos, story by Sharon Kozden Ball dropping isn’t always a bad thing. Maybe in the sports’ world it can be, but when it comes to entertainment, you can drop me into any ball or gala, I’m out for a good time. The evening of October 26th presented just such a time, when Shadow + Flame hosted a Venetian-themed (as well as exclusive and limited-invite!) masquerade event at FringeArts‘ La Peg Brasserie. As one deemed an exclusive guest, my initial thought was how to cobble together…
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Twinkle, Twinkle: Era Contemporary Showcases Stargarden Exhibit at Da Vinci Art Alliance
Era Contemporary announces exhibit with beautifully rendered photograph. Story, photos by Sharon Kozden When Jessica Libor, artist, graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and director of Era Contemporary, “a pop-up art gallery that showcases artwork by living artists who display a unique vision and a focus on magical realism,” recently called for submissions, artists delivered. The exhibit, entitled StarGarden was held Friday, September 1st at Philadelphia’s Da Vinci Art Alliance. Curated by Libor, it fused the sublime mystery of the celestial night sky’s cosmos with the tangible beauty of floral and fauna on magical terra firma. So when Cassie Hepler called for a writer and photographer to cover the event, my shooting star-swift affirmative response confirmed my presence at…
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Grounds for Sculpture in Trenton, New Jersey a Stunning of Display of an Art Garden
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Get ready to step into a fairy tale world where the art and paintings come to life and will take your breath away! Grounds For Sculpture is a 42-acre sculpture park, museum and arboretum founded on the site of the former New Jersey State Fairgrounds. Opened to the public in 1992, it has rapidly become one of the premier cultural destinations in New Jersey, welcoming and enchanting nearly 2.1 million visitors since then. Founded by artist and philanthropist Seward Johnson, the nonprofit Grounds For Sculpture presents and conserves an exceptional collection of contemporary sculpture, offers outstanding programming for all ages, and provides seasonally rotating exhibitions in six indoor…
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Get Crafty at Huge A.C. Moore Store in Center City
Story, photos by Tiffany C. DuBois On a crisp spring day, A.C. Moore opened its doors to the public in true artistic fashion in Center City Philadelphia on 100 South Broad Street. The day before the grand opening though was the press preview and I got a sneak peek into the newest addition to the A.C. Moore family. For a little background, A.C. Moore has been open to the public since 1985. Their headquarters are in Berlin, New Jersey, and this new 27,000 square foot store makes 137 stores across the United States. This new Center City store has taken over what was formerly an entertainment center and there is…
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AC Anonymous Artists Bring Colorful Images to the Streets of Atlantic City
In recent weeks, many of the “ugly” facades in Atlantic City, have been graced by the works of anonymous artists who place unique art pieces on doors, windows and other eye sores to help beautify the city. Going by the name AC Anonymous, we don’t know who they are, or when they’ll strike again, but good news for us is we were able to interview their spokesperson. See who’s behind the scenes of this artistic mystery and learn how you can help: WHITNEY: Tell us who you are? SPOKESPERSON: I am the spokesperson for AC Anonymous. I handle social media and interviews. Why under the guise of AC Anonymous? SPOKESPERSON: AC…
