During the First Friday Arts Crawl my crew and I stumbled upon a few brand spanking new galleries…read more Salt was the first and while it definitely offered a lot as far as the art and the party, It just felt that it didn't offer a lot professionally and that's why I'm curving middle ground. The perfect example and testament to that fact would be it's website. I was so immersed in and enamored by the art that it had that I genuinely wanted to get some information on who the artists were, and some general information on the gallery. So naturally when I picked up one of their cards and saw a website I figured that it would be the perfect place to get those facts. right? Not even close. If anything it was an exact copy of the business card. Same font, same logo, same color, same generic info. Really? If your going to go to the trouble to purchase the domain name and have a site, having one so basic for something which is filled with so much expression and detail just seems absolutely illogical. The only thing different was the fact that the website had a link to the gallery owners email address. I think I might be sending him a copy of this review. But extreme oversight aside the actual gallery was pretty fantastic. It had a prime location right by Race Street Cafe (although it was also hidden enough to the point that we wouldn't have noticed it if it was for the people walking out with wine glasses and the sound of music). And the art was pretty fantastic. they had supersized painting of semi familiar streets throughout Philadelphia and New York that I have walked through and cherished. they also had the work of an awesome illustrator/shirt designer that was pretty damn amazing. Think anime, meets sci fi, meets WoW, and you might be dead on. And his work was what inspired me to check out the website in the first place. Because McThrill was actually interested in spreading the word, getting the awesome name of his TShirt company again and it's interesting back story, and possibly making a purchase. Make it happen!

Very disappointed in this place! A friend from out of town came in to the city for a girls night…read moreand she was excited to go to this gallery. We checked the hours on-line and decided to meet there at 5, since it closed at 6. Got there at a few minutes after 5 and it was locked up tight. Even the hours posted outside said open to 6 on Saturdays. And there wasn't a sign on their door saying why they closed early (I would have understood if there was a sign stating some kind of explanation - kid is sick, on vacation, abducted by aliens). They are only open 4 days a week (according to the posted hours) so I am more than a bit miffed that they were closed. So for being closed when you were supposed to be open you get one star.

When we were on the way to the Clay Studio to top of our arts crawl my crew and I noticed another…read morenew gallery, so naturally we stopped in to check it out. To be honest I liked I liked the space itself (and the food spread) better than the art. But at least it kept it ecletic. Dalet had a good balance between paintings and photography which could be great down the line. The theme of the exhibit was "The Scent Of A Woman", But even though it was a theme that McThrill is usually guilty of being quite fond of, the art in itself. When I scoped out the featured painter the work struck me as being familiar, and it turned out it used to be one of my favorite artists who used to own his own gallery at least 5 years ago. Either my tastes have evoled as I've gotten more seasoned to the crawl, or his style as dwindled (I'm going with a little of each), because his style just didn't grab me as much as it used to. The Photographer they featured was pretty uninteresting. Their work featured the juxtaposition between a mannequin and a live model who were sporting the same clothing and spread out in the same backyard. It didn't grab me per say, but at least it inspired me to do something similar while utilizing the juxtaposition between Aaron O. and Domokun (http://www.curiosite.com/scripts/news/ennews.php?frmIdPagina=10103) Art aside the space itself was pretty impressive. It was pretty huge and spread out, leaving room for plenty of art. They had one back room that served as a sitting lounge, and another that hooked up an epic cheese filled food spread. So it can definitely house a lot of potential, especially since this was just the first exhibit. *Epic side rant of the the last two new reviews* what's with new Art Galleries skimping out on their web design? I complained about Salt doing it, and it looks like Dalet isn't any different. At least Salt had a little bit of information though, while Dalet's page is just very purple.

Out of all the stops I made this first Friday, I liked Dalet Art Gallery the best. As I explained…read moreto my wife, I like art to be edgy. I find art that doesn't cause controversy boring. I loved this gallery. The inside space unique and beautiful. The majority of the paintings displayed that night were in testament to the female form and were all very well done. I ESPECIALLY liked the beautiful topless girl (painted) displaying herself in the back of the gallery. She was beautiful...and super edgy.

Fortunately I just found out that this place stills exists, Because the whole street that it used…read moreto be on is currently being revamped big time. now the address is 319 North 11th Street, 3rd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107. it's Gallery hours are Wednesday-Sunday 12-6pm and they usually have a lot of good alternative arts. They have a special First Friday viewing that's open to the public from 6-11 PM. Although Vox has been in three different buildings, it has been a non-profit art collective that has supported emerging artists since 1988. so it's good to here that it's still going strong. The Vox on Cherry street had an occasional concert. so maybe this one will too, but it's too soon to tell.

Always fun to see what's going on at Vox... the exhibits range from powerful to silly, thoughtful…read moreto bizarre. You can spend between an hour or more depending on how much you delve into the work. Don't forget that the 2nd floor also has galleries as well. An interesting date spot too.

Although it's on the small size, Qbix has a big heart and offers of a lot of eclectic art displays…read more It showcases a new Exhibit every 2 months, and it features artists who go beyond the ordinary. one month they might have and exhibit with a carnival theme. the next they'll have one that features fantasy artists who do art that go beyond the traditional style you'll find in a Dungeons and Dragons manual. one month they even had art that had hidden definitions inside it. it really has some fascinating stuff. On most Gallery debuts they have people from Peroni on hand to sample out free beer.

though they have now closed, the owners have moved a couple blocks and opened a new store, forsyth…read more(sp?) on 3rd st just above market. i really loved dropping in on them on first fridays and seeing what was new - like bill mentioned they really have stuff that goes beyond ordinary, but you'd have to talk to them or do your research to get the full back story. one of my favorite galleries consisted of these thick pieces with random splatterings of maroons, bright blues and hot pinks. turns out the maroon was all cow's blood, and the pieces were so thick because the artist used layer upon layer of resin, so they were actually slightly 3D. you could look into the piece from the side and see all the different layers. maybe a little freaky to hang cow blood on your walls, but such a cool concept. the owners are very cool people, very laid back and creative and also my neighbors, so i'm a bit biased!

Ugh! I thought that I've already been to the worst gallery that First Friday has to offer…read more(http://www.yelp.com/biz/larry-becker-contemporary-art-philadelphia#hrid:dyhw4pVDk3wufuaulP6heg). But Gallery Joe is absolutely horrendous! I've been here before way back when, but I totally forgot about it because it keeps it's doors closed, or closes early during so many First Friday's. And after revisiting it on on Friday I either wish it would figure out how to step up it's game, or stay that way. Since it's rarely open I thought I was going to be walking into a treat. Instead I came across pencil drawings on white paper that were so beyond plain that they were a joke. Some had squiggly lines that were sort of made to look likes water, while others where a total scribble fest. And some of them even looked like they were made with a Spirograph. Spirograph? SPIROGRAPH! because of how average the art was I thought that it was at least going to be somewhat inexpensive. How much did these Spirograhic scribble fests end up costing? $800-900! What the shit? $900 for something that my cousin's baby daughter could do? Fail! I was so stumped that I thought that it had to be a joke for the month, so I went to check out it's archival room. Inside the Archival room were pieces of paper that where fully shaded in with charcoal. The majority had darker charcoal X's shaded in over grey squares. To the artists credit if I did something like that I probably would have ended up slicing a hole through the paper. But it was still a big pile of crap. lesson learned. on the next tour consider this place skipped.

I'm not sure what the last reviewer is talking about. This was my favorite gallery waaaay back when…read moreI was in grad school in Philly (2001 - 2003) because I was nearly always inspired by what I saw there, month after month. I went back to visit a year ago (I live on the other side of the country now) and was so pleased to find it just as I remembered. The two artists showing at the time (Allyson Strafella and another whose name I can't recall) were both amazing.

Twelve Gates Gallery specializes in contemporary South Asian art, and is the first of its kind in…read morethe Philadelphia area! With a strong focus on Pakistani and Indian art, gallery owners Atif Sheikh and Aisha Khan are dedicated to exhibiting artists with a reputation for unique work that follows in, as well as expands on, the rich history and culture of these countries. Establishing itself as one of Philadelphia's leading contemporary fine art gallery programs, Twelve Gates exhibits both local and international artists in a range of media. Through a unique and thought-provoking atmosphere the gallery aims to educate the community on contemporary South Asian art and culture. By holding artist talks, as well as panel discussions on the importance of collecting, the gallery will undoubtedly become a resource for any lover of art. Twelve Gates is sure to become a unique cultural center for the arts in Old City. I may be slightly biased since I intern here part time, but I can guarantee that you will encounter beautiful pieces of work within a gorgeous space. Aisha, one of the owners, is very friendly and personable, and occasionally her adorable young son is also in and around the gallery space, playing with his toy trucks in the back. They also feature some exquisite pieces of jewelry in very unique designs that are available for purchase in addition to all the art hanging on the walls. This is one gallery in Old City you must drop by - there's no other one like it!

The frame and matboard samples are plentiful here, almost overwhelming. However, the owner, Chris,…read more guided me through my selection process and I was happy for the advice. From the consultation, to the finished product, I and my artwork were treated with white glove service. Chris does meticulous work and his prices are fair. I will definitely be coming back to FRMD.

I couldn't be more pleased with the way the staff of FRMD handled my conservation project. Upon…read morerifling through some inherited auction catalogs from my late grandmother's collection, I decided to seek out an establishment with a culture reflecting my own sentimentality towards family heirlooms and the New York School. The owner of the shop took particular care in breathing life back into a signature from Warhol's final days. I appreciated his art deco aesthetic with modern satin mat board, and look forward to future collaborations on a collection of national park surveys and golden Chimu breast plates. To be continued!....

Gallery space for contemporary art & performances. Located in the former Pageant…read more Saw Susan Alcorn (award winning pedal steel artist) & Grassy Sound (Avant Surf Exotica) for what was the latter's record release show. The acoustics gave the music a warm sound, & with 10 to 11 wooden benches filled, & some people standing, it was an intimate show. And an appreciative audience for both performances. Fire Museum, that put on the show, presents exceptional underground, & left-of-field artists. This space was a good fit for their productions.

I wnet to a Need New Body show at Pagent and somebody called the cops. Repeatedly, actually. Not…read morethat I blame them. To somebody who is not into post-psychedelia, it might sound like a whole lot of noise. But I like it. Cops aside, Pagent was not a bad place to see a live band. Something about the big, open space lends itself to it. What I'm not a huge fan of Pagent for is the fact that the work it shows feels comfortable. Comfortable in a middle-class, the bills are always paid and I know where my next meal is coming from kind of way. Actually it might not be the work but the space itself. It's very large and beautiful, which changes the way the art feels. That said, the installations are very well designed and Pagent shows some interesting stuff. It's definitely worth a visit.