I came across here when Gemini Wolf had their CD release show in it about a month ago, and I was…read moredefinitely impressed by the art that was inside it. Not only will you find all kinds of art that you will like, you will also find plenty of art that you can afford, which is pretty rare for a Philly art gallery. While there were a few pieces that went for $100 or more, a lot of them also went for $50 or less. So you will definitely find something good to add onto your wall. Art@Sophi also has the occasional incredible concert, or art party that is always worth checking out.

While Wexler Gallery is a great addition to Old City it's a little too overrated for my tastes…read more It's almost like lounging around someones classy living room without being allowed to touch anything. It specializes in all kinds of exotic looking furniture and glassworks and much more. the layout really gives you the urge to sit down and take a load off - but don't you dare unless you're willing to cough up the $1,000+++ price tag. Lewis Wexler used to be the former vice president of Christie's before he opened this gallery. So he definitely knows more than a thing or two about decorative 20th century design. He's also able to work with plenty of high end clients. If I'm ever obnoxiously rich I'll probably fashion that living room for people to lounge in out of stuff from here. Until then I'll be walking around and looking at the fashionably awkward looking chairs and tables like everyone else.

I stopped in the other day. It had been years since I've been here and had never fully experienced…read morethe gallery on its own without a ton of people. I'm happy to say I've officially graduated from First Friday's to wandering galleries when they are empty to gain some creative inspiration. Sure, I love making a night of it, but I highly recommend coming back on your own to take it all in. It's easy to say that Wexler is my new favorite gallery in Philadelphia. I might have spent an hour at the gallery. This large corner store gallery has a lot to offer and look at. The collection was curated from a number of artists, each exciting and interesting in their own way. The owner, or man with the glasses, couldn't have been nicer and was happy to guide me through the collection. Art is reserved for serious collectors, high-end designers, rich people with great taste, and people without kids.

Curving to three just because the bulk of the artwork doesn't seem to change as frequently the…read moremajority of other art galleries. But this basement gallery can be the perfect destination for an eclectic First Friday gathering. From the looks of the format Sub2 has 3 main walls that cater to three different arts: one digital, one illustration/arts, and one for photography. The photography selection and digital components of the gallery have been up for the past 3-5 months which is a little to long for an ever changing artscape like the galleries of Old City. but since it showcases chill astronauts and interesting photographic shots of Philly (I love the ones of Rittenhouse Square in a snowy winter!), I can't say that I'm complaining too much.The newest addition has been the cool black & white illustrations of Jen Lightfoot which were brilliant to look at. So wow it might have not shown enough art over the past couple of months as other spots, it at least makes up for it in quality over quantity. And on the gallery scale most of the pieces that it shows are actually somewhat affordable.

Stopped by this place for First Friday and loved it!!! The photography by Chris Byrne was great,…read moreand the astronaut art by Jason Brueck was out of this world (pardon the play on words). If you've ever been to Ten Stone, you've probably seen these guys before. Plus they had free wine, so my girlfriend and I were able to have a round on the gallery. Keep up the good work guys!!!

Contemporary and slightly edgy addition to the space housing the well-respected Vox Populi gallery…read moreand Copy gallery. Nice to have these three in the same building! The opening reception drew a full crowd...lots of familiar faces and a great DJ (Mark Johnson). The featured artist was Phillip Adams, who lives in Philadelphia and has shown work around the country (http://www.phillipadams.net/). His "Spring Break 2009" was done in charcoal on all four walls of a 12x12-ish room and depicted enormous, foreboding waves that seemed to swallow viewers, making them part of the work itself. Obama is also depicted but I will leave interpretation up to you! It will be interesting to see which artists Tiger Strikes Asteroid brings in the coming months. Definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Worth the stop as it's always free admission. Admittedly I did not do my research and was unaware…read morehow small the space is. It's two rooms with rotating exhibitions. No permanent gallery. The current exhibition on Shaker furniture was interesting, but I can see how it's not for everyone. I appreciate what they're doing at the ICA, I just wish there was a bigger permanent collection on display. Shoutout to Juno the welcoming cat.

The Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia - ICA is a…read morelaunchpad for contemporary art and ideas. ICA is on site at the Univeristy of Pennsylvania. We stopped by on our visit to the University of Pennsylvania to specifically see the Joanna Piotrowska: unseeing eyes, restless bodies We didn't think we would spend as much time as we did here, and I loved both of the exhibits. There are two gallery spaces, the first one held "Where I Learned to Look: Art from the Yard", with the curator and several artist being from Texas. I'm not sure I loved it because there was a Texas connection and also Baltimore screen art, but I really enjoyed art from a yard perspective. Fun contemporary art and a Koons piece. The second story held the second exhibit: Joanna Piotrowska: unseeing eyes, restless bodies. She's a Ukrainian artist, and I really thought it was going to be something different but it was a really cool exhibit. I have never seen carpet and space used this way before and her art evoked both fear and whimsy and awe. I love this museum and the fact that it's really quaint - obviously the experience you're going to have here depends on what exhibits are showing, but I had a great time here overall. It's completely free so if you're ever by the University of Pennsylvania, I highly recommend you stop by.

Philly Arts Collective is another solid art gallery that keeps the First Friday tradition alive and…read morewell. But its name also reigns true in that it literally brings together a collective of artists and gives them a shot at putting together eclectic events. The Collective is one of those galleries I probably would not have came across if it weren't for my intention of finally getting to my friend's gallery High 5 (https://www.yelp.com/biz/high-5-gallery-philadelphia) and having time to explore something new. And when I did I was quickly treated to awesome comic pop art in the key of Batman, enjoyed a free cup of wine, and got to take in a DJ and some graffiti art. Overall it was a successful preview. And as past events followed I took in a collage art exhibit that also had an acoustic music performance, enjoyed a wood art exhibit inspired by ouja boards, and saw a bad ass Saturday Morning Cartoon inspired event with a good DJ. Every First Friday and First Saturday event is unique and offers up something completely different from the previous month. But Philly Artists Collective also has weekly classes that feature poetry, Caribbean dance, yoga, and capoeira.

Went tonight to see The BIG Exhibit - Celebrating the life of the Notorious B.I.G…read more It is a small venue and was very crowded. I really liked the art work but it was a little chaotic and disorganized. However it was a free event so I probably should have expected it. I would definitely go back if an interesting exhibit was taking place. I did find it strange that someone was selling clothing and another jewelry. The room really wasn't big enough to accommodate the huge crowd and the artists selling their creations.

For a DE native, this was my first time here. I came during the day and I was the only person…read morethere. The receptionist let me know the exhibits that were on and what was scheduled to leave at the end of the month. She was so helpful! I took my time taking everything in. I loved that there was a mix of found art, sculpture, collage and film. There was even art on display for sale, which I could definitely see myself taking advantage of. They also have a store with prints, pottery, jewelry, and clothing. Honestly, such a gem of a space. They have a night market coming up in June with vendors and food trucks and they are part of the Art Loop which is every first Friday of the month. Admission is free those days, or if you go during normal hours is $7 for adults. Definitely worth it.

Interesting exhibits, but very small with no permanent collection. Many of the exhibit descriptions…read moreneeded copy editing. There was one description that referenced Palestine and included a disclaimer that seemed discriminatory.

I love the space they use it for everything. They have workshop of all kinds and hold various…read moreevents here. If you need the space for some thing, all you have to do is ask.

A Friend and I were walking out of Dahlak last night when we heard music coming from the nearby…read moreA-Space. We couldn't help but look at each other and say "Is that a Dead Milkmen song?". We ran over to check it out and it turns out Joe Jack Talcum was doing a small acoustic set in front of 20 people. It's these type of cool events that you only find In West Philly! A-Space has a lot of great things always going on inside it, and it's all community oriented. walk outside on any given night and you might find free books waiting for people to take home (I scored a copy of the 2000 Guiness book of World Records and a biography on Steve Earle!). They usually have all kinds of diverse art hanging on the walls, and potluck meals every Wednesday (the majority of the food being veggies too). aside from the rare show you'll also usually come across film screening, poetry reading, special dinners, craft fairs, and so much more. everything about this space is community oriented, and it can usually use the donations in order to help keep it going. so Most events are usually $5-10 and really worth it.