The Liacouras Center will be painted with culture and art this weekend, November 10-12, as the October Gallery presents the 15th Annual Philadelphia Art Expo.
The Philadelphia Expo will be the largest exhibit of African American art in the nation, with over 200 exhibitors and a projected attendance of 40,000. The Expo, which reaches out to guests of all cultures, will feature the best in African American art.
“This is a great experience with lots of opportunities to see art and meet artists,” said event coordinator Charles Strawberry.
African American artists from across the United States, the Caribbean, and Canada will exhibit their works during the weekend long Expo. Visitors will be brought face-to-face with the artists and their art in a relaxed educational forum.
“The Expo is not just flat art,” remarked Strawberry, “there will be different types of salons, featuring different types of art, such as dancing, spoken word and sculptures.”
“All art is to be represented,” Strawberry said. “The Expo will have just about anything you want to see.”
The theme of this year’s Expo is “Art and Technology.” Video monitors will accompany visitors throughout their art journeys of the Liacouras Center. Dr. Simela Lewis and Dr. John Biggers will take part in a special video conferencing session on the progression of African American art at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Keeping in touch with technology, visitors that want to receive a free print by legendary artists Diego Rivera, Salvador Dali or Austino Okafor just have to visit Octobergallery.com. There they can register for the print, which can later be redeemed at the table near the main entrance during the Expo.
Among the many popular artists to attend this weekend will be Austino Okafor (“Sara”), Annie Lee (“8 1/2Narrow”), Charles Bibbs (“Gifted Hands”), WAK (” Sincerely Yours”), Leroy Campbell (“Joe Neckbone and Jr.”) and John Holyfield (“River Jubilee”).
Two famous Temple graduates, Sam Byrd (“Lost Thoughts”) and Andrew Turner (“Stephanie”) will also be in attendance.
The Expo opens at 10 a.m. each day and is free to the public. Those interested in purchasing art will have plenty of chances.
“Each artist sells his own work on the floor,” Strawberry said. “There will be an art auction at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, as well as Sunday at 5 p.m.”
Temple Students with their ID and coupon will receive a free random print by Okafor, Byrd or Turner. Be sure to get a pullout at the main entrance. The pullout includes times for important performances, sessions and appearances, booth numbers of exhibitors and a map to navigate the festive atmosphere.
For more information visit octobergallery.com or call (215) 629-3939.
Be the first to comment