Under the Radar

The Things Spring Brings
April 9
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
VIX Emporium, 5009 Baltimore Ave.
Free
https://www.vixemporium.com/

Artist Pragya Kothari is exhibiting some of her artwork at VIX Emporium to help welcome spring. Prints and 3-D pieces use bright colors, whimsical motifs, birds and flowers to showcase the season. This is her premier exhibition and is sure to be a treat. From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., check out “Go West! Craft Fest” in Cedar Park, featuring handmade and local crafts and live musical entertainment. Both locations are easily acceptable through SEPTA and are sure to be a great way to spend an April day.

A Celebration of Music Special Opening
April 7
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Artists’ House Gallery, 57 N. Second St.
Free
https://pifa.org/events/

A presentation of paintings and sculptures will celebrate the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society’s 25th anniversary, as well as the Artists’ House Galleries. All artwork shown relates to the theme of – you guessed it – music. Many of these artists received training at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, have won awards and have received recognition throughout their training. You can view samples of the artists’ work on the website. The exhibition will then be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. through May 1.

The Fifth Annual Philadelphia Book Festival
April 11-16
Various times
Various locations
Free – $15
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/bookfestival/

The Philadelphia Book Festival is a celebration featuring bestselling authors, musicians, films, tours and interactive programs. It kicks off with a musical performance by Jay Ansill, a Philadelphia folk musician and composer, and ends with a street fair. Throughout the week, there will be book readings and lectures from prominent authors, art shows, poetry slams, theater performances, film series and many other things.

ScrapArtsMusic
April 7-9
April 7 and 8 –10 a.m., April 9 – 2 p.m.
Annenberg Center – Zellerbach Theater, 3680 Walnut St.
$10
https://annenbergcenter.org/

This event is part of the Philadelphia’s International Children’s Festival, but who cares? Even though you’re not a child, you can still enjoy this event. The group ScrapArtsMusic takes recyclable items and makes instruments out of them. A dishwasher hose, bagpipe reeds and a balloon come together to make the Annoy-O-Phone. Plumbing fixtures, hose sections and accordion reels make a Junk-on-a-Stick and a Sigh-Cordion. With jazz, a street performance and world music inspiration, this five-person group is sure to show you a good time regardless of your age.

-Nichole Baldino