Do you know a Bride in need of jewelry?  We do.

Since 1969 the Painted Bride Art Center has been a nationally known venue, dedicated to nurturing art and artists categorized as out of the mainstream, and for valuing the expression of art and culture in all of their diversity.  These expressions can take many forms—dance, music, poetry, the spoken work, theater and visual arts.  The Painted Bride was a pioneer in the cultural revolution that took place in the South St. area, beginning in the late sixties and continuing even today.  The gallery was, however, a victim of its own success.  Skyrocketing rents accompanied the economic development and many artists were forced out of the community they helped create.  The Bride relocated to another section of Old City at 2^nd and Vine streets.  Now that area has burgeoned into another cultural and economic megacenter.  And now the Bride is facing another set of economic pressures.

On June 10, the Painted Bride is holding a silent auction in hopes of raising money for on-going operation expenses and for some special programs it hopes to implement.  One program is directed towards children.  It involves the use of computer-based activities with, for example, the ability to connect to a digital video camera and projector. 

The Main Line Bead Society has been invited to participate in this auction.  We are hoping to encourage our members to contribute a piece of jewelry or other hand-crafted item.  The emphasis on diversity that the Painted Bride values will be easily reflected in these donations since the wonderment of beading lies in the abundance of creative ideas and forms.

If you are interested in helping to maintain this cultural icon, please bring your donations to the May meeting of the Bead Society.  There will be drop-off points for your convenience if you are not able to make the meeting.  You are also cordially invited to attend this wedding of the Painted Bride and the Main Line Bead Society.  Let’s bejewel the Bride so that she continues to be a presence on the Philly art scene!  (Please bring your pieces to the following drop-off points by 5/25.)

Drop off locations:

For more info on The Painted Bride:

A Night at the Savoy—Silent Auction and Dance Party
230 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA
215-925-9914
www.paintedbride.org