Philadelphia Art Festivals
Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show
In June of 1932, a group of local art students known as the "Art Student's League" went to Rittenhouse Square to hang their work on clotheslines stretching between the trees. After that, the "Clothesline Show" became an annual tradition for original art. The small group of artists soon welcomed professionals to display their work; they also made sure some students had a chance to exhibit.
The art exhibition has since moved off of clotheslines and benches, and onto conventional display devices. These displays now line the perimeter of the park, as tradition referred to as "Circle the Square." Now in its 78th year, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show is the oldest continuously run outdoor art show of original artwork in America.
For a few days each June and September, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show turns the park into an outdoor gallery.Philadelphia Museum of Art Crafts Show
November 8-11, 2012
Every November, more than 1,000 craft artists compete to have their pieces displayed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. While the crafts (all for sale) are the central spectacles of this four-day festival, the Philadelphia Museum of Art also presents on-site artist demonstrations, collection and studio tours, room setting of craft furniture and accessories, craft education symposia, and student displays. Each year, artists from a foreign country add a multicultural dimension to the event as part of the guest artist program.
Arts Festival in Manayunk
On the last weekend in June, Main Street in Manayunk hosts the annual Arts Festival in Manayunk - the tri-state's largest outdoor juried arts festival. Normally a hub for shopping an dining, Main Street transforms for two days into an arts and crafts mecca; almost 300,000 collectors, buyers, and designers attend the festival on an annual basis.
Manayunk is just northwest of Center City Philadelphia. It is easily accessible by car or SEPTA regional rail.
