Philly = Art + Architecture + Design

If you look back into the archives of this blog, you’ll find it all started as a way for me to learn about Design in Philadelphia. I explored and attended events. I took pictures and made friends, connections, colleagues… I volunteered. And I got one, two, three, four jobs in art, design, and marketing. (Sometimes all three at once.) I wrote about art, architecture, design, events, people: Urban Outfitter’s Terrain at Styers, Inga Saffron, Paine’s Park Project, The American Commerce Center, Field Operations‘ Race Street Pier, The Office of Arts Culture and the Creative Economy, ICFF, and more. And sometimes, for long periods of time, I didn’t write anything at all. But I never stopped exploring and learning. And you should too.

Philly’s got contemporary art and design for days, plus the standard of living to actually survive as a creative person. Close enough to NYC to drop in and explore but far enough away not to become world-weary and exploited. Outdoorsy with the largest urban park in the world right there. A forward-thinking administration that’s really changing things and putting the city back on track. New projects and buildings and parks and museums and restaurants too. And I’m not even going to start on your food. (But seriously, eat your weight in sandwiches- not one place the world over makes them as good).

Get out there, see things, do things. It’s a great big wonderful world and damnit if Philly’s one of the best places to be. (But you don’t need me to tell you that, do you?) After over a year away I still miss everything the gritty burg has to offer. I’ll be back time and again, likely one day for good too- how could I not? Philly will always be my home town.

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Update 02.05.13 I’m starting a new venture at www.kevinderrick.com and wanted to check in here one last time. Ater many months away I’m happy to see there’s still some decent traffic and people are exploring Philly to its fullest. Good stuff.

DesignPhiladelphia 2010!

Now running in its 6th(!) year, DesignPhiladelphia is a series of events that encompass studio tours, lectures, exhibitions, workshops, book signings and (of course) parties that highlight just about every damned kind of design you can think of… This year’s events will take place in partnership with a shiny new host, University of the Arts, and its super-accessible downtown location on Broad Street. Make time to support your local creative culture and join the 150+ DesignPhiladelphia events happening this year from October 7th-17th. Certainly sure to be a good time in every little way.

DesignPhiladelphia 2010 – Call for Entries!

From October 7th through October 17th 2010, Philly once more becomes a playground for dozens of design-oriented exhibitions, workshops, open studios, lectures, street happenings, book signings, product roll-outs and more… WHEW. Featuring events happening from Center City Park to Northern Liberties, Old City to West Philadelphia, Fishtown to the Manayunk and everywhere in between, it’ll be damned hard to miss Philly’s thriving creative community. Interested in holding an event this year? Just sign up, it’s easy!