This week, I started watching the new Netflix series The Haunting of Hill House. I read the book when I was barely into my teens and it made quite an impression on me. Later on, I saw a film adaptation, The Haunting, which is one of the scariest movies I have ever seen. Black and white and not a bit of gore or violence in it. I wasn’t as fond of the remake which seemed formulaic, and more funny than scary.
South Philadelphia has some haunted history too, although you won’t find a lot of information on tourist sites. Serial killer H.H. Holmes met his demise at Moyamensing Prison which is now the site of the Acme Market at 10th and Reed Streets. I don’t know whether he wanders the store after it closes for the night, nor do I want to know.
On the brighter side, South Philadelphians take any occasion as an excuse to decorate their front windows and Halloween is no exception. From pumpkin painting festivals to pots of chrysanthemums sprouting up in curbside planters, South Philly is ablaze with the colors of Autumn this time of year- just in time for Halloween. Here are some pictures.
Dear Fleisher, 4×6 Inches of Art is a biennial fundraising exhibition showcasing the work of hundreds of artists from Philadelphia and beyond. Artists submit original postcard-size works in a wide range of media and styles, each of which is exhibited anonymously and sold on a first-come, first served basis for $50.
My contribution this year was all about repurposing. The screen-printed fabric is an old shopping tote turned inside out. I made the dangle from a silver candelabra I found in the trash. I sawed off off the drip pans and milled the round metal arms into square wire that I forged into the dangle hanging from the porcelain pendant. I added a chain and jump rings.
I couldn’t make it to the sale this year. There was one piece in particular that I really wanted to buy. Can you guess which one it was from the pictures below?
So many outstanding works of art by so many talented people. And a great way to raise money for a wonderful institution.
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Boris is sleeping more these days which tells me that the days are getting shorter. Soon it will be Halloween which is also my 30th wedding anniversary. I don’t think that Boris will care much unless he gets a treat and chin scratches. My husband is bit more romantic than I am which is good because he brings me down to earth a little and this makes me more grateful for all the things I have.
Now the best way to hide things from my husband is to put them in plain sight. Which is why my anniversary gift to him has been hiding out in the living room all these months and which is why I can post it on my blog which never reads. It’s one of Dr. Ron Lehocky’s hearts that he sells for the Heart Pin Project and I got it at Synergy this summer. I met Ron, too. A lovely man. Part of the auction proceeds from Clayathon 2018 are also going to the Heart Pin Project.
Speaking of kids and crafts and Autumn and October, part of the fun of the season is pumpkins: both hunting and decorating. I helped at the Fleisher Art Memorial’s Pumpkin Painting event at Palumbo Recreation Center in South Philly and got paint on my clothes, face, cell phone, pocketbook and hands. It all washes out. Eventually.
I also got to accompany Mom, Bubbe, Pop, and the Step Potato and the Step Banana to a real live pumpkin patch!
We went on a hay ride and pet the animals in the petting zoo.
But mostly I wandered around the pumpkin patch.
I have been dreaming about working in porcelain clay ever since I stopped going to The Clay Studio almost 25 years ago. I love the pottery studio at the Fleisher Art Memorial and plan to return, but they only fire earthenware and terra cotta, no stoneware and no porcelain.
So I signed up for a hand building class at TCS and am on my way to porcelain bliss. I spent last Tuesday digging into a bag of porcelain clay and making pinch pots, a soap dish and a little sculptural piece. There are so many new things I want to try that I have to remind myself to breathe.
I feel so lucky to have two great pottery studios so close to me. The Clay Studio is another Philadelphia treasure.