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DREAMS OF MY BROTHER: VISIONS OF OBAMA BY FOLK AND POPULAR AFRICAN ARTISTS August 6 to September 6, 2016 A Retrospective Exhibition of Works Collected in Africa in 2008-2009 Calendar/Exhibition Essay by George Jevremovic, November 4, 2009 WELCOME PROOF THAT THERE IS NO such thing as "the art world," only worlds of art, are the legions of folk and popular artists in Africa, from Ghana to Kenya, Togo to Mali, whose painted works on board, canvas, metal or wall surface —seen daily by an audience of millions — provide visual branding and identity to thousands of small businesses and enterprises: beauty salons, tailors, cinemas, grocery stores; on and on. From free-standing ma and pa's to itinerant vendors, late-night cafes to trucks for hire, herbalists to hairstylists, their commissioned works serve the common, practical purpose of advertising anywhere: to stand out and be noticed. For a first-time visitor, it can be exhilarating and shocking: global and local brands, African and non-African celebrities and international icons; all appropriated and rendered in a mosaic of popular and homegrown styles, languages and regional dialects; all competing for the attention of the passerby. Many are signed and dated or feature a studio's logo, and every [...]

Material Culture is deeply honored to again host the Tibetan Monks of Drepung Gomang Monastery, India. Please join us for the Construction and Dismantling of a Sacred Tibetan Buddhist Sand Mandala 5 DAYS: Wednesday, May 4 - Sunday, May 8, 11am-5pm, Daily DISMANTLING: Sunday, May 8, 3:30 pm Free to the Public During their stay with us, their lovely sacred crafts will also be offered for sale. The sale of these items and donations for their ceremonies and events go to funding the monastery in India. It is truly an honor to host the monks and support the important spiritual works which they dedicate their lives to.

Penn Museum Presents The Golden Age of King Midas For the opening of The Golden Age of King Midas, Material Culture transformed Penn Museum’s Pepper Hall into an oasis reminiscent of the Turkish Kervansaray, or roadside inns, that offered Silk Road travelers a place to recover from a day’s journey. (Photos Courtesy of Penn Museum) THE GOLDEN AGE OF KING MIDAS: OPENING DAY CELEBRATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 10AM - 4PM Penn Museum opens the world premiere exhibition The Golden Age of King Midas—featuring ancient treasures on loan from the Republic of Turkey—with a spectacular day-long public celebration, and an immersive experience into the world of the Phrygian ruler King Midas. More Info Photos Courtesy of Penn Museum View CBS News Coverage of Penn Museum's King Midas Exhibit

The Worlds of Material Culture come together in the historic landmark Atwater Kent Radio Factory: Store, Auctions, Supper Clubs, Private Catered Events, Lectures, Exhibitions...

The Peacebomb collection by ARTICLE 22, a jewelry line designed from weapons of mass destruction, is now on sale at Material Culture and will be featured in our "Give Peace" for the Holidays event on December 14th ARTICLE 22 has been recognized by global consumers and press as pioneering the transformation of weapons to jewelry and, more generally, the tangible value of transformation through fashion. Driven dually by design and development, ARTICLE 22 cultivates the untapped talents of artisans in forgotten or off-the-beaten-track places, promoting entrepreneurship and community development. ARTICLE 22 designs beautiful and meaningful collections that tell unknown stories and give back. PEACEBOMB, the first collection, is jewelry made from Vietnam War era bombs by Laotian artisans. ARTICLE 22 seeks to embody a new luxury that intimately relates our objects and ideas. As appropriate, additional giveback benefits a broader cause. For PEACEBOMB, each bracelet sold demines 3m2 of bomb littered land. The collections are composed of modern artifacts with a distinct hand feel. They are designed for those concerned by authenticity and quality, those curious to discover. Article 22 “I Love Peace” bangles are currently featured in the “My Favorite Things”  holiday gift promotion giveaway to 10 lucky winners, sponsored by the Philadelphia Daily News (click for details) [...]

A variety of work by artists from the Center for Creative Works, including paintings, drawings, ceramics and mixed media pieces, are featured at an exhibition and sale in our mezzanine gallery. Exhibition and Sale: Now through November 2nd, 2014 Opening Reception: Saturday, October 25th, 1-3 pm About Center for Creative Works Clyde Henry "Friends" The Center for Creative Works is a progressive art and design studio in Wynnewood PA. CCW provides guidance in materials and techniques to adults with developmental disabilities. Professional artists work to encourage participants to build portfolios, exhibit and sell their work. CCW promotes their work through our website, exhibitions, and other venues. A participant can find self-expression here using mediums ranging from painting and sculpture to video or music and does so in a supportive, self-directed environment free from criticism and pressure. These participant artists show their work throughout the region and have participated in Outsider Art Fairs in New York and St Louis as well. Design work of CCW artists is used in in-house generated creative products such as cards, textiles, ceramics and wood working. CCW strives to offer our artists opportunities to define themselves through their artistic expression and contribute to the greater community by sharing their unique human experience though visual expression. Artists' [...]