Premiere Screening: Art of Survival

The World Premiere at PAFA will feature a screening of Art of Survival, a discussion with artists and participants from the Kensington Storefront and a performance by Ursula Rucker and Miles Orion Butler.

Art of Survival is an intimate short documentary about a place and a spirit. From 2017 until early 2020, the Kensington Storefront studio offered people in Kensington a free cup of coffee, a snack and a chance to express themselves by drawing, painting, weaving or joining in a musical performance. There were no preconditions, no expectations—just the agreement to treat each other with civility and respect.

Gradually, a remarkable community formed, including artists, volunteers, peer counselors, student nurses, and a stream of people from the neighborhood and from the street. Recorded over many months, Art of Survival brings viewers into this unique community, introduces them to a set of compelling characters, and provides a sharp contrast to the bleak vision that dominates media portrayals of Kensington and its many problems.

Featured Artists: Caledonia “Swoon” Curry, Ursula Rucker, Kathryn Pannepacker, Lisa Kelley, Ashley Flynn, John C. Zerbe

Running time: 28 minutes. Produced by Hidden River Films; Produced byTony Heriza; Cinematography by James Wasserman; Editing by Valerie Keller.

*** Please bring a new pair of socks, which will be given to someone in need.

Presented in partnership with Hidden River Films and Mural Arts Philadelphia

DATE

Thursday, July 27, 2023

TIME

Reception: 6:00 pm

Screening and Performance: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

VENUE

Rhoden Arts Center, Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building at 128 N. Broad Street, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

PRICE

Free, Registration encouraged to reserve your seat.