April First Friday: Where to go, what to see

Galleries open for monthly night of art-filled events

The Al-Bustan Takht Ensemble will perform at The Barnes Foundation.
© Al-Bustan Takht Ensemble/The Barnes Foundation
This month, First Friday brings us flash sales, new exhibits, culinary experiences and experimental movie scores. If that isn't enough to sway you, don't forget that the parking is free in Old City between Callowhill and Walnut streets between Front to 5th streets, thanks to the Philadelphia Parking Authority. 

Third Street Habit Flash Sale

In honor of First Friday, shoppers can receive 10 percent off storewide at Third Street Habit. Stop by for a chance to win a Clare V. clutch and to have a drink.

11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Pay as you go
Third Street Habit
153 N. 3rd St.
(215) 925-5455

The Alchemist's Cookbook

Delve into alchemy -- which resembles modern cooking -- by re-creating recipes from the 16th and 17th centuries. Check out the culinary journey led by Ryan Whibbs and Donna Bilak and then visit the "Books of Secrets: Writing and Reading Alchemy" exhibit.

5-8 p.m., Seatings at 5:30 & 6:45 p.m. | Free admission
Chemical Heritage Foundation
315 Chestnut St.
(215) 925-2222

Look It's Not You It's Everything

Indy Hall Arts hosts an opening reception for a new exhibit of the work of Kelsey Stoler. In her first solo exhibition, Stoler presents a series of studies and portraits using her unique style of line drawing. 

5-9 p.m. | Free admission
Indy Hall
22 N. 3rd St.
(844) 687-4639

New Impressionism

Don't miss the opening reception for this new exhibit featuring Gregory Pretegord's work. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts alum focuses his eye on the gritty aspects of city life, using thick paint and mixed media to tell its story. His "New Impressionism" exhibit will be open through Saturday, April 25.

5-9 p.m. | Free admission
F. A. N. Gallery
221 Arch St.
(215) 922-5155

Small Favors X

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this annual show of miniature artworks is a popular one. The Clay Studio gives artists a 4-inch acrylic cube to do what they will and the outcome is often surprising and exciting. Each of the small masterpieces is available for purchase by collectors and enthusiasts. 

5-9 p.m. | Free admission
The Clay Studio
137-139 N. 2nd St.
(215) 925-3453

Modern Tea Party

This exhibit is just what it sounds like: View tea cups and serving pieces created by contemporary ceramic artists in honor of the culinary tradition.

5-9 p.m. | Free admission
The Clay Studio
137-139 N. 2nd St.
(215) 925-3453

Glass Art Behind-the-Scenes Tour

The National Liberty Museum's glass art department (yes, they have one of those) is hosting behind-the-scenes tours of their holdings. Guides will talk about how glass art was chosen for the museum and guests will go into spaces usually off-limits to the public.

6-8 p.m. | Free admission
National Liberty Museum
321 Chestnut St.
(215) 925-2800

First Friday: A Musical Garden

The Al-Bustan Takht Ensemble, which mixes Western and Middle Eastern melodies, will perform for gallery-goers twice during the night and yummy snacks like lamb kabob and hummus will be available for purchase. A conservator-led talk on "Cézanne Uncovered: Two Sketches Revealed Through Conservation" rounds out the night.

6-9 p.m. | $25, free for members
The Barnes Foundation
2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
(215) 278-7200

To & From: Designing the Urban Commuter Experience

Designer Alex Yampolsky dives into how navigation concepts could improve or change urban commuting. Part urban planning and part visual art, Yampolsky's debut AIGA exhibit studies everything from user interfaces to data visualization.

6-9 p.m. | Free admission
AIGA SPACE
72 N. 2nd Street

The World Is A Screen

In a truly special performance, five experimental artists who work with film will create scores for each others work on the spot, totally improvised. Kate Watson-Wallace and King Britt have curated the group of artists which includes Natasha Kmeto, Tim Motzer, HPrizm, Cori Olinghouse and Kai Kleinbard. 

8 p.m. | $15
FringeArts
140 N. Columbus Blvd.
(215) 413-1318