Philadelphia Weekly

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Old City. Fishtown. Northern Liberties. Kensington. Philadelphia’s got a bustling and vibrant art scene that spans many of the city’s neighborhoods. But this summer brings installations and exhibits in some unusual places. Here are PW’s recommendations.

Hidden City Philadelphia

Hidden City Philadelphia presents art, music and dance this June in nine Philadelphia architectural masterpieces that are mostly unavailable to the general public. Some of them, like Metropolitan Opera House on N. Broad St., are splendid wrecks that need to be seen to be believed. With dance and music composed specially for the surroundings and site-specific art installations, this one-month festival is a summer high point.

Internationally acclaimed artists like Inigo Manglano-Ovalle (at Shiloh Baptist Church) and Philadelphia artists like John Phillips and Carolyn Healy (at Disston Saw Works) are must-sees. While the visual art program is free, scheduled performances cost $20. Organizers have also put together a bus tour on Saturdays for $30.

I’m very excited about Battle Hymns at the 23rd St. Armory, a music and dance performance composed by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Lang and performed by Leah Stein’s dancers. The percussive music and precision bodies in motion reference the Armory’s history as a munitions warehouse and U.S. Cavalry headquarters (now National Guard).

South Street

A number of South Street landlords have donated five vacant boutiques rent-free to artists. (The artists pay utilities.) While it’s not clear how long this arrangement will last, Lucy Pistilli, artist and one of the organizers of Saint March Gallery (406 South St.), speculates that the art spaces will be around through the summer. Some groups will show their own works and others have a more open program, inviting others to join them in rotating weekly exhibits.

When I visited Sage (333 South St.), 7 (704 South St.) 243 (243 SouthSt.) and Dumpster Divers (734 South St.), the spaces were filled with art. Pieces run the gamut from abstract to activist.

Morris Arboretum

Natural materials guy Patrick Dougherty’s new piece, a fanciful twig hut called Summer Palace, debuts at Morris and will stay there until it biodegrades.

Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education

In a similar vein, the Schuylkill Center debuts six sustainably designed shelters in its 350 wooded acres in “Gimme Shelter.” Make a reservation to camp out in one of the sturdy little shelters by calling the center.

For more on the Philadelphia art scene go to theartblog.org

“Gimme Shelter”: Through fall 2010. Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd. 215.482.7300. schuylkillcenter.org/gimmeshelter

“Hidden City Philadelphia”: May 30-June 28. Various locations. hiddencityphila.org

“Summer Palace”: Ongoing. Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave. 215.247.5777. doughertyatmorris.blogspot.com