First Person Salon April 9, 2008

First Person Salons, which will be held at the same time each month on second Wednesdays, will showcase cutting edge original works by local artists through a variety of artistic mediums, from the written word and documentary film to visual and performing arts. The multi-disciplinary and interactive Salons are designed to engage audiences directly in the creative process.

The April 9th Salon will feature an exciting and diverse lineup of artists utilizing photography, sculpture, dance, interdisciplinary arts, theatre, and film to push the boundaries of memoir and documentary arts through a variety of mediums.

Local photographer Jacques-Jean (JJ) Tiziou and sculptor James Peniston will join audiences in a discussion about their new joint venture How Philly Moves, a proposed public art installation celebrating Philadelphia dance. Tiziou, who has made his mark photographing performance artists in Philadelphia and beyond, is thrilled to collaborate with Peniston, whose latest sculpture – a nine-foot bust of Benjamin Franklin commissioned by the City – is now on permanent display in Girard Fountain Park (4th and Arch Streets) in Philadelphia's historic Old City neighborhood.

Filmmaker David Andrew Watson will present Down the Hatch: The Life of Red Stuart, his new documentary about the life of the world’s oldest living sideshow artist and sword swallower who came to prominence in the heyday of the American circus. Artist Nicole Bindler will perform Norman: A Moving Monologue, an improvisational work incorporating dance and storytelling to celebrate the life and memories of her father, Norman.

Rounding out the diverse group is storyteller and theater artist Miss Koco, who will present Pieces of Koco, a follow-up to her presentation at February’s Salon in which she gave audience members personal objects she collected throughout the years. Now, she will explore the newfound lives of these objects she parted with along with stories collected through her Upcycled Memories letter project.

Artists working in all media and from all levels of experience, whose work is based in real-life experience, are encouraged to apply to present their work at future Salon events. To apply, visit www.salons.firstpersonarts.org or email salons@firstpersonarts.org.

Official Website: http://www.firstpersonarts.org