The 2nd Annual Mingle Among the Masterpieces arts and culture reception sponsored by the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce to showcase the talents of local artists and musicians has an exciting new home: the Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion, 8046 Frankford Ave. in the historic Holmesburg section of Northeast Philadelphia.
The brainchild of GNPCC President Pam Henshall and inspired by Philadelphia artist John G. Fischer, this year’s reception will be held on Monday, Dec. 4, 6-9 pm. Tickets are $25 per person and include food and refreshments. A complete agenda of activities will be created by the event committee, and more information will be posted as it becomes available.
Mingle Among the Masterpieces is not an art auction, although buyers may contact the artists after the event if a particular piece piques their interest. The reception is a celebration of the artistic and musical talents of local students and residents whose work deserves a larger audience. Last year, the inaugural event held at the GNPCC offices brought together a diverse group of artists, business leaders, area residents, students, seniors and educators to enjoy paintings, sketches, photographs, pottery, sculptures, and piano and guitar selections — all provided by a myriad of local talent.
“The event committee did a great job at reaching out and identifying folks, both young and older, who were anxious to showcase their creativity,” Ms. Henshall said. “The Northeast Chamber is always looking for ways to better connect with the community, so it was a natural for us to take the lead.”
Local artist John G. Fischer helped to coordinate and physically display the art work. In fact, many of his pieces that were part of last year’s event are still displayed at the GNPCC offices.
This year’s reception at the Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Museum will present an exciting new challenge for Mr. Fischer and his committee. During a walk-thru last week with Ms. Henshall and GNPCC staff member, Dr. John Cambridge, chief executive officer of the Insectarium, discussed ways of staging the event, which will be held in the Butterfly Pavilion part of the fascinating facility.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this,” said Dr. Cambridge, a local entrepreneur who received both his Ph.D in entomology and Masters in public health from Rutgers University. “We have a great facility here for hosting events, and by partnering with the Northeast Chamber and the surrounding community, we, too, are proudly celebrating the achievements of the residents here.”
Hosting the Mingle reception fits perfectly with Dr. Cambridge’s passions. Community organizing is something he feels strongly about, so much so, that he has won several awards for his work with educational public outreach. During his free time he also works with Operation Monarch, a non-profit he co-founded with other Philadelphia business owners.
Home to many rare and exotic arthropods from all over the world, the Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion is an experience unlike any other in Greater Philadelphia. Interactive exhibits, hands-on learning, and high-tech displays offer a fascinating look into the world of insects. A fabulous gift shop, too, features items from the fun to the eclectic and everything in between. The 7,000 sq. foot Butterfly Pavilion is a permanent ecosphere featuring hundreds of live tropical and native butterflies, is one of the largest of its kind in North America. It is here that most of the artwork will be on display for the event.
For more information about this event, visit www.nephilachamber.com and www.phillybutterflypavilion.com or call 215-332-3400.