A sunny, warm afternoon welcomed the participants of the Extra Friday event in Old City as well as the host of artists, craftspeople and performers besmirching the streets. Fox® Philadelphia hosted the event from a stage in Elfreth's Alley which portrayed various musicians. This corner, Elfreth's Alley and 3rd streets, was bustling with people taking in the many sights and sounds of the event. Artwork was strategically placed around the alley and down along the sidewalk for people to view as they made their way around. The galleries surrounding the area also had their doors open to welcome visitors.
		The National Building ( decorated by artist collective and gallery Space 1026) headquartered many of the sponsors including your own InLiquid.com, as well as, Old City Arts Association, PA Fringe Festival, and the Historical Society. The smiling monkees hanging on the front of the building and the surplus of shade inside beckoned visitors to stop in and take a look at what was going on. There was a diverse collection of interesting arts and crafts to look at and buy. Some of these included clay pots sculpted right before your eyes, cut-out paper designs, hand-bound books by InLiquid Artist Minna Aaparyti , and even hand-made scented soaps (pictured far right). Other street performers and musicians found their way into the scene as well, in some cases performing against a backdrop of vandalized art (pictured far top left).
								The Clay Studio went even a step further in getting people involved by setting up a station for anyone to step up to and sculpt their own creation. This seemed a hit, especially for the kids milling around, but I saw more than a handful of adults with clay in hand and a smile on the face (pictured left top). Overall, the Fox® Extra Friday was a successful and enjoyable evening for all those involved, but not everywhere one looked was a sign of welcome. The Philadelphia Weekly made its point amid the festivity (pictured left), and when the event was over, we all did go home...at least I did.   Derek Barton