On Thursday, March 16 at 7 PM the first meeting of the Northern Liberties Arts Association was held at the RUBA Club on Green Street in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia. The Arts Association is an offshoot of the Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association. Over thirty people turned out. Todd Kimmell, the president of the Association, opened the meeting. "Artists have stabilized the neighborhood for years. So much so that developers are taking notice. As a result, artists may be priced out of the neighborhood. The Association is being established to help artists to obtain and maintain living and studio space through seminars," He then asked everyone to think to get involved. "We need to cause more arts events to happen in Northern Liberties."

Sue White, the secretary of the Arts Association, said that the first actions would be to create a mailing list and form committees. Sign up sheets were available. Currently there are three committees forming and everyone is being encouraged to participate in whatever way they can. The committees are:

1. Development, where grant writing will be carried out and help provided for those who need assistance with grant writing, information will be disseminated, and a data base will be built.

2. Marketing, for the promotion of the neighborhood, the artists and their work, and the Association.

3. Special Events, such as "Art in the Park" and art festivals.

Heather Marshall, the Vice President of the Northern Liberties Arts Association, said that, "we all must familiarize people with what goes on here in Northern Liberties." Some of the planned activities will be: special exhibitions, art festivals, cabaret events, fund raisers, pick-up parties with local bands. Kevin Mullavey, the Treasurer, voiced his hopes that we could maintain the neighborhood characteristics. Compiling a Resource Directory and a mailing list will be some of the first things to be done. There will be a property seminar (Real Estate) in late April and artists' studios tour in late May.

Janet Finegar then spoke about the importance of the improvement of Liberty Lands, Northern Liberties' park. She said there will be community gardens and tree plantings. For anyone interested in purchasing property in Northern Liberties, a list is available in the office of the NLNA on N. 2nd Street. The telephone number there is (215) 627-NLNA. The NLNA also has a web site providing information on upcoming events and a map of Northern Liberties. For further NLNA information check the neighborhood paper, the North Star.

Until the creation of the Northern Liberties Arts Association web site, information can be attained by contacting the E-Board members, or through INLIQUID.COM. Our very own Rachel Zimmerman gave a short presentation about INLIQUID.COM, the web site created for "local" artists. She has generously provided a information page on the site for the Art Association free of charge. The site creates a network of artists that provide support systems necessary in today's art world. (For information on INLIQUID.COM call (215) 592-1310 or fax (215) 629-0217 or email to info@inliquid.com) Telephone: 215-925-8808

Email: nlarts@yahoo.com