Art Sanctuary’s Celebration of Black Writing sets events for May

Over the course of a month, Philadelphia creative community space, Art Sanctuary (628 S. 16th St.) hosts the 31st annual Celebration of Black Writing, a 31-day initiative throughout May that welcomes writers, artists and the public in exploring African American literature.

Throughout the course of the month, the gallery at Art Sanctuary will feature an exhibit from Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts alum and Philadelphia native Barkley Hendricks. "Oh Snap!" will feature painted portraits and photos and is available to view from Friday, May 1 through Saturday, May 30. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Children are encouraged to start down a creative path with a 10 a.m. storytelling session at Art Sanctuary. For an hour on Friday, May 1, kids and their parents will hear classic tales followed by an art activity.

During Saturday, May 2's South Street Festival, Art Sanctuary will have their own "corridor" at Second and South Streets where authors will share new work, kids can listen to stories and do crafts, and performers will put on short shows. They'll be making a showing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Every Wednesday in May (May, 6, 13, 20 and 27) in the Art Sanctuary Gallery, live talks, readings and performances with top African American writers and artists will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, will see an opening reception for "Oh Snap!" and author Sheila P. Moses will make an appearance on Wednesday, May 27.

You're never too old for a talent show. Some of the area's top professionals will show off their talents at the Black Professionals Got Talent showcase at the Arts Bank at University of the Arts (601 S. Broad St.). The show runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 8.

Opera Philadelphia, Hip H'opera, North Stars and Art Sanctuary programs help youth through art and performance during after-school and various community classes. Those kids present their creativity on Friday, May 15 at an hour-long showcase, starting at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Advocate (18th and Diamond Streets).

Also on Friday, May 15, local singer Kriss Mincey will be the featured artist at Sanctuary LIVE!, held at Art Sanctuary where local talent and the audience can perform. During the evening, which runs from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., enjoy wine, snacks and talent.

Get your creative juices flowing at the Celebration of Black Writing Literary & Arts Conference. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, over 50 panels, readings, performances and workshops will be held at Temple University's Ritter Hall (Cecil B. Moore Avenue and N. 13th Street). Expect a storytelling workshop, a publishing workshop, and a film screening from a local filmmaker.

The month concludes with a big award show ceremony at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 29. R&B duo Kindred the Family Soul will be honored with the Gamble & Huff Award for excellence in Songwriting; children's and young adult author Jacqueline Woodson will be commemorated with the Celebration of Black Writing Award for Excellence in Literature; and artist Barkley Hendricks will receive the inaugural Award for Excellence in Visual Literacy.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.