Exhibitions: Poster Girls

First ladies might not be the new "It Girls". bu right now, they're definitely the "It women". See: The hubbub around Michelle Obama's every style choice, the Smithsonian's swanky new exhibition of first lady fashions, and "The American Alliance of Unpaid Servants," an exhibition of posters quoting the wives behind the presidents by Wayne letterpress studio Two Paperdolls. The show opens tonight in Old City's hipster-chic Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, and includes century old letter presses and later this month, card-making workshops.

Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, 116 N. 3rd St., opening 6-8pm tonight, through February 29. Free. 215-922-2600. 

The Weekend Guide

Philadelphia Events and Diversions

Vote yes.

SEEâ�¨The American Alliance of Unpaid Public Servantsâ�¨What: Two Paperdolls created a series of posters that pay homage to the presidents’ wives. â�¨Why: Lord knows the ladies of the White House deserve some props. â�¨When: Thru Feb. 29. Opening, Fri., 6-8 p.m.â�¨Where: Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, 116 N. Third St. (215-922-2600).

Shooting Gallery: Art in the Age

Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction is a Philadelphia -based artist collective championing the the ideals of fine craft and intellectual rigor. Through their website, social communities and, most of all, their flagship store, Art in the Age promotes “thought-provoking products of real cultural capital.” Their name comes from the title of Walter Benjamin‘s famous 1936 essay, “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction,” in which Benjamin laments the advent of image reproduction and the loss of “aura” or awe for a single work of art.

Art in the Age also makes the absolutely delicious liquor ROOT, an organic spirit distilled from U.S. sugar cane with flavors inspired by pre-temperance alcoholic Root Tea (sassafras, sarsaparilla, etc.).  Find it here.

Free People Walnut Street Opening

Yesterday I left work around 5pm to head to our brand new store on Walnut Street in Philadelphia.  We were having a private celebration for home office employees, family and friends before the doors officially opened this morning. From the moment I walked through the carved wooden door, I felt like I was in a very special place.  If you live in the area, I definitely recommend making the trip to see the store in person – but if not, I hope these photos can do it some justice!

First Friday: "Cultivating the Cocktail" @ Art in the Age

What can be considered a work of art in an age of mechanical reproduction? A damn fine cocktail, for one — which, thanks to an increased interest in mixology, may be the reason we’re (finally!) seeing a subtle decline on the PBR popularity scale. To feed (or rather, water) this trend, and just in time for a deep winter warm-up, the folks at Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction (AITA) have teamed with a group of local artisans on "Cultivating the Cocktail," a month-long exhibition of the tradition and craft behind the perfect mixed bev.

Art In The Age.

Opening reception: First Friday, January 6th, 6-8PM