First Friday Fun

Wow-ee! At ten this morning, a brand new Ben Franklin sculpture (this one by James Peniston) was unveiled at 4th and Arch Streets, bringing the total number of sculptures of the founding father in Philadelphia up to 24,367.* To celebrate, we're going to be sure we do First Friday up right this month, starting with the very special reception to welcome the newest Ben in the city. "Keys to Community": The Ben Franklin Project set out to "replace the much-loved but deteriorated 'Penny Franklin' work," and did so with funding provided in part by the Fire Department and by a million and a half pennies donated by area schoolchildren. Tonight's reception will include refreshments and live music and, quite possibly, some Poor Richard-worthy wisdom. We wouldn't be surprised if one of the city's famous Ben impersonators made an appearance, as well! The new statue is located near the Engine 8 Firehouse at 4th and Arch Streets; tonight's reception will be held in the park behind the sculpture.

Moving on from there, we thought we'd maybe hit one of Headlong Dance Theater's First Friday performances (happening at 8PM and 9PM) at the Spirit Wind Studio, across from the Painted Bride. Phillyist loves them some Headlong, and this performance is free, which makes it especially worthy of our affection. Plus, there will be beer. Spirit Wind Studio is located at 213 New Street (just south of Vine) in Old City.

Of course, if you're looking to avoid Old City tonight, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts is having a little First Friday shindig of its own. Things kick off at 4PM and will include an art opening, live music, free admission to the galleries, snacks, a wine tasting, a screening of that movie we mentioned in today's news, and of course, the chance to see a certain little painting that caused quite a bit of uproar last year. The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts is located at Broad and Cherry Streets.

*Please note: that is only Phillyist's rough estimate, and not an exact number.

Image: Bradley Peniston for James Peniston Sculpture. More photos are available here. Thanks for the tip, Brad!