“Good evening, M’am.” The gentleman startled me, as I did not hear him approach as I stood on the darkened street, outside a lovely Victorian era house. “Good evening,” I replied, “I was just admiring your home.” Thank you,” he responded, “but my wife deserves the credit. She did all the work.”

A rather pedestrian conversation, if not for the fact that the “gentleman” I was chatting with was actually an adorable little teddy bear wearing flannel pajamas and a wizard’s hat. (I didn’t dare ask the species of his wife.)

Have I neglected to mention that this chat was in text form, and taking place on my computer screen? Yep, it was just another evening in Second Life, the online 3-D virtual reality world that I have been visiting with all too much regularity.

Oh wait – how rude of me! I haven’t properly introduced myself. I am “Cyn Peccable,” a steampunk Victorian woman of little means but great reserve (or at least that’s how my Second Life profile reads.)

Um…yeah…seriously…I’m waaaay too into this.

But let he who is without a time-wasting hobby cast the first stone…keeping in mind that in Second Life, you could throw that stone haphazardly about in a glass house without breaking a single window -- cool!

Mixed imagery aside, my attraction to Second Life can be summed up in two words: no cellulite.

So, what’s a person to do with their nice cellulite-free avatar? Explore! Shop! Make friends while shopping! Shop! Try on the stuff you bought shopping!

And find a place to live.

While I’ve mastered shopping, and even have a “partner” (my real life husband, who signed on to Second Life just long enough to take me off the market) so far I’ve resisted the urge to settle down.

Not that I’m unfamiliar with others’ residences. While Cyn is a proper Victorian lady, it seems she is also quite the peeping Tom. I’ve peered into houses ranging from haunted to Architectural-Digest-ready.

I’ve seen clam shells for mermaids, post-apocalyptic sheds for those surviving an imaginary blast, and double-wide trailers for wannabe trash.

Not to mention a gigantic undersea rusted-metal seahorse/house that would set Jules Verne’s heart a-racing (if he weren’t dead, that is.)

And plain old normal stuff too. Sometimes a house is just a house.

With all this in mind, I set off to educate myself about the cost of Second Life housing. A quick search gave me the location of a sales area, appropriately named “Home Sweet Homes.” One mouse click later, I had teleported there. (Teleporting = fun!)

Materializing in the center of an expanse of neatly-trimmed grass (that never needs mowing), I found the landscape dotted with model houses of different sizes and styles. And each lot had a large sign stuck in the front yard; if you didn’t fancy the model sitting there, a click on the sign would materialize another in its place.

In a blink of an eye, I conjured up a large 3-story Victorian mansion, complete with wrap-around porch and turret…and an asking price of 6,000 Linden Dollars (the currency of Second Life.)

Oh, did I forget to mention that the exchange of (real) money is a very real part of this virtual world?

The 6,000 Linden price tag of my Victorian dream house translates to about $23 U.S. dollars. A bargain in real life, but pricey for the SL world. And I’m not sure if I’m ready to make that kind of commitment.

I mean, it’s lovely…but why be tasteful, when you can be tacky? Methinks a castle might be more suited to my flights of fancy. As a point of reference, I decide to check out Victoriana Castle, which bills itself as “The Most Beautiful Castle in SL.”

Holy Ice Princess, Batman! Blindingly white and overdone in every way imaginable – Victoriana Castle has more spires than I can count. Its curlicues have curlicues! My blood sugar level rises to a dangerous level, forcing a quick teleportation escape…

…to “Elite Estates” -- where one can buy a castle of more modest proportions. In fact 1,500 Lindens (about $6) will get me my very own a starter castle!

Unfortunately, “Dakota Castle” is unimaginatively rectangular –and its façade bears a strong resemblance to cinder block. I half-expected to find medieval-themed dinner theater going on inside. Instead, the interior was empty, if slightly dungeon-esque (which could be a positive, depending on what one is into.)

Still…hmmm…even cinderblock could be made cozy with the right furnishings. After all, isn’t décor what makes a house (or castle) a home?

So, a new mission – furniture shopping. To that end, I enlisted the companionship of my sister, AKA “Angelique Nightfire.”

We meet in the small but elegant showroom of “Capalini Fine Furnishings.” There we playfully threw our avatar-selves onto an extremely tasteful Federal style sofa; then each chose a side of a four-poster bed (and just as when we were children on family vacations, I threatened her with a karate chop if she strayed over to my side.)

Then somehow, we veered off course. The next thing I knew, we were wearing diver’s suits outside a pirate bar. Once inside said bar, Cyn put on a kimono and served Angelique a gin and tonic.

Such is the waking-dream semi-hallucinatory Second Life experience.

Leaving Angelique to nurse her virtual hangover, my next stop was the vast showroom of “Prim Goddess Creations,” which seemed prepared to fulfill my every interior decorating need…as well as needs I never knew I had. Like – what exactly is a “cuddle rug”?

(Leading to the philosophical question: Why do avatars feel a need to cuddle anyway?)

In the bedroom section, I spy a mahogany sleigh bed just like the one in my real life bedroom (except in SL, the bed is made.)

And over there -- toilets! I can’t resist the urge to walk into a bathroom display and touch the handle. It flushes! (Or more accurately, the picture of water in the bowl rotates in a clockwise fashion for a few seconds.)

Very amusing, but does it sell? In all my spying into virtual houses, I have never encountered one with a bathroom – for good reason. A virtual bathroom would only prove a rude reminder of the real life bathroom that one should be cleaning instead trying on that dreamy flowing gown.

So…bye-bye Prim Goddess!

But then I find myself in a store called “Dust Bunny”…

...prompting a glance towards the real life dust creatures forming at my feet. Seems no matter how hard one tries, some things (like housework and Britney Spears) are inescapable. Sigh.

After all my “research,” I conclude it’s easier (and cheaper) to keep my avatar homeless.

Thus resigned, I fly off to a small deserted island I’d scoped out on an earlier expedition; where a creative somebody-I’ve-never-met has turned a lighthouse into their home, complete with a life-sized (and very cuddle-able) stuffed bunny sitting by the bed.

By afternoon’s end, my avatar lies stretched out on a pillow-laden hammock by the water’s edge. All alone, save a small squirrel darting around the base of a nearby tree. It eyes Cyn suspiciously, but I don’t care.

Ah, yes…(virtual) life is good.

(If you made it here, to the end of the article, first of all, congratulations on your perseverance! Secondly, if you look closely in the last snapshot, you'll see the "squirrel" of the article was really a tiny rabbit. But I thought I had just one too many bunnies in my tale, and there is a SL squirrel that I'm fairly certain has been stalking me...so...

Hey, it's all pretend anyway!)

(To learn more about Second Life: http://www.secondlife.com/)

This is the last full week to view Project Gallery's duel solo exhibitions Henry Bermudez's "Con la Mirada en el Cielo" and Paul Santoleri's "Subterranean / Basement"

Bermudez continues his exploration of spiritually surreal imagery, combining his unique vision of pre-Colombian and Christian iconography. The complex arrangement of interlocking lines and colors are reminiscent of intricate Persian tapestries. The dense arrangement invites us to travel further into a realm of contemplation. Bermudez’s current body of work expands upon the tradition of cut-paper assemblage, expanding his surface to monumental proportions. The impressive scale confronts the viewer, while the subtle, enigmatic imagery draws one to “gaze to the heaven”.

Utilizing the unique exhibition possibilities of Project’s lower level, Paul Santoleri presents both large and small-scale works, as well as his site-specific blacklight-responsive wall paintings. Through spontaneous and free-formed animalistic and vegetal hybrids, one is able to view the spirit of creative energy that exists in all living things. Santoleri invites us to discover an underground world of color and light and to visit a phantasmal environ of his imagination.

Both Con La Mirada en el Cielo and Subterranean / Basement conclude May 31st, 2008. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday noon to 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday noon to 7 p.m.

Think you have what it takes to be a renowned photographer? Always wanted to display your photos, but never had a place to do it? Maybe you’re not quite that ambitious, but you’ve got one killer pic that you’re sure could stand with the best of them?

“Phillyist Framed 2008” is giving local shutterbugs a shot at seeing their art in a gallery. Phillyist, the website about Philadelphia and everything that happens there, invites area residents to submit their photos by May 21. Thirty will be chosen for display at Studio 34: Yoga | Healing | Arts, a new healing and creative arts space in West Philadelphia.

“We’ve long been impressed by the photos our readers send in to our Photoist feature, so we’re looking to give them a chance to display their work in a formal gallery setting,” said Phillyist Framed curator and judge Matt Johnson, Phillyist’s photography and architecture writer.

Any resident of the greater Philadelphia area is welcome to enter up to three photos shot in the region. Entries should be posted to the Phillyist Framed group on Flickr.com, the photo-sharing website, before midnight on May 21. The winning photos will be selected by Johnson and Philadelphia photographers JJ Tiziou (jjtiziou.net) and Brad Maule (phillyskyline.com). Winners will be notified no later than May 30, and will be responsible for framing their work in accordance with Phillyist Framed guidelines. Full rules are posted at http://phillyist.com/2008/04/22/phillyist_framed_rules.php.

The exhibit will go up on June 27 and remain on display for a month at Studio 34: Yoga | Healing | Arts (4522 Baltimore Avenue in West Philly; just 15 minutes from City Hall on SEPTA’s No. 34 trolley line).

The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, June 27, from 7–9 p.m. “Hang out with other Phillyist readers, celebrate our awesome contributors, and spy on gallery-goers as they gush over your work,” Johnson said.

Phillyist (http://phillyist.com), launched just in time for Live 8 in 2005, covers Philadelphia news and events, restaurants and bars, happenings and goings-on. It is the 13th website by Gothamist LLC, whose flagship blog, Gothamist (launched in 2002), covers New York City.

Studio 34: Yoga | Healing | Arts (http://studio34yoga.com), which opened in March, is a 5,000-square-foot healing and creative arts space in vibrant, diverse West Philadelphia. It offers yoga, Pilates, creative arts, and community programs; and rents space for events and healing providers.

# # #

When company director James Daly informed his cast that Comic Energy's latest theatrical run would be
a night of fairy tales the group was shocked. Shocked to the point as to where exactly Daly was coming
from.

After Daly explained to his cast that this show would not be family oriented in anyway, the young, rebellious
group took a sigh of relief.

So if a fairy tale show has nothing to do about family, then what is this show? And what is the morale of the
story?

"This show is about the fairy tales, but we take the ideas and we rewrite to appease an adult crowd", says Daly.

Taking a look at the sketch list that is nicely prepared on a Cosi napkin Daly actually showed me what he calls
his secret list. A list that included Cinderella, Snow White, Mary Had A Little Lamb, and the Three Little Pigs.

"There are only two pigs, because they ate the third one", said Daly. He wouldn't reveal to me who the two pigs were
but he did give me a sneak preview on Humpty Dumpty. His parody on Humpty Dumpty pertains to the rapper in the early 90's
from Digital Underground named "Shock G" who has an alter ego named "Humpty Hump".

The cast for this Comic Energy show is a familiar one. In addition to Daly you have the very talented Mike Ford, Danielle Jackson
who plays an array of characters, James Reagan, and CE favorite Frank Fral.

Coming fresh off of a weekend of shows a couple weeks back the troupe looks to keep a very promising eigth season going with a little imagination. And speaking of fairy tales you can't go wrong.

For more information about Comic Energy's "A Night of Fairy Tales" visit the troupes web site at www.comicenergy.com or call 215-397-3040.

Hiya everyone. Just arrived from across the Atlantic, which
means I'm still here in Europe but taking a glance. First of all I find that also here I'm getting into all kinds of
american palabras, like I see in every movie from your side of the water, and I really never see where that gets ME. Big story anyway that everyone finds to talk about, what?!
Never mind, at least I have some decent connections to the US - a great uncle of mine lived in Rhode Island at the begin of the recent century. He apparently didn't do too well. Also, a cousin of mine has spent his life in Chicago. I don't rightaway know what made me look for Philadelphia -
I guess I've heard something good about the place before. Also, there's many folks about there of german descent. So, since I can show up with some material of literary nature, written in German, I reckon on some reconnaissance by people who still speak this language and who would like to
read something decent (philosophical literature, latest issue) that even people in Germany not yet get to read that
directly. Since in a blog I cannot put questions rightaway,
I can only put forth some remarks or propositions.
We never get to see more about your political theatre than
the big fuss getting a president set. As for me, I'd prefer
McCain who seems a decent guy, not as squeaky and cracky like the Democrat's. But this is just a passageral opinion. With what you have rightaway, one wonders...
Shit, really, I do not know one little thing that people really have to care about over there - apparently, american society exists anyway in just two layers, doesn't it - folks like that and a class of governors - seen from Europe, this is very simple, no things of old standing that are existent besides that, since olden times. Wrrrr!

Anyway - here, I have a little proposition that may use some
venting in the public mind, something damn physical: states
and industries everywhere have considerable problems with nuclear and toxic waste, they do not rightaway know how to guarantee the ten thousands of years of good conduct until these matters will have lost their dangerousness. However,
some states have experience with subsurface detonations of
nuclear ordnance, in caves and so on. I just reason a bit -
would it be so far off to perhaps create a program of nuclear and dangerous waste disposal by just digging some giant caves somewhere in the rocky wilderness of, say, Canada or somewhere in Asia, in order to get all superfluos waste there, pile it up and then detonate a nuclear machine
over it? This would burn nuclear and chemical waste on the spot, one would never see any more of it but glass that will not spoil any water...

And here's another subject I'm venting: People like to know where whine and cheese are from - one can precisely point to the special place they are from. Now, I'd also like to know where the alien vegetables and fruit are from, as precise as possible, in order to wisen my taste for the world that nourishes me. I guess it would not take much to institute a data bank, paid for by advertising of just those
firms who, now, give data of the most precise origin of this and that food to this bank, add a small decal to their ware with a reference number by which one could identify this peace of food (or other) in this bank. This would be wholly free to partake in, firms can better their name by providing good information like this, and no government would have to force comparable gestures. Wouldn't that be fine, with all the refrigerators and computers that we have?

Well, so much for today. For germanspeakers who might be there and who could use a whiff of honest great spirit,
here's my literary address: https://books.google.com, searchword "Leo Hoeninger". I'm hungry for brains that I can feed, do you see that??

Greetings for now from Leo Hoeninger in Düsseldorf, Germany

Please join The Clay Studio for First Friday with the team from DigPhilly and NBC 10 from 6 - 8 pm!

Opening Reception
May 2, 5-9pm

Small Favors: Benefit Exhibition and Sale
Exhibition runs May 1 - May 18
In the Harrison and Bonovitz Galleries

Heather Mae Erickson - The Industrial Hand: Tableware Design
Exhibition runs through June 1
In the Reed Smith Gallery

Clay in Mind
In the Kathryn E. Narrow Resource Center
Exhibition runs through May 10.

---------
AND DON'T MISS THE ANNUAL SALE:

Friday, May 2

5 - 8 pm
The Clay Studio's Annual Pot Sale is Friday, May 2nd! This event is held every year during First Friday in May. Proceeds benefit The Clay Studio's Equipment Fund.

If you would like to contribute pieces or volunteer your time for this year's pot sale, please contact Wendy by phone @ 215.925.3453 ext. 11, or email wendy@theclaystudio.org.

Delivery times for donated pieces are during gallery hours through Wednesday, April 30. Gallery hours are Tue - Sat from 11am - 7pm and Sun from 12 - 6pm.

---------

The Clay Studio

137 - 139 North Second Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

E: info@theclaystudio.org
P: 215.925.3453
W: http://www.theclaystudio.org

Comic Energy Sketch Comedy Troupe an 8 year Philly tradition continues their season this weekend
at Doc Watson's on Saturday and the new Paddywhack's location (South Street) on Sunday.

The troupe is proud to say that they have been able to bring back some of the old characters for
this performance.

"Krunkie and the Mike Ford Show will be back with many other suprises", says Producer JD Daly.

Some of these other suprises include a Willie Wonka parody, Daly's 'Harry Kalas', and more.
The show has an interesting feel to it coming off a solid month in March thru mid April, the troupe is
focused on a very busy month of May. The troupe has 19 performances in the month and a total of 4 different
productions.

One of these productions includes a theatrical run which will be sketch comedy themed towards fairy tales.
This production will be a week long at the Shubin Theater (407 Bainbridge Street) and will run from May 15th thru the 18th.

"It's going to be a wild time, but we have been through it before. What we are really looking forward to is
the summer, and hell who isn't".

Comic Energy goes on the road during the summer beginning in June, and after the summer the troupe returns
to Philly to prepare for their 9th season debut which will be in the end of September.

The sketch comedy troupe performs every last Saturday at Doc Watson's Pub (216 S. 11th Street) and every last Saunday at Paddywhack's (150 South Street), all shows begin at 7pm. For tickets or more information call 215-397-3040 or visit www.comicenergy.com.

In "slip," things seen and unseen are explored by Philadelphia's contemporary dance company Moving Research. Six dancers share the space around a sculptural installation, moving in and out of sight of the viewer, eluding capture and stasis. Audience members follow the dancers or choose to stand and watch the dance as it flows past them. Each viewing experience is unique and personal. To see all the dancers' movements simultaneously is at most times impossible. Choreographed by Meg Foley, the dance weaves and slips through itself and the audience.

Performances at Studio 34: Yoga | Healing | Arts in West Philadelphia: May 8, 2008, 8:30pm; May 10, 8pm; May 11, 3pm; May 16, 8pm; May 17, 8pm, and May 18, 3pm. Photo by JJ Tiziou.

Filmaka.com wants people to come up with the next "Southpark" type comedy and pitch it to them. You have to shoot a 3-minute film, but it doesn't have to be high-tech - they're looking for the idea. Then you write a page or two about what the whole series would be like. FX Network wants to pick up one of the submissions to make into a TV show
for their fall season. Not a bad return for making a little video and writing 2 pages.

From the competition submissions, ten semi-finalists will revise their shorts based on notes from FX and receive $1,000. Filmaka will begin accepting uploads for this competition on Monday, April21. The deadline for submitting your film and written brief is midnight on May 1, 2008. After the shorts are revised, one winner will be chosen to receive a budget of up to $40,000 to create a 15- to 20-minute presentation. For more details Log on to

http://filmaka.com/competition.php?page=current&competition_id=251

Terror Film Festival – Submit your films & Screenplays Today!
TERROR FILM FESTIVAL
Horror, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Thriller, Drama, Screenplay
www.TerrorFilmFestival.net
October 21-25, 2008 | Philadelphia, PA

Are you the next Hitchcock, Lucas, Romero, or Spielberg? Then TFF is for YOU. Submit your films and screenplays, and be a part of this one-of-a-kind film festival. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes!

Terror Film Festival is a world renowned international independent film festival that's designed for filmmakers and screenwriters. TFF runs every October in the heart of Philadelphia PA at the prestigious and creepy Ethical Society Building (right across from beautiful Rittenhouse Square) and we offer over $10,000 in cash and prizes, ranging from our coveted Claw Awards to loveable cash. Plus, our world-class screenwriting competition!

Check our "Reviews" webpage to see what everyone’s saying about our festival!

TFF accepts both short and feature length films and scripts, and we offer filmmaker awards, screenwriting awards, Claw Awards, cash prizes, discounts to Earlybird submitters, and Free Tee Shirts! TFF is committed to the filmmakers and screenwriters who bring great genre movies to our world.

Win FREE Festival VIP Passes. Go to our tickets page to enter!

TFF was founded by filmmakers and screenwriters and each year we offer an environment of creativity, networking, industry, fans, excitement, and fun. And our Claw Awards ceremony is excitement and anticipation personified, hosted by the sexy Princess Horror herself. It’s an event that you don’t want to miss!

TFF Bad-Azz Festival VIP and One Day Passes go on sale starting every February 14 (Valentine’s Day)!

TFF is like no other festival in the world because it’s geared to promote YOU. And we’re the only festival in the world who places your director photo, project poster, website link, and project synopsis on our website just for SUBMITTING a project. TFF pioneered the concept in 2006 and we’re proud to continue to offer it to our creative artists.

Mark Your Calendars NOW!

TFF believes in promoting YOU as much as possible, so we feature indie filmmaker interviews on our website in the THE CAVERNS, we give you FREE promotion, and we go WAY beyond just taking your submission fee and screening films. We actually help with achieving distribution for our filmmakers! Amateur, indie, or pro, TFF wants your film and screenplay to get attention. Submit and be recognized, because it’s all about YOU.

The Claw Awards...who will win this year? Live your dreams!! Or at least...YOUR NIGHTMARES.

Claw, Festival Director
TERROR FILM FESTIVAL
Horror, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Thriller, Drama, Screenplay
www.TerrorFilmFestival.net
October 21-25, 2008 | Philadelphia, PA

CALL FOR ENTRIES - BIG BANG FILM FESTIVAL - OCTOBER 1 - 5, 2008

The call for submissions is now open for the 2008 Big Bang Film Festival (BBFF). BBFF is a celebration of exciting and inventive films in the Action, Adventure, Suspense and Asian Action Cinema genres. BBFF also welcomes documentary submissions featuring extreme sports and athletic events, activities and competitions which have contributed some of the most entertaining video of death defying speed, skill and daring. Each year Big Bang Film Festival showcases amazing films, some classics, some classics in the making. Every submission is posted on the BBFF Submissions Page so that all of our filmmakers can link to their listing.

We are now calling for submissions. Visit our website for more information on the festival, our submission process, special events, and opportunities to join our team!

Big Bang Film Festival
Philadelphia, PA
October 1-5 2008
Action, Adventure, Suspense and Asian Action Cinema.
contact@bigbangfilmfestival.com
www.BigBangFilmFestival.com
www.myspace.com/bigbangfilmfestival

Artist's Studio, photo credit Peter Camburn

In his second solo show at Projects Gallery, Henry Bermudez presents “Con La Mirada en el Cielo”. Bermudez continues his exploration of spiritually surreal imagery, combining his unique vision of pre-Colombian and Christian iconography. The complex arrangement of interlocking lines and colors are reminiscent of intricate Persian tapestries. The dense arrangement invites us to travel further into a realm of contemplation. Bermudez’s current body of work expands upon the tradition of cut-paper assemblage, in some cases expanding his surface to monumental proportions. The impressive scale confronts the viewer, while the subtle, enigmatic imagery draws one to “gaze to the heaven”.

The Cross of the 7 Sons, 8'H x 4'W, mixed media on cut paper

An internationally exhibited artist, Bermudez’s work is in numerous museum and private collections throughout the world. He was the Venezuelan representative to the 1985 Venice Biennale. A solo exhibition of his work is scheduled at the National Museum of Catholic Art and History in New York City in 2009.

The Cross, 4ft x 4ft, mixed media on cut paper

Con La Mirada en el Cielo opens First Friday, May 2nd with artist receptions from 5-8 p.m. The exhibition continue through May 31st, 2008. The reception is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday noon to 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday noon to 7 p.m. A preview of works may be viewed on the gallery’s website at www.projectsgallery.com. For more information, please contact Projects Gallery at 267-303-9652 or info@projectsgallery.com.

Anemone, 30"H x 40"W, acrylic on canvas

Utilizing the unique exhibition possibilities of Project’s lower level, Paul Santoleri presents Subterranean / Basement. Featuring both large and small-scale works, as well as his site-specific wall paintings, the artist will be presenting for the first time a body of work created with day-glow paint. Through spontaneous and free-formed animalistic and vegetal hybrids, one is able to view the spirit of creative energy that exists in all living things. Santoleri invites us to discover an underground world of color and light and to visit a phantasmal environ of his imagination.


Untitled, 30"H x 40"W, acrylic on canvas

An international muralist, Santoleri’s studio work is in many public and private collections throughout Europe, Latin America and the U.S., including the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He also has a con-current exhibition at the Thomas Eakins House in Philadelphia, which runs through June.

BasementSubteranean, 3FT X 3FT, acrylic on canvas

Subterranean / Basement opens First Friday, May 2nd with artist receptions from 5-8 p.m. The exhibition continue through May 31st, 2008. The reception is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday noon to 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday noon to 7 p.m. A preview of works may be viewed on the gallery’s website at www.projectsgallery.com. For more information, please contact Projects Gallery at 267-303-9652 or info@projectsgallery.com.

Cambodia has a rich and distinctive culture going back thousands of years. In honor of Cambodian New Year, Philadelphia’s Khmer Art Gallery is celebrating with a multi-disciplined event that’s open to the public on April 18th for a celebratory event that’s insightful, fun, compelling, and informative.

• Screening: The Golden Voice: award-winning short [26-minute] by L.A. director Greg Cahill about ill-fated pre-war Cambodian pop star Ros Sereysothea followed by discussion from Killing Field survivors. 6:30pm

• Book Signing: Bones That Float — A Story of Adopting Combodia, by Kari Grady Grossman. Grossman will be on-site signing copies of her book about benefiting the Grossman School near Phnom Penh. Ongoing

• Dance Performance: traditional Cambodian dance performed by Cambodian-American children adopted by American families.

• Food & Beverage: traditional Cambodian Fare and wine served.

• Poetry & Discussion: by resident artist Chanthou Oeur

• Plus this month’s featured artist: Angie Capano: Cambodia, In Spirit

•
On April 18, all are invited to a Cambodian New Year Celebration at Khmer Art Gallery. Greg Cahill's acclaimed short film The Golden Voice about Cambodia's pre-war pop star, Ros Sereysothea, kicks off the evening followed by discussion. Later Cambodian youth dancers steal the scene along with a book signing by Kari Grady Grossman, author of Bones that Float with proceeds going to Grossman's school outside Phnom Penh. Authentic Cambodian fare and music.
.

Khmer Art Gallery is Philadelphia’s only art venue dedicated to Cambodian works. Artwork is selected to demonstrate the historical and artistic values of Khmer Art Gallery's expansive collection includes an astounding assortment of sculptures, paintings, bronze and silver castings, jewelry, musical instruments and the city's largest collection of Buddhas. Khmer Art Gallery is active in education programs and invites school groups in for tours. Khmer Gallery is also available for private functions.
Khmer Art Gallery is located at 319 N. 11th St., just north of Chinatown proper, in the new loft district, home to a spate of new and newly relocated galleries. Khmer Gallery is open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 p.m.-4 p.m. and by appointment. Call 215-922-5600; or go to www.khmerartgallery.com .
* For more information or press images, please contact: Contact James Zeleniak; 215-300-6081; james@punchmedia.biz

Documentary filmmakers looking for funding should check out
Filmaka.com's new contest, Filmaka Journal .Upload your Clip not more than 3 minute.
Every contest cycle 2
winners will be given $500 each and at the end of a year of Journal
entries Filmaka will select one director to turn his or her short
into a full length doc. Members can vote on each others work. Filmaka
is looking for shorts that have an impact, pieces that show the
members and audience a side of the world that they might never have
known anything about before. You can enter as many times as you like
and there is no entry fee. Just remember that the piece you enter
will serve as the basis for a doc so make sure it can be developed
into a full length film. Make a Journal, Tell a story, Make a
Difference.