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The First Salute, short films at West Chester, Expanding Sanctuary, and more
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, April 23-29, 2026
Kyle V. Hiller
This week, more events and programming open in the spirit of America 250: A new exhibition opens at the Weitzman and the Print Center brings together the works of artists from around the country around key central themes. Glen Foerd weaves together an interactive workshop, Journey Arts’ Table Sessions returns for a sunset film screening and meal, and a comedy show that’s part storytelling show and part singles event comes to the stage.
From Wool to Waulking
Thursday, April 23, 5-7pm
Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Avenue
From Wool to Waulking is an interactive workshop led by local weaver and textile historian Anastatia Spicer that will guide participants through the process of transforming raw wool into finished cloth. The outdoor event is open to adults and children ages 12 and older.
One Book, One Philadelphia film screening
Thursday, April 23, 6pm
Montgomery Auditorium at the Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street
This edition of One Book, One Philadelphia is an evening of films screenings that offer a distinct perspective on themes of immigration, belonging, family separation, and community resilience. Coming in partnership with the Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation, three short films will be screened.
The First Salute
April 23, 2026 through April 2027
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 South Independence Mall East
The First Salute is an untold, high-stakes, true story sparked by two key moments on the high seas that helped tip the scales of the American Revolution. Set against the backdrop of the tiny Caribbean island of St. Eustatius, this riveting tale explores how religious liberty, Jewish trade merchants, and the cruelty toward the Jewish community by a debt-ridden British admiral converged at a pivotal time in world history, and impacted the trajectory of the Revolutionary War. The exhibition serves at the Weitzman’s landmark America 250 exhibition.
Radiant Ball
Friday, April 24, 7-11pm
Mütter Museum, 19 South 22nd Street
The Radiant Ball returns with an evening celebrating the future of medicine through the lens of Marie Curie and her contemporaries. Wear your most glamorous 1920s garb, learn about the innovations in medical technology during the time period, and dance to jazz-age grooves by Drew Nugent & the Midnight Society.
The 20th West Chester International Short Film Festival
April 24-26
Various locations
Three days of films from over 45 countries makes for a robust festival this year. The lineup includes Oscar nominees and winners, local favorites, and more.
America Today: Voices in Contemporary Print
April 24-July 25, 2026
The Print Center, 1614 Latimer Street
This new exhibit brings the works of more than 30 artists from across the country together to explore core principles of democracy, including civil rights, social justice, racial equality, and political engagement.
Once Upon A Glow: Stories in the Blacklight
Saturday, April 25, 12pm, 2pm, 5pm, and 7pm
Plays & Players Skinner Studio, 1714 Delancey Place
Dance, music, and imagination come together in this family-friendly performance that brings glowing characters and playful scenes to life through blacklight masks, dance, and puppets.
The Weight of Time
April 25-May 25, 2026
Morton Contemporary Gallery, 115 South 13th Street
Morton Contemporary opens a new exhibition featuring the work of painters incarcerated at SCI Phoenix Prison in Pennsylvania. The opening reception is Saturday, April 25 from 6-8pm.
Journey Arts Table Sessions: Expanding Sanctuary
April 29-30, 7pm
Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard
Table Sessions returns with an evening curated by award-winning Latinx filmmaker Kristal Sotomayor, bringing together live music, film, and a shared meal in an exploration of radical joy, community, and belonging. The evenings also include a screening of Expanding Sanctuary, Sotomayor’s short documentary which follows Linda, a Philadelphia mother preparing for her wedding while leading a successful grassroots effort to change local policy and ensure greater safety for immigrant families.
Single Woman: Work In Progress
Wednesday, April 29, 7pm
Friday, May 1, 6pm
Sawubona Creativity Project, 1626 East Passyunk Avenue
“As long as she’s been single, Tess has felt that the best part of a date was telling stories about it to her friends after. Now she’s ready to share them with everyone else. Over this 90-min show, Tess weaves personal storytelling with audience participation about what it means to be 35, single, and ready to mingle. Part personal storytelling show, part singles event, all catharsis.”
Featured image: Kristal Sotomayor to screen her short documentary film at Journey Arts' Table Sessions. (Photo by Christian Hayden.)
Image description: Portrait style photo of Sotomayor, a Peruvian woman, in a red, black, and orange shawl
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