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Art-filled POOL exhibit opens at Fairmount Water Works
Right before the Water Works’ new exhibition was supposed to open last September, Hurricane Ida swept through and flooded the space.
- Called “POOL: A Social History of Segregation,” the exhibit finally launched this week at the former Kelly Natatorium, filling the underground space with stories and art.
Asha Prihar took a photo tour through the show, which focuses on ways Black swimmers have been able to succeed despite decades of systemic exclusion.
Rediscovered artwork: Albert Barnes as P.T. Barnum
Artist Lou Hirshman’s caricature of Albert Einstein is in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, but not many have seen his portrayal of Albert C. Barnes.
- The cheeky 1937 caricature depicts Barnes — one of Philly’s best-known arts patrons, whose name and collection grace the Parkway museum — as a circus ringmaster.
Not previously available online, an image of the P.T. Barnum-inspired painting was provided to Avi Wolfman-Arent this month by the artist’s son.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Two primary debates for the U.S. Senate in Pa. have been set: Democrats face off on April 25 at 7 p.m.; Republicans meet the following night at the same time. [Spotlight PA]
- The city’s new commerce director will be Temple VP Anne Nadol, replacing the person who resigned in December after reports he made antisemitic reports and was verbally abusive to staff. [KYW/CBS3]
- The Philadelphia Board of Education rolled out its budget proposal, which suggests a $170 million increase for the district. But principals are concerned about staffing cuts, and held a rally to demand more resources. [Chalkbeat/WHYY]
- After auditing the now-defunct Germantown Special Services District since 2019 over misuse of funds, the Controller’s Office has referred its findings to the FBI in advance of public release. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly/Inquirer$]
- The Pa. State Troopers Association is warning people about a phone scam asking for donations that would supposedly benefit the families of two troopers killed on Monday. [PhillyVoice/Billy Penn]
- A two-week roving concert series called Rehearsing Philadelphia kicked off yesterday. Through April 10, musicians will perform in public spaces throughout the city, culminating in the debut of the Public Orchestra, a new ensemble. [Rehearsing/XPN Key]
- Check out Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata channeling his best Ed Sheeran and surprising the judges on “The Masked Singer.” [@PHLEaglesNation]
MAYOR WATCH
It’s a behind-the-scenes kind of week for Mayor Kenney, who is slated to give his annual budget address next Thursday.
ON THE CALENDAR
? Bring the kids or just watch the fun at Smith Memorial Playground’s annual Play-A-Palooza, with science and art activities, a bookmobile, live performances, and food trucks. Tickets are $10. (12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 26)
?? Women business owners discuss their experiences, challenges, and successes at a panel discussion and networking event at Society Hill Dance Academy on East Passyunk. Free with RSVP. (6 to 9 p.m. Monday, March 28)
? Billy Penn partner event: Deputy editor Beatrice Forman helps moderate “Shift the Narrative: A Media Panel on Community-Centered Gun Violence Reporting,” presented by PCGVR, PABJ, Young Chances Foundation, and Philly Truce. (1 to 2 p.m. Friday, April 1)
