Happy Friday, Penny Darlings!
I have some new and exciting stuff coming up that I can’t share quiiiiiite yet, so get your horses, and hold them!
Preston & I got to live our art DREAMS yesterday and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Ya’ll know how much we love the arts. We’re hardcore theatre nerds, prefer a museum to a game, and love seeing local artists at work! And I lovelovelove public art and murals.
So this week, we tried to hit as many local ‘art’ spots in my hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania. Yes, Reading, like the Reading Railroad on the Monopoly board. And it’s pronounced Red-ding, not Reed-ing. So if all of your life you were convinced that it was the ‘Reeding Railroad’ – I am happy to blow your mind! Ha!
While it might be a little hamlet of a town, it’s attempting to grow the art community every day! So Preston and I wanted to hit a museum, a gallery, a play, and some public art! We did this ALL in one day (so it definitely warrants an awesome day trip!). We found most of these places (and events) from Visit PA Americana’s tourism site! Check out their calendar here!
Let me just sneak the boring stuff so we can get to the goods! Check me out on Instagram here! I also have a selling Instagram page where I sell some of my old clothes/styles so that I don’t drown in my own wardrobe. I just listed a few new things – so check that out!
On to the content of the day! It’s a hometown pARTy! (get it?)
1.) Stroll through the Reading Public Museum!
Reading Public Art Museum has some amazing exhibits, a planetarium, tons of events, and a rotating show on the third floor! Right now there is an Astronaut exhibit and it is so interactive and incredible. Honestly, that exhibit would be worth the trip by itself, so it’s just gravy that there’s some amazing other pieces of art and artifacts here! I’ve been going here since I was a kid and I still am as enthralled with the art as I was when I was a kid! (Bonus: Preston was very excited that there was a mummy here!)
2.) Take a class at the GoggleWorks!
GoggleWorks is a local, renovated, and airy art gallery and studio space! There is not only a gallery, a cafe, an event space, but there is so much more! There is a small artsy movie theatre (to see all the Best Picture nominees! Ha!), dance classes, studio space, all types of arts classes, performances, and more! Fun fact, Preston and I looked at this space for our wedding!
3.) See a show at Genesius Theatre!
This is a total easy one for me & Preston! We’ve performed at Genesius Theatre, met friends here, seen tons of shows here, and we’ve seen some awesome shows! Right now, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is running (tonight & this weekend!), and it’s AMAZING. Get tickets here! (Bonus: Mamie Covell is tough to beat on stage!). Genesius creates all types of theatre (musicals, plays, youth theatre, and more!)
4.) Jazz it up!
Berks County has one of the biggest jazz fests in the state! Berks Jazz Fest is a big deal around these parts! For real, all the hotels fill up, and it’s full of people with saxaphones! Just kidding! But I remember lots of school friends in Jazz Band LOVING getting to go and see professional jazz musicians, play, learn, and see awesome acts! Again, this is in town THIS weekend! Go check it out!
5.) Side Step into Mural Corridor
Ya’ll know me. I CANNOT resist a good mural walk. Not only do I adore public art, but they also make the best photo backgrounds! The Berks Art Council has created Mural Corridor in West Reading and it’s incredible! It’s a mix of local artists and styles and it’s truly incredible! Between stopping for lunch or shopping, one block off ‘the avenue’ is this amazing hidden gem!
Upcoming Arts Events:
Check out Visit PA Berks Americana event calendar for more details on these events!
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at Genesius
Berks Jazz Fest
Cirque Du Solei at Santander Performing Arts Center
Arts on the Avenue
Kutztown Folk Festival
*This blog was sponsored by the Visit PA Berks Americana Tourism office, however all thoughts and opinions are my own*
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How Very,
Abby
Penny Darling 