Wawa Welcome America Independence Day Parade on Philly’s Independence Mall.
“Let March set your dreams in motion; it’s a month of unfolding possibilities.”
— Unknown
Hello, March! We haven’t seen you in a year. At its best, March is inspired by the unwritten promise of spring and its “unfolding possibilities.” From oral history exhibits to print-making workshops, we happily present some of those entertaining possibilities celebrating women and Women’s History Month. And don’t forget: When event-going, consider taking precautions, especially when among groups and while indoors, with the risk of COVID-19 variants and other infectious health concerns.
The embroidery of artist Bonnie MacAllister
The Art & Craft Of Embroidery
Friday, March 7, 2025. Try your nimble hand at creating a fiber-arts-coaster-sized piece of embroidery using punch-needle techniques celebrating women at the Free First Friday Women’s History Month Embroidery and Punch Needle workshop. Cherry Street Pier Studio 16 artist Bonnie MacAllister will show you how to make fabulous fiber-arts pieces. MacAllister has exhibited her embroidered portraits of female leaders at the Yellowstone Art Museum, New York Public Library, McLean Project for the Arts, Trenton City Ellarsie Museum, and Pyramid Atlantic Art Center. Studio 16 at Cherry Street Pier is displaying MacAllister’s 50+ fiber works of fleece and materials collected while traveling to the Swedish archipelago, Norwegian fjords, Alsace-Lorraine, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southwest from Navajo-Churro sheep. Her embroidery depicts modern-day heroines through felting and punch-needle tufting. Free, 5 p.m. EST to 7 p.m. EST. Cherry Street Pier Studio 16, 121 N. Columbus Blvd. Email: macallister.bonnie@gmail.com, 215-923-0818, or https://bonniemacallister.weebly.com/ or Facebook Page.
Robin Maddox
Community Connector In Her Sisterhood Journey
Saturday, March 8, 2025. The inspirational Robin Maddox, organizer of the annual SHE SHINES Women’s Conference, offers hope to women of color. Armed with persistence and passion, the Germantown resident shines a bold light on women’s struggles and successes. The Philadelphia Graduate Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated will recognize Maddox for her lifetime of community achievements with the Woman of the Year Award at the group’s The Finer Womanhood Awards Celebration. Beta Delta Zeta Chapter’s event acknowledges outstanding community change-makers during National Finer Womanhood Month in March. The event helps Zeta Phi Beta Sorority raise funds to support scholarships, service, and charitable causes in the Philadelphia area. Maddox has spent more than 25 years working in the nonprofit, private, and public sectors.
As a licensed Baptist minister, Maddox’s words resonate powerfully throughout her network of “sisters” who have joined her journey to advance women who are disenfranchised in the community. Maddox, who works for a local state senator as a constituent liaison, says that she takes pride in being a community connector promoting sisterhood in a flourishing community of Philadelphia-area women. She is a dynamic leader known for her engagement with local, statewide, and national organizations; she advocates for social justice, voting rights, and women’s empowerment. As a breast cancer survivor, she plays a pivotal role in the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, facilitating connections to resources for those undergoing diagnosis and treatment. She is the Founder and Executive Leader of the nonprofit Celebrating Sisterhood, which will receive a donation as part of The Finer Womanhood Awards Celebration. Maddox’s battle with breast cancer (she is now in remission) in 2018-19 inspired her annual She Shines Conference focusing on health, spirituality, education, safety, civic engagement, and networking opportunities. Single tickets: $125 ($75 for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority undergraduates). Noon to 4 p.m. EST. Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue, 4200 City Ave. https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/820e8eac-63d5-4296-9c8e-45f04fd41ce2 or https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/2025-finer-womanhood-sponsorship-opportunity.
Gisela Galeassi & Germán Cornejo
It Takes Two ….
Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Enjoy a night of partners in the throes of passion and precision; we’re talking about the tango, one of the world’s most popular and sensuous dances that took its first steps in the 1880s. Immerse yourself in the stylish sequined costumes, live music, and intimate choreography at Tango After Dark. The lively show features international stars Germán “King of Tango” Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi leading a cast of 10 world-class dancers. The compositions of Argentine t composer Astor Piazzolla represent authentic Argentinian tango at its absolute finest. $39 to $69, 7 p.m. EST. Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St. 215-893-1999 or ensembleartsphilly.org.
Thursday, March 13, 2025. Connect with the business community at A Seat at the Table: Dine with NexT — NexTPhiladelphia – ULP Young Professionals’ fundraiser mixer at Two Locals Brewing Company, Philadelphia’s first Black-owned brewery. Chill out with great food, and drinks, while networking with the city’s most accomplished young professionals. Socialize and get involved with NexTPhiladelphia’s community service and fundraising initiatives. NexTPhiladelphia is part of the National Urban League Young Professionals’ network that educates, develops, and prepares young professionals for leadership roles. Show the event flyer when making drink purchases so the proceeds can go to charity. Free admission; drinks for purchase; 7 p.m. EST to 9 p.m. EST. 3675 Market St. (Suite 100). eventbrite.com.
Cute As A Button…
Through Sunday, March 30, 2025. Do you have a shirt or dress button lying around your closet or bureau? Time to button up and upcycle for a good cause. Your fancy forgotten buttons could be incorporated into a clever work of art developed by the “Button Man,” Beau McCall. The artist will select from the community’s donated buttons for an artistic creation that celebrates the time-honored music of Gamble & Huff’s Philadelphia International Records. The iconic record label created “The Sound of Philadelphia” which is synonymous with hits like “La-La (Means I Love You),” Rubberband Man,” and “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” in the 1970s through the 1980s. The future button masterpiece will be unveiled at the African American Museum in Philadelphia next year.
Bring your buttons to the African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St., Thursdays to Sundays, from 10 a.m. EST to 5 EST. Email: info@beaumccall.com, 215-574-0380 or aampmuseum.org.
Munch On Small Bites With A Big Taste
Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2025. As part of Women’s History Month, WOMEN’S WAY WEDNESDAYS will kick off with pop-ups celebrating female-operated culinary and beverage establishments in the Philadelphia area on Wednesdays in March. Taste seasonal small bites from local chefs, and meet them afterward. Enjoy (pay-as-you-go) craft cocktails, brews, global wines, pastries and music. Proceeds will benefit WOMEN’S WAY and Sisterly Love Collective. The all-star, all-female culinary lineup includes the following: March 5: Chef Karla Torres of La Ingrata and music by DJ Miss Kensington; March 12: Owner/General Manager Vee To representing Ogawa Sushi & Kappo with Master Chef Minoru Ogawa and music by DJ Miss Kensington; March 19: Chef Amaryllis Rivera Nassar of Amy’s Pastelillos with music by DJ Miss Kensington, and March 26: Sisterly Love Collective cocktail party-style finale with music by Suede Lace. Single tickets for March 5, 12 & 19 are $35; March 26 are $75 per person; a package of all four events: is $145; 5 p.m. EST to 7:30 p.m. EST. Stratus Rooftop Lounge at Kimpton Hotel Monaco. wooderice.com.
A photo of artist Juana Estrada Hernández & (at right) am image: Self-portrait of Juana Estrada Hernández and “El Juego Americano 2,” 2023.
An Exhibit Fit To Print
Thursday, March 6, 2025. Explore the joy of print-making with Mexican artist Juana Estrada Hernández at the Print Center for an Artist Talk. Estrada Hernández is an Assistant Professor of Printmaking at the Rhode Island School of Design. The kickoff program will be presented along with the current exhibition “Juana Estrada Hernández: !Echale Ganas!,” on exhibit through Saturday, April 5, 2025. Estrada Hernández will discuss the exhibition and her inspiration for her art. The event will be available virtually or in person. Free; 6 p.m. EST to 7:30 p.m. EST. The Print Center, 1614 Latimer St., Zoom registration required. Email: mhawk@printcenter.org, https://printcenter.org/100/event/artist-talk-with-juana-estrada-hernandez/ or https://printcenter.org/100/.
