Visions of Hope
Nov. 7-Jan. 17, 2010, more than 400 compelling works of art will gussy up the halls of Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital for the 14th annual Art Ability Exhibition and Sale. The multifaceted collection of photographs, watercolors, oil and acrylic paintings, sculpture, stained glass, jewelry, fiber arts, and fine crafts was carefully culled from an international pool of artists with physical, cognitive, hearing and visual disabilities. Styles run the gamut, from conventional pieces like Tom Heflin’s “Sienna and Violets” (pictured) to decidedly more freewheeling work. All in all, the juried exhibition is nothing less than a creative tour de force, affording personal fulfillment, therapeutic relief, inspiration and recognition to a gifted subset of artists who typically fly under our radar. Each artist receives 80 percent of the proceeds from any piece sold, with 20 percent benefiting the hospital’s patient programming. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. 414 Paoli Pike, Malvern. Related exhibits at Endo Pharmaceuticals in Chadds Ford, Kirby Bates Associates in Bala Cynwyd, and the Bryn Mawr Hospital Health Center in Newtown Square. Call (610) 251-5607 or visit mainlinehealth.org. —Shannon Hallamyer
Heady Stuff
Among the Jivaro Indians of the Amazon, a collection of shrunken heads hanging around the house was much more than demented décor. Taken from enemies and shrunk according to ancient skull removal, skin drying and smoking techniques, the heads were regarded as badges of honor and good-luck charms. Now you can get a peek at a dozen of them at the Mütter Museum’s new permanent exhibit. You’ll also find examples of mid-19th-century fakes (some human, some not) made by enterprising entrepreneurs as macabre mementos for visiting tourists. College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 19 S. 22nd St. Call (215) 563-3737 or visit collphyphil.org. —Marilyn Odesser-Torpey
Old-Fashioned Fun
Chase Center on the Riverfront becomes a portal to the past when the 46th annual Delaware Antiques Show returns Nov. 6-8. The 60 national dealers include Diana H. Bittel Antiques in Bryn Mawr, R.M. Worth Antiques in Chadds Ford, and others from our area. Get first dibs on an array of items Nov. 5 at the opening night party. On Nov. 6, learn a thing or two from experts Leigh and Leslie Keno (pictured), from the popular PBS series Antiques Roadshow. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $15; kids under 12 free. Opening night party: $125-$225. 815 Justison St., Wilmington, Del. Call (800) 448-3883 or visit winterthur.org. —S.H.
