PHILADELPHIA, PA — Northern Liberties is kicking off Black History Month with a new First Friday event on Friday, February 6, featuring two back-to-back receptions at Black- and female-owned venues, live art-making, music, and a fundraising exhibition to support Youth Summer Arts Scholarships.
Hosted by the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District, the inaugural Black History Month First Friday Kick-Off will span Trunc and 1040 Creative, turning both spaces into evening cultural hubs with exhibitions, performances, and community programming. Both receptions are free and open to the public.
The evening begins at Trunc, 929 North 2nd Street, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the opening reception for 3RD WRL GRL VIEW by artist Leanne Mair. Organizers said Mair will create a work live in Trunc’s front window from 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., followed by a performance by Faith the Violinist from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Lite refreshments and a complimentary wine tasting are planned, and Rap Snacks and AfroPop will be available for purchase.
Trunc co-owner Dorothea Gamble said, “Join us for a vibrant night of art, music, lite bites and good people. We are coming together to celebrate creativity, culture and community. Stop by for a nice vibe and meet the artist.”
The event then continues at 1040 Creative Cultural Art Center & Gallery, 1040 North 2nd Street, Suite 301, in Liberties Walk, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with Small Works Wonders, a benefit exhibition raising funds for Youth Summer Arts Scholarships. Works by artists Pauline Houston McCall, Wanda Payne, and Misty Sol will be available for purchase, with proceeds tied to the scholarship program. The reception will include live music and lite bites, with an opportunity to meet the artists, organizers said.
“Supporting youth arts scholarships ensures that creativity remains accessible and that the next generation of artists has the opportunity to learn, grow and be inspired,” said Pauline Houston McCall, a co-owner of 1040 Creative. “Just imagine a small work of art that you purchase will give a young creative person access to joyful art classes during the summer!” She added, “Northern Liberties has long been a neighborhood rooted in creativity and this event brings together art, music and purpose in a way that feels meaningful and inclusive for everyone.”
Business Improvement District Executive Director Sydney Rexroad said the goal is to spotlight working artists and entrepreneurs while backing youth arts education. “Black History Month is an opportunity not only to reflect, but to actively uplift the artists, businesses and voices shaping our community today,” Rexroad said. “This First Friday allows us to celebrate Black creativity, while also supporting future generations through youth arts education. By spotlighting Black women artists and entrepreneurs, this First Friday highlights the incredible talent and leadership that continues to drive Northern Liberties forward.”
Organizers said both exhibits will remain on view beyond opening night. At Trunc, 3RD WRL GRL VIEW is scheduled to run from Friday, February 6, through Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Small Works Wonders at 1040 Creative will continue through February.
For more information about Northern Liberties Business Improvement District programs, organizers directed the public to @northliberties on social media and explorenorthernliberties.org. Trunc is listed on social media at @truncartisans and 1040 Creative at @1040Creative.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.