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A Mile &
A Morning

Some cities organize beauty. Philadelphia leaks it.

Exudes would have been a better word but, Philly does leak, doesn’t it? Anywhoozle …

So this past Saturday, before the day had even hit its stride, I found myself elbow-deep in sustainable joy and sticker-coated storytelling. Without even intending to, without a “Philly day” itinerary or camera ready, I was swept into two wildly different, keenly interesting experiences: The Resource Exchange reFlea Market and the Step Outside Show at Huddle215.

By the time 2pm hit, I was broke but super excited, kind of inspired, and felt like writing. So… here we go.

Philly, can’t help but manifest collaboration, can’t help but proliferate integrated micro-communities of curious doers and organizers seekers. Like a fun house, once you start in at all you can’t help but continually find more corners and little rooms of creativity as you continue on. 

But before I get into the thick of it, a special shout out to RoboQ4 at PM Slaps and a call to action – PM Slaps / United Street Art is a 501(c)(3) that archives a side of Philly actively worked against. Please, financial or otherwise, find a way to support the continued chronicling of PM Slaps. 

ReFlea Market at the Resource Exchange

The Resource Exchange (a certified 501(c)(3))  stands as a quiet Philly titan of creative sustainability. They don’t just offer things to buy, they give you a glimpse of who we are when we reuse what we’ve got and make something beautiful of it. With classes, social functions, residencies, and even flea markets, they make sure to ever model the reusable way.

We arrived at the reFlea Market shortly after noon and immediately fell deep into gift buying, self-treating, and striking up conversations with vendors who are truly making art at the edge of landfill and love. So many ways to upcycle that Jai and I had never heard of before; so many sustainable materials made of repurposed or recycled goods Jai and I did know could be made, it was awesome! The Resource Exchange really, really knows how to attract and gather worthwhile Philly crafters and artisans. 

PhillyPlastiCo (Cole Fiory)

Cole’s booth was like a science fair meets a nerd lair. He’s melting down detergent bottles, stadium seats, and old plastic clocks into colorful, ultra-durable, ultra-funky housewares and keychains. All done right here in Philly. He doesn’t just upcycle, dude reinvents waste into rad. He might be Captain Planet.

Punkachu

A family-run gem. Their reclaimed cotton napkins and tieless aprons are the kind of cozy you can’t fake. We picked up a soft-as-sin napkin set and had to stop ourselves from grabbing five more.

Hilary's Handmade Journals

Hilary is a special needs teacher by day and makes up-cycled journals / apparel / crafts and more with love by night. Her booth radiated joy, whimsical, bold, perfectly imperfect covers that beg to hold your life’s scraps. Her energy is as bright as her work.

Dewise White & Boonie Designs

Two different artists, side by side, both delivering heat. Apparel and canvas work that could anchor any gallery wall or weekend outfit. What made them shine even more? Both creators are proudly part of the disability community and absolutely stealing the show.

Keeping It Weird Philly (Melissa Michalczyk)

Melissa started making quirky, nerdy crafts during COVID and hasn’t slowed down since. From up-cycled journals to resin-drenched treasures, her table was chaotic in the best way. We snagged a few gifts and then circled back later… again.

Kraj Kreations

Remember crayons? Now imagine them huge, silly-shaped, and wildly fun. Kraj Kreations not only makes kid-friendly crayons, they make art tools that spark play. Their stained-glass-style pieces were also eye-catching and beautifully made.

Jen Ross

If you only glanced at Jen’s booth, you might think it was just cute. Look again. Everything is reclaimed, reused, and full of life. She’s telling real stories in layers of paint and paper and cloth.

We left with bags full of new napkins, journals, art, crayons, and joy. Our budget? Blown. Which was a bummer ’cause we weren’t done yet.

So we hopped in our little bleuberry and drove on over to 
Huddle 215 at 338 Brown St.

Step Outside @ Huddle 215

If you have only time for ours or another’s —> BillyPenn’s coverage of this exhibition is of course, way better..

RedHoundHeavyHammer

@RedHoundHeavyHammer is a Philadelphia-based artist known for his handcrafted approach to art, emphasizing traditional techniques and materials. His work includes fine art, stickers, patches, and prints, all created with meticulous attention to detail. Red Hound’s art is characterized by its integration of ink and wood, reflecting a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and labor. He often collaborates with other artists and has been a key figure in participating and even organizing interactive installations and exhibitions which amplify community if not straight up support it.
Step Outside being the most recent example but a Live CarePhilly favorite is the Grim Friday GRIMGRIMGRIM Art Show.

DoomedFuture

@DoomedFuture is the artistic moniker of CJ Recchia, a Philadelphia-based artist and designer. Established in 2015, Doomed Future is more than just a brand; it’s a philosophical exploration of impermanence and societal skepticism. Recchia channels themes of existentialism and material critique into his art, creating works that challenge viewers to contemplate the transient nature of existence. His creations span various mediums, including street art, apparel, and short films, all unified by a distinct visual language that often features bold graphics and thought-provoking slogans. Doomed Future has been instrumental in organizing community art events, such as the “Step Outside” exhibition, fostering collaboration among local artists.

PM Slaps

@PMSlaps (IG) / PMSlaps (Website) is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting creative expression in public spaces, particularly through street art. Founded by the sticker artist RoboQ4, PM Slaps aims to bridge the gap between digital content consumption and tangible art experiences. Through initiatives like the publication of Priority Mag, a zine showcasing street art and artist interviews, the organization fosters a vibrant and inclusive street art community. PM Slaps operates under the umbrella of United Street Art, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and engages in various projects, including distributing sketchbooks to artists and organizing community events, to support and empower street artists.

RoboQ4, the founder of PM Slaps, is a Philadelphia-based sticker artist known for his distinctive and thought-provoking street art. His work often features bold graphics and themes that challenge viewers to consider the role of art in public spaces. Through PM Slaps, RoboQ4 has created a platform that not only showcases street art but also supports the artists behind it, emphasizing the importance of community and creative expression.

If you’ve read this deep into this blog, it shows you care. So, while Live CarePhilly will 100% refuse to ever commercially endorse anyone/anything, we abso-fuckin-lutely endorse the 501(c)(3) Nonprofit PM Slaps as a fellow Philly chronicler. We really, really hope someone nominates and advocates for them in the M.A.C. Vote sooner than later. This org gives so much Love to our city and its culture, going into year three is make or break for a small nonprofit. Find ways to support them, please. 

Bob Will Reign

@BobWillReign is kinda sticker royalty (and one of my personal favorites). His hand-cut faces have grinned down from poles and walls for years. Internationally recognized, known for his involvement with the Sticky Bandits Crew.

Botanical Funk

@BotanicalFunk (IG) / BotanicalFunk (Website) is known for his vibrant, surreal illustrations that blend botanical motifs with funk-inspired elements. A graduate of the University of the Arts, he has been immersed in Philly’s street art, graffiti, and skate cultures for over 15 years. His work often features intricate, hand-drawn designs on unconventional surfaces like USPS Priority Mail labels and vintage license plates, reflecting a DIY ethos and a deep connection to urban art traditions. Also operating under the moniker “LISTEN”, his work emphasizes the importance of observation and introspection in both his art and personal philosophy. Through his brand, Botanical Funk, he continues to contribute to Philadelphia’s rich tapestry of street art and creative expression.

LavaLampBeBop

@LavaLampBeBop is a psychedelic pop artist who explores the world through vibrant colors and bold designs.

SnapKrackArt

SnapKrackArt is one whose work features dynamic compositions and vibrant colors, contributing to the energy of the street art community. Also known as SNAP or SK, is a multimedia artist currently based in Philadelphia. His work spans various mediums, reflecting a dynamic approach to art-making. As a teenager, he toured with hardcore bands, an experience that continues to influence his artistic expression.

A_Lacra_N

A_Lacra_N is an artist whose work often delves into themes of love and identity, blending visual art with musical influences and often reflecting a cultural commentary of personal lived experiences.  Romantic, poetic, and always vivid, A_Lacra_N’s work feels like a love letter and a riot note at the same time.

SeanLugo

@Sean9Lugo is a Philadelphia-based street artist known for his distinctive visual language: illustrated human bodies with pasted animal heads, often wearing luchador masks. His wheatpaste installations explore identity, migration, and resilience, frequently appearing in public spaces across Philly. Lugo uses his work to celebrate marginalized voices and build solidarity through visibility. Notably, he has collaborated with artists like Ishknits and Doomed Future to create community-driven pieces that engage public audiences and uplift neighborhood narratives.

Zuckadelphia

@Zuckadelphia is Philadelphia-based street artist whose work often features satirical and thought-provoking themes, contributing to the city’s rich graffiti culture.

QueerOnPaper

@QueerOnPaper is a queer artist focusing on paper-based art forms, exploring themes of identity and community within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Their art often involves paper-based mediums, creating pieces that resonate with personal and collective narratives.

PraiseDobler

@PraiseDobler is an artist whose work pays homage to pop culture icons, blending nostalgia with contemporary street art aesthetics. Praise Dobler is a Philadelphia street artist known for the recurring phrase “Praise Dobler” is found on stickers, scribbles, and spray-painted surfaces throughout the city. This message is a tip of the hat to Conrad Dobler, a former NFL player known for his rebellious spirit (or so we think..?).

SmugsBunny

@SmugsBunny is an artist known for their unique sticker art, blending pop culture references with original designs, contributing to the vibrant street art scene. And like comeon, just so f’in cute!

SepticTheOutlaw

@SepticTheOutlaw is a Philadelphia-based street artist renowned for their vibrant, surreal murals that often feature grotesque, cartoonish creatures and bold color palettes. Their work adorns various public spaces throughout North Philadelphia, contributing to the city’s dynamic street art landscape. A prime example is his mural outside Pilot Projects.

Baron_Phl

@Baron_Phl is a Philadelphia-based artist whose work often explores urban themes and the city’s cultural landscape, contributing to various street art projects.

DaveMattic

@Davemattic is a Philadelphia-based artist renowned for his distinctive graffiti lettering and vibrant, character-driven illustrations. His work often merges traditional graffiti aesthetics with contemporary design elements such as comicbooks, trading cards etc., creating pieces that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Additionally, his custom vinyl figure, “TeddyMattic,” was featured in the “Made IN Philly” exhibition at Mothership Toy Gallery, celebrating local talent and the city’s dynamic art.

…we really wish we could do a feature on every artist at this show, or even have room and time to include a shout out to them all. Check out StreetsDept.Com for more comprehensive Philly art urban coverage. For anyone who isn’t mentioned that might come across this, forgive us. Keep Philly dirty-beautiful, intentional and thoughtful way. Ok, that said…

The venue shift from the market to Huddle 215 brought a shift in tone too. From bright and breezy to seedy gritty, kinda haunted but sorta holy. And yet of course no less edifying, just as happy and upbeat. This is what’s so great about Philly art… its always DIY spirited but in community.  

This The Step Outside Show (BillyPenn article link) is more like an alter than an exhibit. Honoring an underbelly, the sticker-bombed mailbox, the scribbled wall… it personally reminded me of an old friend. I’m sure I’m not the only one to have looked around, missing AsAboveSoBelow. And as RedHoundHeavyHammer’s piece in back displayed, this scene is built on a siblinghood, often revering those siblings we’ve loved but had to lay down. 

This event respected everyone’s place, inviting anyone in to enjoy. It honored those of us who can’t draw, but are the audience who love the scribble taken seriously; who sees street the art, and hears its declaration. Because I can’t draw, but I am an avid observer. 

Held at Huddle215 and organized by Doomed Future and Red Hound Heavy Hammer, the Step Outside Show was electric. The space was dense with talent, walls layered with sticker work, paste-ups, vinyl stencils, tags, and tributes.

What does it mean to live in a city where this kind of day can just happen?

It means we’re rich, whether we have cash on hand or not. It means our people are weaving past, present, and protest into napkins, vinyl stickers, and journal covers. It means Philly isn’t trending. She’s growing. Out of cracks, through grief, beside laughter, and always with hands busy-busy. I love Philly.

Your Mom
Author: Your Mom