| Holidays: Penn-Style |
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November 22, 2011, Volume 58, No. 13
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Holiday Happenings at Penn |
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Shop Across the Continents at the Penn Museum: Discounts December 1-4
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A “Kachina” figurine, handmade by the Navajo people. |
From December 1 through 4, visitors to the Penn Museum’s two shops—the Museum Shop and the Pyramid Shop for children—can take advantage of a 10% discount on all purchases (Penn Museum members enjoy a 20% discount), during Holiday Shopping Savings Days. PennCard holders are entitled to a 15% discount in both of the Penn Museum shops!
Penn Museum’s shops feature a wide variety of multicultural gifts. Much of the shops’ inventory was obtained through fair trade practices that directly benefit artisans in developing countries and their communities around the world.
The Museum Shop
This year’s shop highlights begin in the continent of Africa, the focus of the Museum’s newest gallery project, Imagine Africa. From Malawi, a variety of vibrant potholders, placemats, and napkins from the fair trade company Dsenyo, created with a distinct method called “wax printing,” start at $12.99. From South Africa, a collection of colorful Zulu bowls and ornaments, woven from telephone wire, are priced from $10.99 to $129.99. Egyptian-themed figurines, coffee mugs, ornaments, and other great gift ideas abound for as low as $6.99.
Kevin Frietag, Museum Shop manager, noted that Kachina figures and Chaka pottery from Native American and Latin American artists are early shopper favorites. Dozens of handmade Kachinas, decorative figurines from the Navajo, are priced between $19.99 and $99.99. Fair trade Nicaraguan pottery—distinctive, artisanal vessels, each one bearing the photograph and name of the artist who designed and created it, run from $59.99 to $129.99. In addition, colorful backpacks and shoulder bags, handcrafted by Maya people of Guatemala, are priced from $39.99 to $99.99.
From the distant continent of Asia, vibrant sets of scarves from Nepal, Vietnam, and India are now featured in the Museum Shop for $29.99 to $49.99. For the home, visitors can peruse an assortment of decorative Chinese ceramic tea mugs and sculptures, ranging from $6.99 to $99.99.
The Museum Shop offers a rich selection of books, music and movies. Hardcover books feature topics from Greek mythology to Australian art. DVDs includes titles from PBS and National Geographic; the featured CD showcases Ethiopian and Eritrean musicians and singers.
The Pyramid Shop for children
For the kids on everyone’s shopping list, the Museum’s Pyramid Shop for children is featuring a new line of international games, such as Mancala, Senet, and Game of Ur, in a nod to the Year of Games, the University of Pennsylvania’s theme for the 2011-2012 academic year. Shoppers can find toys, stuffed animals, jewelry, and a wealth of children’s books about world cultures, ancient and modern, at this shop.
Visitors coming exclusively to the shops may come in for free. The Museum Shop is open during regular Museum hours. Hours for the Pyramid Shop are subject to change. For more information, visit the Museum’s website at www.penn.museum and click on “SHOP.” The phone number for the shops is (215) 898-4040.
16th Annual Peace Around the World
Celebrate the holiday season at this family-oriented afternoon on Sunday, December 4, 1-4 p.m. at the Penn Museum. Visitors receive a Passport to Cultures with an itinerary to visit galleries where International Classroom speakers share holiday traditions of their home countries. Music and dancing, exotic face painting, balloon art, family crafts, and free treats for children. Learn about the Penn Museum’s “Adopt an Artifact” program with a special activity for the family to enjoy. Free with Museum admission.
Shopping
Computer Connection Holiday Sale
The Penn Computer Connection’s annual Holiday Wishbook is now available, featuring gift ideas for all ages. Now through December 7, receive a $50 gift card with the purchase of an Apple iPad. And on December 8 and 9, in conjunction with the Penn Bookstore’s Salebration days, stop by the Computer Connection for special offers, raffle prizes, refreshments and giveaways. From December 8-31, buy any iPad and receive a free iPad 2 SmartCover valued at $39. To download a copy of the 2011 Holiday Wishbook, visit www.upenn.edu/computerstore
Penn Bookstore’s Salebration
Take advantage of the Penn Bookstore’s Salebration Thursday, December 8 and Friday, December 9. Save 20% on a selection of gift items including Penn branded merchandise, books, games and other items. Holiday festivities include a free professional photo taken in a winter scene setting (one per individual or group) from 2 to 5 p.m. both days and free hot chocolate and cookies served from 4 to 6 p.m. each day.
Holiday Book Sale
The Walnut Street West Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia will hold a book sale on Saturday, December 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The proceeds will go towards after school programs for youth and the acquisition of new books.
Performances
Annenberg Center Holiday Performances
Purchase tickets at www.annenbergcenter.org
Danú: An Nollaig in Éirinn—Friday, December 2. Celebrate a traditional Irish Christmas with Danú’s traditional but modern sound built around players of accordion, fiddle, flute and percussion; 7:30 p.m.; Zellerbach Theatre; $20-$45.
Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Salsa Navidad—Saturday, December 3. This family-friendly holiday program includes classic holiday songs with a Latin flair; Zellerbach Theatre; $20-$45
Holiday Dreams on Ice
Holiday Dreams on Ice; December 23 at 7 p.m, Class of 1923 Arena; tickets: www.holidaydreamsonice.com
World Cafe Live Holiday Performances
Tickets: www.worldcafelive.com
4th Annual Highkixmas Musical Extravaganza—Wednesday, December 21. West Philadelphia’s own HighKick will perform their musical “High on Christmas 2: The Rise and Fall of the Kick,” a tale full of comedy, Christmas miracles and timeless rock and roll. The group will be accepting canned food donations; Doors open 7 p.m.; Show begins downstairs 8 p.m.; $15.
New Year’s Eve with Philly Bloco—December 31. Philly Bloco’s 20+ members bring their mash-up of samba, funk and reggae for a very special New Year’s Eve dance party; $40, $30.
Activities
Holiday Garden Railway
The Morris Arboretum’s popular Holiday Garden Railway display returns November 25 and is open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with extended hours to 5 p.m. December 17 through December 31 (closed December 24 & 25). The display includes a quarter mile of track featuring bustling model trains, all set in the winter garden of the Morris Arboretum. The buildings are decorated for the holidays with twinkling lights.
The grand opening celebration will be held Saturday, November 26, 1-3 p.m. and will include the sounds of carolers. Kids and adults will also have the opportunity to make an ornament or decoration from natural materials to take home. A Holiday Hat Parade will be the kick off to the two week-extended hours visitation on December 17 at 4 p.m. Come in a cozy, festive hat and parade down to the Holiday Garden Railway from the Visitor’s Center. Free with regular garden admission. See www.morrisarboretum.org
Morris Arboretum Holiday Classes
Register: www.morrisarboretum.org
Holiday Wreath Making—Saturday, December 3. Create a wreath from fresh evergreen boughs. Section A: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Section B: 1:30-3:30 p.m.; $55, $45/members.
Decorated Holiday Tabletop Tree Arrangements—Thursday, December 8. Design your own tree from long lasting greens, and choose your colors for bows and glass balls with fresh flowers. Section A: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Section B: 6-8:30 p.m.; $60, $50/members.
Toys for Tots Holiday Skate
The Penn Ice Rink will host a Toys for Tots Holiday Skate at the Class of 1923 Arena on Saturday, December 17 at 5:45 p.m. and Sunday, December 18 at 1:30 p.m., free public skating admission with a donation to Toys for Tots.
Dining
University Club’s Holiday Reception
Dine before or after you shop at the Bookstore’s Salebration! The University Club will ring in the holidays with a special lunch on December 8 and 9, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. with holiday goodies and cheer! No reservations needed, seating is first-come, first-served. The event is open to members and non-members with a PennCard.
Winterfest Beer Tasting at World Cafe Live
Winterfest Beer Tasting—Monday, December 26. Sample the offerings of over 30 American craft breweries; 5-9 p.m.; $55 (ages 21+).
Special Events
Kwanzaa Celebration
The Makuu Black Cultural Center is hosting a Kwanzaa Celebration Dinner, Thursday, December 8, 6 p.m. in Hall of Flags, Houston Hall.
CA Christmas Party
The Christian Association’s annual Christmas Party will take place on Friday, December 9 at 5:30 p.m. for students, faculty and staff. |
