Philadelphia’s Space 1026 is hosting a week’s worth of events leading up to their annual art auction! Space 1026 is, as they explain themselves as a “fourteen-year-old experiment”: it is a member-run gallery collaborating to construct a creative venue.

There’s a whole range of events planned for the week. Ever wonder what an artist’s studio actually looks like? On Sunday 4 December, Space 1026 is opening up its studios to the public. Studio tours are normally restricted to curators and other artists, but here is a rare opportunity to see what an artistic practice actually looks like. Then on 5 December, is the art auction’s preview party complete with a  performance by The New Dreamz, local artists known for their short plays and comedy routines. Wednesday is Dan Vetrano’s Sketch Playground, a local variety show with complete with improv, impersonations, and practical jokes. This week there will also be film screenings, drag shows, more music, and of course, lots of art, all culminating in Friday’s auction. Proceeds from the December 9th auction will go to supporting Space 1026, a gallery with a mission of making art accessible.

Work in Friday’s auction, all images courtesy of Space 1026

Work in Friday’s auction

Some of the donated works can be previewed online and are diverse in medium. In fact, Joanna S. Quigley is auctioning off the opportunity of marriage. That is, she has donated her services to officiate a wedding ceremony. Last year, Quigley auctioned off a date…with herself. But this year, she offers her abilities to officiate any type of wedding ceremony and will, if asked, include costumes and performance.

Joanna S. Quigley’s auction donation: to officiate a marriage

The annual art auction at Space 1026 is a fabulous way to support local artists and the growing art scene in Philadelphia. But even if you don’t want to purchase anything, here’s a chance to enter into another side of Philadelphia, one that is a bit grungier and a little less refined — though by no means lacking in talent –than anything a formal institution can offer.

For a complete list of events, visit Space 1026