Well, 2009 was good to the arts corridor! Frankford Avenue witnessed the debut of 7 new businesses. Pirhana Betty’s Art Market, Extra Extra, Part Time Studio, Philadelphia Argentine Tango School, Bella Sera Cafe, F & N Gallery and Angel Studios. And the good news doesn’t stop there. Girard Avenue welcomed quite a few places as well. Enter the new Slingluff Gallery, Fishtown Airways, the Milk Crate Cafe and the Music Fountain, just to name a few. The Caterpillar, a seasonal outdoor performance venue, burst onto the Frankford Avenue scene offering residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy a pleasant evening and talented artists.  Every day it seems like something new and inviting is happening on these corridors.  First Fridays are bigger and better than ever thanks to the enthusiastic and growing particpation of merchants and artists each month.

The excitement continues into 2010. This will be a big year for Frankford Avenue. The corridor will see the opening of another sit down restaurant and a vintage boutique, two percent to golory. Fifteen commercial buildings on the corridor and along Norris Street will light up their facades to improve the sense of safety in the evening hours in the next few weeks. And let’s not forget that it’s finally here! The long awaited construction project that will transform the face of Frankford Avenue from York Street down to Palmer Park. Look out for new sidewalks, signage, street trees, 4 additional art racks, trashcans and two spectacular bus shelters. Keep your eyes peeled for a constructions schedule and an anticipated start date in the coming weeks.

While we missed the First Friday this month (we were still enjoying eggnog), some folks carried on with the usual festivities. Pirhana Betty’s Art Market featured sculpture, jewelry and paintings by Laurel Patterson on January 1st. Proximity Gallery hosted an opening reception for the 2nd Annual Neighborhood Group Show on January 3rd. And there is still plenty to do the coming weeks of this chilly month. Highwire Gallery is hosting its opening reception Friday, January 8th from 5- 9 pm. Heat things up next door at the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School  when you take the first class of a four week beginning tango dance session at 7 pm.  Meander across the street and check out the Part Time Studios crew and the  ’Polarbear Polaroid’ event. Hungry for more on Saturday? Mindy Kober’s solo show kicks off at an opening reception January 9th from 6-9 pm at Slingluff.