The October Gallery’s 28th Annual Philadelphia International Art Expo was recently held at the 7165 Lounge located on Philadelphia’s historic Germantown Avenue. Hundreds of locals and visitors from out of town enjoyed an eclectic mix of activity, with art as the focal point, during the weekend long event. Mercer andEvelyn Redcross co-founded October Gallery nearly three decades ago.

“The Philadelphia Art Expo attracts art lovers and attendees from all over the country and is one of the nation’s oldest African American Art Expos,” said Mercer. “Our show is an art hot spot for gallery owners, art dealers, interior decorators, art collectors, families and friends who wish to be a part of and share a rich art experience while discovering exciting new works of art from established and emerging artists.”

Treasured works by artists such as Don Stephens, Edwin Lester, Annie Lee, Romare Bearden, Charles White,Andrew Turner, Charles Bibbs, Leroy Campbell, Cal Massey, Austino Okafor, George Nock, Kelvin Henderson, Timothy Caison and Graylin Anderson were featured at this year’s expo.

The show was a forum for dealers, collectors and buyers to access hundreds of innovative works produced by artists and galleries from around the globe. Philadelphia Art Expo selects some of the most renowned artists as exhibitors and showcases their original prints, paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, giclee, lithographs, posters, glass works and more, all accessible under one roof.

The Art Expo 2013 also included an art education series. When speaking with Mercer Redcross, he stressed that education has always been the cornerstone of the Art Expo. Educating the public about art and its benefits to the community is what differentiates this art show from other art expos, art fairs and art festivals. The expo education series offered three days of meetings and seminars on a variety of subjects such as “Artas an Investment,” “ What is YourArt Worth,”“Framing Tips”and “Art in the Community.” In addition to art education, RAFFI Institute presented a special program; Re- energize, Recharge, and Renew your Health and Vitality using ancient techniques.

The expo ended on Sunday with a performance by actor, composer, singer and minister Clifton Davis.

There was also an enjoyable Monnette Sudler benefit concert to support the popular musician who is awaiting a lung transplant. Funds were raised to assist her with medical expenses. The concert, hosted by Jeff Duperon of WRTI-FM, featured Odean Pope, Sonia Sanchez, Lee Smith, Sharon Katz, Sherry Butler, Barbara Walker,Webb Thomas, John Blake, Charles Beasley, Kenzel Honesty, Trapeta Mayson, Barbara Mills and many more.

The increasingly popular 7165 Lounge has become the place to be when it comes to relaxing and dining while enjoying live entertainment ranging from Salsa to Friday night’s classic oldies hosted by Doug HendersonofWDAS Radio, to jazz and more. The house was packed when jazz aficionados came out for the Sunday jazz brunch featuring Damon Williams, Masha T, Art Fischman Quintet, Al Jackson and Like Minds.