What To Do: Get revved up for Auto Show

Also: Wyeth on display & will Phil see his shadow?

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times

Whether you’re a die-hard automobile fan, someone considering buying a new auto or just a person with a casual interest in modern vehicles, you should definitely consider visiting the 2016 Philadelphia International Auto Show which is running from January 30-February 7 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, 610 279-5229, www.phillyautoshow.com).

Even though the Philly Auto Show seems like it has been around forever, it never has been content to rest on its laurels. The popular annual event continually grows, evolves and re-invents itself with new attractions every year. The 2016 show will be the biggest yet with more than 700 vehicles — and more than 40 brands — on display under one roof.

This year’s 115th annual staging of the event features a 700,000 square foot display floor with a wide array of pre-production, production, exotic, classic, and concept cars. As one of the largest auto shows in the nation, the Philadelphia Auto Show annually welcomes approximately 250,000 attendees during its nine-day run.

The Philadelphia Auto Show is a showcase for the latest pre-production models. Some of the 2016 models that will be featured at this year’s event are the Alpha Romeo 4C Spider, Buick Envision, Mazda CX5, Dodge Charger Hellcat and Ford Focus RS.

Many of the newest concept models will be unveiled, including the Subaru Impreza Sedan and the Lexus Sema. Some of the featured exotic models will be Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, Maserati Quattroporte S Q4, Bentley Flying Spur V8 and Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2.

Camp Jeep will feature the Jeep Test Track, a 30,000-square-foot interactive adventure zone where professional 4×4 drivers allow riders to experience a Jeep’s on- and off-road capabilities. While they are waiting for their turn, guests can also try their hand at the 25-foot tall Jeep Climbing Wall and be entertained by the Jeep 0-60 Challenge, in which guests have 60 seconds to complete a Jeep-themed task.

This year’s DUB Live exhibit will include 125,000 square feet of the sickest custom cars, trucks and SUVs. Visitors can check out killer paint jobs, performance mods, rims, tints, and sound systems that cause a rumble in your belly.

On January 31, FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Carli Lloyd will host sessions with fans.

The 2016 Philadelphia Auto Show hours are noon-10 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturdays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on January 31 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on February 7. Tickets are $14 for adults (age 13 and up), $11 for active military, $7 for seniors and children (ages 7-12). Children age 6 and younger do not require a ticket.

The Wyeth family features a number of highly talented painters and many of the Wyeths have lived in the Chadds Ford area for years and years.

So, it’s only natural that the Wyeth family’s art has regularly been celebrated at museums and institutions around the Brandywine Valley — especially the Brandywine River Museum of Art (Route 1, Chadds Ford, 610-388-2700, www.brandywinemuseum.org).

The current Wyeth featured exhibit at the Brandywine River Museum is “Natural Selections: Andrew Wyeth Plant Studies.” If you’re interested in checking out this exhibit, you better hurry because it’s heading down the final straightaway. The exhibit will close on February 7.

The patriarch of the Wyeth family was N.C. Wyeth (1882-1945). The next generation of Wyeths produced Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009) and Carolyn Wyeth (1909-1994).

“Natural Selections: Andrew Wyeth Plant Studies” features a selection of Wyeth’s watercolor and pencil studies that highlight the beauty and intricacy of nature’s designs in fragmented views and isolated forms.

Throughout his seven-decade career, Andrew Wyeth made numerous studies in preparation for his finely worked egg tempera paintings and drybrush watercolors. These preliminary works, such as “Summer Freshet Study” (1942), show keen observation and an almost scientific approach with which he described the character and quality of the forms.

Wyeth’s extraordinary skill and investigative method drew upon the manner of European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer, artists Wyeth particularly admired.

The legendary artist’s studies also explore what he called his “messy” side. Drips, splatters, pools of color, jittery lines, scrapes, and scratches, and bravura brush strokes convey the expressive energy and emotion he felt towards the landscape and make his images come alive.

This is the second in a series of focused exhibitions at the Brandywine River Museum of Art on the work of Andrew Wyeth. These exhibitions complement the Andrew Wyeth gallery in which many iconic temperas and watercolors are shown.

The Brandywine River Museum of Art is open daily from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (ages 65 and over), $6 for students and children (ages 6-12) and free for children (under six) and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art members.

Chester County has many art shows throughout the year and one of the most anticipated is Malvern Retreat House’s Art Show (McShain-Horstmann Family Life Center, 315 South Warren Avenue, Malvern, 610-644-0400, www.MalvernRetreat.com).

While many shows are just weekend events, Malvern Retreat House’s Art Show 2016 spans a full five days — from February 3-7. The ambitious show will have more than 500 original works of art by more than 100 professional artists. The special feature this year is “Glass Art” featuring an array of artists who have glass as their specialty.

One of the talented glass artists is Mirjam Seeger, whose work has appeared in numerous places, including many churches around the country, a prestigious law office and the Union League in Philadelphia. Seeger spent about 20 years creating stained glass art professionally, but she has now branched out into other glass techniques and is bringing a different glass art form to Malvern.

Another featured artist will be Chester County’s Richard Bollinger. The local artist began his career in the commercial illustration field where he created drawings for elementary school workbooks and for “Ranger Rick” magazine.

Bollinger transitioned into work as a painter, and today his art is represented in more than 125 galleries and at places such as Valley Forge National Park where he made a commemorative painting for the park’s 100th anniversary.  Much of Bollinger’s art is inspired by scenery in Chester County.

Each piece of artwork will be available for purchase and show attendees will be able to shop for items in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and glasswork.

There is an added incentive to purchase art at this event. A portion of the sales will benefit Malvern Retreat House.  There is no Pennsylvania sales tax and 35 per cent of all artwork purchased is tax deductible. 

The free show runs from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. from February 3-6 and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on February 7.

As an added attraction, there will be a “Wine and Cheese Reception” on February 4 from 5-8 p.m. Also a free event, the social gathering features a complimentary wine and cheese reception along with the opportunity for patrons to meet some of the participating artists. 

If you’re the kind of person who likes to “monkey around” — or if you were born in 1920, 1924, 1928, 1932, 1936, 1940, 1944, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964. 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 or 2016 — this is your year. The Chinese New Year has arrived — bringing with it the “Year of the Monkey.”

The Chinese zodiac is a rotating cycle of 12 years in which each year is represented by a specific animal and its characteristics — rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

2016 is the “Year of the Monkey” according to Chinese zodiac. More specifically, 2016 is the year of the Red Fire Monkey. Chinese apply five elements (Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth) into the Chinese calendar. The color of Fire is connected to Red.

2016 is the 4713th Chinese Year. According to Chinese Horoscope calendar, the first day of Red Monkey is on February 4, 2016. Monkey is the ninth animal in 12 zodiac signs and an animal in the first of Metal Cycle. Monkey, Chicken and Dog are in the cycle of Metal.

Monkey is a smart, naughty, wily and vigilant animal. People born in the “Year of the Monkey” are generally believed to be smart, clever and intelligent, especially in their career and wealth. They are lively, flexible, quick-witted and versatile.

In addition, their gentleness and honesty bring them an everlasting love life. Although they were born with enviable skills, they still have several shortcomings, such as an impetuous temper and a tendency to look down upon others.

On January 30, there will be a special event in Philadelphia to welcome in the “Year of the Monkey” when the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (33rd and Spruce streets, Philadelphia, 215-898-4000, www.penn.museum) hosts its 35th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The popular annual event in Philadelphia will feature celebrations of Chinese culture and New Year traditions throughout the day with programs and activities for all ages, including children’s workshops, storytelling, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts exhibitions and martial and healing arts demonstrations.

There will be dance performances by Little Mulan Dance Troupe, Chinese music demonstrations with Kurt Jung and Qin Qian, a Falun Gong presentation, a Tai Chi workshop, a Kung Fu demonstration, and a Tangram Workshop.

The annual celebration will conclude, as always, with the “Lion Dance.” Lion dancers and drummers begin inside at 3:45 p.m. and, weather permitting, wind their way outside for a firecracker finale.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for senior citizens, $10 for students and free for children (under 6).

Bleak mid-winter days tend to make people cold and hungry. People in cold climates around the world are aware that a great way to get rid of the hunger and warm up is to sit down with a hot bowl of soup.

Sweden is definitely a cold-climate country with more than its share of bitter winter weather. As a result, the Swedish people are well aware of the nutritional and therapeutic benefits of hot soup.

In recognition of this, the American Swedish Historical Museum (1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-389-1776, http://www.americanswedish.org) will hold its annual Pea Soup and Punsch Supper on January 30.

This Saturday, visitors to the museum in South Philadelphia are invited to shake off the chill and warm up Swedish style with an evening of steamy soup and strong drink. This annual event, which is known as Ärtsoppa och Punschin Sweden, is hosted by the museum’s Pea Soup Committee.

Attendees will break bread together over a quintessential Swedish meal of pea soup and punsch, which is a sweet and strong Arrack liquor-based drink. Arrack, a strong Indian liquor, was imported from Java and became the base ingredient for making punsch, which has 25 per cent alcohol by volume and 30 per cent sugar.

This hearty meal, which also includes sharp cheese, bread and dessert, is inspired by a tradition that dates back to medieval times. On Thursday nights, the people of Sweden would eat this filling meal before beginning the weekly Friday fast.

Tickets for the Pea Soup and Punsch Supper are $25 each. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (215) 389-1776.

February is African American History Month and the National Constitution Center National Constitution Center (525 Arch Street, Independence Mall, Philadelphia, 215-409-6700, www.constitutioncenter.org) is honoring it with a number of special events and attractions that are running now through the end of February.

During the month of February, the National Constitution Center will paying tribute to the achievements and the courageous sacrifices made by African Americans throughout history as they strived to become recognized as an integral part of “We the People.” 

Activities at the Center will feature interactive programming designed for visitors of all ages. There will be artifacts highlighting important moments in African American history including a rare printing of the Emancipation Proclamation which was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

The “Breaking Barriers Show” looks at the lives of Thurgood Marshall, Bessie Coleman, Jackie Robinson, and other extraordinary African Americans throughout history to provide insight into the issues they faced and the rights they secured for all Americans. 

On the “Self-Guided African American History Tour”, visitors can tour the Center’s main exhibition “The Story of We the People” and discover important moments in African American history through historical artifacts.

Some of the featured attractions on the tour are rare, signed copies of the Thirteenth Amendments and Emancipation Proclamation, President Obama inauguration artifacts, The American National Tree (featuring influential African Americans including Paul Robeson, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ward Connerly and Muhammad Ali) and an original printing of the Supreme Court’s controversial Dred Scott decision.

As part of our interactive daily programming in February, visitors can test their knowledge of African American history at the museum’s “Giant Game Board.” Children and families compete to see who can cross the finish line first.  Participants serve as game pieces as they roll the giant dice, answer questions and work their way across the board.

As an added attraction, the Center is offering a special “Winter Sale” on admission. Now through March 31, tickets are only $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Every year, Groundhog Day is February 2 and the nation focuses its attention on Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and the activity of the groundhog “Punxsutawney Phil.”

When February 2 arrives, Phil comes out of his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob to predict the weather for the rest of winter. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.

Fortunately, you don’t have to make a five-hour drive to Punxsutawney to get in the spirit of Groundhog Day. On January 30, you can take a short trip the Lancaster County Parks Environmental Center (One Natures Way, Lancaster, 717-295-2055, http://web.co.lancaster.pa.us) for a special one-day event.

On Saturday from 10-11:30 a.m., naturalist Mary Ann Schlegel will lead “G is for Groundhog,” an event that looks at some facts and whimsy about these common rodents. After examining groundhog skulls and mounts, the activity will conclude with a walk to explore some groundhog holes.

The program is an all-ages event but children must be accompanied by adults. Admission to the event is $1.

This weekend, the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Chester County (610-269-5499, www.gsschesco.org) will present four performances of “The Mikado.” The show will be performed at West Chester University’s Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre (Swope Music Building, 817 South High Street, West Chester) from January 29-31.

“The Mikado” is a comic opera in two acts that opened in 1885 in London where it ran at the Savoy Theater for 672 performances — the second longest run for any work of musical theatre and one of the longest runs of any theatre piece up to that time. It remains the most frequently performed Savoy Opera.

The story of “The Mikado” focuses on a young man named Nanki-Poo who has banished himself from the little town of Titipu. Nanki-Poo has fallen in love with a beautiful young lady called Yum-Yum. Unfortunately, Yum-Yum is engaged to be married to her guardian — the tailor Ko-Ko. This sets the scene for a wild array of bizarre events.

Performances are scheduled for January 29 at 8 p.m., January 30 at 2 and 8 p.m. and January 31 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $23 for adults, $19 for seniors and $10 for children (ages 7-21).

The immensely popular movie “Frozen” has been out for quite some time but kids still can’t get enough of anything even remotely related to the Disney’s blockbuster movie.

On January 30, the Fair Hill Nature Center (630 Tawes Drive, Elkton, Maryland, 410-398-4909, www.fairhillnature.org) will host an special activity called “Frozen Fantasy.” The event, which includes activities and themes based on the film “Frozen,” will run from 9 a.m.-noon.

Featuring crafts and outdoor activities, the family-oriented event is geared for children ages 5 and older. Tickets are priced at $12. Pre-registration is recommended and can be done by calling 410-398-4909 or registering online at www.fairhillnature.org/upcoming-events.html.

Another celebration of the season of cold weather is scheduled for January 30 in Philly. “Winterfest Live!” will be held from 3-7 p.m. at Xfinity Live! Philadelphia (1100 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, www.xfinitylive.com).

The event, which is also billed as “The Great Philadelphia Winter Craft Beer Festival,” will feature a number of beer gardens — six spectacular areas with more than 150 craft beers from 75 breweries available for unlimited sampling.

The beer selection will range from winter warm-up lagers to porters and stouts. Tickets will also include access to The Bourbon Barn and The Whiskey & Cider Lounge with whiskey samples, bourbon beers & hard ciders.

Other attractions at the third annual staging of the event include live DJs, a variety of local bands onstage, fun-filled contests in Victory Beer Hall, outdoor fire pits, games, activities, prizes and giveaways. Tickets, which are $45 ($20 for designated drivers), include a souvenir beer stein, access to the official after party and free parking.

January 30 is also the day that Barnaby’s Ridley & The Heritage Ballrooms (2107 MacDade Blvd., Holmes,  610-522-5400, http://www.barnabysridley.com) will be hosting “Freezefest  ’16.”

The event, which runs from noon Saturday until 2 a.m., will feature more than 15 live bands and DJs along with 10 themed rooms. It will also host a giant outdoor ice bar, food court, photo booth, custom heated tents, three giant ballrooms, beer pong and baggo tournaments, giveaways, local and national celebrity guests and interesting drink specials.

The headline act is Brian Quinn from the Seattle-based band Candlebox. Some of the other bands slated to perform at Freezefest are High Five Swan Dive, The Chatter Band and The Crybabies.

Freezefest will support Vest-A-Cop and Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial Fund. Tickets are $20 at the gate.