Works of Don Hughes with Street Painting by Mikey Madnez & Performances by Rickshon and Poetic D_Vice to Open at Salsita Studio in Philadelphia December 12th

    PHILADELPHIA, December 02, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The works of award-winning illustrator Don Hughes are the focus of the second showing in the Salsita Studio Series on Saturday, December 12th at 6 PM. The series, sponsored by artist and curator Niki Bombshell and advertising and marketing firm CrowdConnect Group, is a year-long showcase highlighting emerging artists at Salsita Studio in Philadelphia.

"I grew up influenced by the street art found through my Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood," Hughes explained, "and now I utilize a variety of mediums, from acrylics to aerosol, to make unwanted objects wanted again."

Hughes' artwork will be complemented with spoken word performances by Rickshon and Poetic D_Vice, and live street painting by Mikey Madnez. Madnez, whose work has been featured by Canadian chain Roots, will raffle his completed piece, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit canine-related charity Pinups for Pitbulls.

Rickshon will feature his mixtape The Prodigal Son, and Poetic D_Vice, a resident of nearby Camden, will display his poetry and photography.

"We're delighted to sponsor this series and bring to light the wonderful works of Don Hughes, Mikey Madnez and our spoken word artists," said Patrick Diogenia, Founding Partner of CrowdConnect Group. "Art, in all its forms, is a vital component of the human experience, and it's especially important to encourage the appreciation of art during an economic downturn such as the one we're experiencing now."

Mikey Madnez's appearance is additionally made possible by a grant from art retailer Utrecht.

The event takes place Saturday, December 12th at Salsita Studio, 1624 South Street in Philadelphia, from 6 to 9 PM. Admission is free for all. Music will be provided by DJ Jimmy Drama and catering by Kebab House, Philadelphia.

Hughes' work will remain on display at the studio until January 23rd and will be available for private showings, by appointment only.

The next show in the series will feature the paintings of Kristen Burtoft and will open on Saturday, January 30th.

For additional information, please call 215-825-7699 or email [email protected].

ABOUT DON HUGHES

Artist Don Hughes grew up in an artistic environment and soon endeavored to make art himself, principally through the objects he discovered on streets and alleys in his hometown of Philadelphia. While Mr. Hughes also works with paint on a traditional canvas, his most treasured pieces remain the found objects, because, as Hughes puts it, "Taking unwanted objects and making them wanted is one of the supreme pleasures of my life."

To learn more about Don's work, please contact the Office of Patrick Diogenia, CrowdConnect Group, 609-945-2345.


ABOUT SALSITA STUDIO

Salsita Studio is perhaps the only arts center to function as a dance studio, art gallery and event space, celebrating all facets of the visual and performing arts. In addition to showcasing contemporary and emerging artists in the Salsita Studio Series, the studio, headed by University of Pennsylvania alumna Athena Aktipis, also offers both private and group instruction from world-class instructors in yoga, hip hop, ballet, and, of course, salsa dancing.

Find more information at salsitastudio.com or by calling 267-687-6886.


ABOUT CROWDCONNECT GROUP

CrowdConnect Group, a marketing and advertising firm with its principal offices in Princeton, NJ, sets small-and-medium-sized retail, hospitality, media and entertainment businesses on a path to success through its innovative BrandWise program and by focusing senior talent on every client, not just the partners' favorites. At CrowdConnect, every client is a "favorite".

Their holistic approach, covering everything from marketing strategy and public relations to management consulting, operations, IT and corporate social responsibility, has achieved results for clients such as the City of Philadelphia, Knight Ridder (now McClatchy) and scores of independent businesses.

Visit crowdconnect.com and blog.crowdconnect.com for the latest marketing and advertising news and tips to help your business succeed in a stagnant economy.


ABOUT PINUPS FOR PITBULLS

Pinups for Pitbulls was founded by beautiful burlesque performer Little Darling and educates the public about the breed, raises awareness about Breed Specific Legislation and raises funds for breed-friendly rescues and dogs in need.

Last year Pinups for Pitbulls raised and donated nearly $20,000 for rescue groups, spay/neuter programs, and dogs in need of medical attention. The organization has been featured front-page on several national newspapers, in magazines, on television and radio including CBS and NPR and was featured as one of Discovery.com's top eight videos of 2008.

Pinups for Pitbulls merchandise and calendars will be for sale on show night, December 12th, and all cash donations are tax deductible. Pinups for Pitbulls is a 501(c)3 Public Charity.

For more information about Pinups for Pitbulls please visit pinupsforpitbulls.com.


ABOUT KEBAB HOUSE

S&H Kebab House provides an upscale dining experience with the best in traditional Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as Mediterranean seafood. Executive Chef Hussein Yuksel has garnered rave reviews from none other than Craig LaBan of the Philadelphia Inquirer, who raves "This Turkish grill...is all about spot on, homemade Ottoman classics."

The restaurant is located at 611 E Passyunk Avenue in Philadelphia, just off of South Street. For information or to make a reservation, please call 267-629-3214 or visit kebabhouseonline.com.


Forward Thinking Statement

Portions of this press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events and undertakings of the Salsita Studio Series, its affiliates and sponsors. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from any future performance suggested in such statements. The Salsita Studio Series does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Company urges you to consider all of these risks, uncertainties and other factors carefully in evaluating these forward-looking statements made in this release and not to place undue reliance on such statements. As a result of these and other matters, including changes in facts, assumptions not being realized or other circumstances, our actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update it to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

# # #