Second Thursday

Join us for Second Thursday on April 9th!

RAY returns to Second Thursday with a fully activated building, opening Studio 105 for an evening of exhibitions, conversations, and open studios. As part of the broader neighborhood program across South and Olde Kensington, the night invites visitors to move through the space and engage directly with the artists, designers, and community partners who shape it.

Studio 105: Jordan McDonald, curated by Sonya Tamaddon

6–8 PM (talk at 6:30 PM)

On the occasion of Material Memory, a solo exhibition by Jordan McDonald, the artist will be in conversation with Philadelphia-based writer Robert Sullivan. Moderated by curator Sonya Tamaddon, the discussion will explore the material and conceptual foundations of McDonald’s practice, with a focus on its relationship to Philadelphia’s layered artistic and architectural histories. Bringing together McDonald’s research-driven approach with Sullivan’s deep knowledge of place, the program offers a closer look at the ideas shaping this new body of work.

About Jordan McDonald
Jordan McDonald is a Canadian-born, Philadelphia-based ceramic artist whose work is grounded in research and craft traditions. His work is held in public and private collections including the Gardiner Museum in Toronto and the Yingge Ceramics Museum in Taipei. He has taught at institutions including the Tyler School of Art, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and the Lunenburg School of the Arts.

About Robert Sullivan
Robert Sullivan is the author of numerous books including Rats, The Meadowlands, A Whale Hunt, and My American Revolution. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, A Public Space, and Vogue, and he is the recipient of a 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship.

About Sonya Tamaddon

Sonya Tamaddon is a curator and consultant working at the intersection of contemporary art and collectible design, with over a decade of experience across institutions like LACMA, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Desert X. Known for her cross-disciplinary curatorial approach, she has led acclaimed projects including Frieze Los Angeles’s Focus section and major international exhibitions, while advising global fairs and cultural platforms. Recognized as a key figure shaping creative culture, Tamaddon is overseeing Ray Studio 105’s curatorial program across Philadelphia and forthcoming locations.

Studio 106: Indie Photo

Join Indie Photo for an open portrait night. Visitors are invited to sit for a portrait, experiment with props and backdrops, or simply spend time in the studio engaging in conversation around photography, Philadelphia, and creative practice. Refreshments will be available, with an informal, drop-in atmosphere throughout the evening.

About the studio
Indie Photo is a film and digital photography studio focused on production, collaboration, and image-making as a shared experience.

Studio 107: South Kensington Community Partners

5–7 PM

South Kensington Community Partners opens its doors as a neighborhood resource hub during Second Thursday. Visitors can receive a free housing resources assessment, learn about eligibility for first-time homebuyer grants, and explore available home repair programs. Free tote bags will be available while supplies last.

About the organization
South Kensington Community Partners provides free and affordable housing resources to local residents, supporting access to homeownership, repair programs, and financial assistance.

Studio 108: Ori Floral Design

5–9 PM

Join Ori Floral Design for a relaxed evening of flowers, objects, and atmosphere. The studio will be open for browsing, with fresh seasonal arrangements and curated Japanese home goods available for purchase. Guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary drink while spending time in a space designed around calm, simplicity, and everyday beauty.

About the studio
Ori Floral Design is a floral studio offering seasonal arrangements alongside thoughtfully selected Japanese home goods. The space centers on creating a quiet, inviting environment where visitors can slow down and engage with material and form.

Studio 109: Wear To Wall

6–9 PM (performance at 8 PM)

Wear To Wall presents its final days in Philadelphia with an open studio and live performance. Visitors are invited to explore and acquire one-of-a-kind garments, wall-based works, and objects, culminating in a performance at 8 PM where the pieces activate as costume and prop.

About the practice
Wear To Wall is a project by interdisciplinary artist Shelby Donnelly, spanning garments, objects, and installations made from screen-printed, deadstock, and vintage textiles. The work extends into performance, where material becomes part of staged, living compositions.