White Dog Cafe - Storytelling - Black Portraits as a Spiritual Lesson

New York artist, John Stachowicz, confesses that he was raised a racist and through an awakening incident at a job, was forced to confront the deep-rooted racial prejudices which he thought he had overcome. First inspired by the ‘Hero-Shirts’ that he observed on homeboys in Powelton Village as an art student at the U of Penn, he later began painting portraits of homeless African-American men. Now, after 10 years and over 1,000 paintings, he offers his work as both a way of making the homeless more visible, and as a source of personal spiritual renewal and inspiration. John will share both his story and many of his compelling paintings.

Storytelling night provides the opportunity to hear the life stories of a variety of peoples and gives voice to underrepresented groups such as ex-offenders, senior citizens, gays, youth, immigrants and homeless people. They also provide a forum to exchange perspectives at a personal level on experiences such as war, civil rights marches, parenting issues, and illness.

Optional à la carte dinner at 6pm is followed by storytelling at 7:30pm. Reservations recommended (215) 386-9224. Open seating at bar for drinks, snacks or desserts. Singles welcome at group tables.