Also this issue:

Worlds of Wonder
“Cabinets of Curiosities” is a magical journey through time and spaces.
-Robin Rice

20/20 Vision
Snyderman Gallery celebrates 20 years in the furniture business.
-Lori Hill

“A Night at the Casbah”
-Lori Hill

Baseball panel discussion
-Andrew Milner

Louis Faurer: A Photographic Retrospective
-John Vettese

Sherman Alexie
-John Freeman

Frankie Avalon
-Interview by A.D. Amorosi

A Picasso
-David Anthony Fox

June 12-18, 2003

artpicks

Bloomsday Celebration

Even without a working knowledge of Ulysses, even if the Modern Library Association didn't declare it the 20th century's greatest work of English literature, even if James Joyce weren't a legend in letters, Bloomsday at the Rosenbach would be a main attraction. The block shuts down for seven hours for the free and open-to-the-public festivities, the only international holiday in recognition of a specific work of art. Over 70 Philadelphia celebrities read selections from Joyce's doorstop of a novel, putting themselves in the world of Leopold Bloom for just a few passages (this year, the list includes Sam Katz, Ken Kalfus, Marty Moss-Coane and, of course, Carlota and Chumley). Actress Drucie McDaniel reprises her role as Molly Bloom, Leopold's wife. Songs from the novel will be performed, and a special exhibition will be on display in the museum, the repository of the original manuscript and Joyce's notes. Sebastianne Mundheim and co. bring back A Potable Joyce: A Watered Down Version of Ulysses (pictured) for four limited-seating performances. Delancey Place becomes O'Connell Street for one day a year, and Leopold's strolls by the quays and pubs of Dublin feel a little closer to home.

Bloomsday Celebration, Mon., June 16, noon-7 p.m., free, 2000 block of Delancey Place, 215-732-1600.

—Lori Hill