A magician rode a unicycle through a garden in the back of 254 W. Walnut Lane Saturday evening, watched intently by children who were marveling at his act. Nearby, other guests leisured outdoors in a backyard garden as they enjoyed the first rain-free day in some time and waited for people who were walking around the garden holding paintings to come to their tables.

"We're bringing the art to you," said Mt. Airy Art Garage President and co-Founder Linda Slodki, as she carried paintings around for guests to admire.

The event, called "Art Under the Stars," was a fundraiser for the art garage, which is soon planning on opening permanently inside 9-11 W. Mt. Airy Ave. It recently received building permits that will allow it to do so, and received approval from the city Zoning Board of Adjustment as well.

Guests had the opportunity to bid on works of art, as well as on other items. The funds will allow the art garage to open in the the 1,000 foot space, and will enable it to incorporate seven artist studios into the building.

The art garage will also establish workshops where artists can come together to be creative.

"We are in the process of building a vision that is driven by all professional artists with the focus being in Northwest Philadelphia," Slodki said as she addressed people at the event.

The 1 1/2 year old garage has 65 member artists.

To see more from the event, which also featured two bands—St. Mad and Not My Dog (aka Hastie Band)—check out the photos to the right.