Wanted: Willy Wonka is looking for his Charlie to lead philosophy/discussion group in coffee house setting once a month. Required skills include a love of art, new ideas, and an appreciation for stimulating conversation.

Local artist, Todd Marrone has been organizing Socrates Cafe for about three years and is currently looking for a partner in crime to help lead discussions and meetings. The concept of this discussion series stems from the book of the same name by Christopher Phillips who was a professor of philosophy. Phillips had become disgruntled about the state of how philosophy was being taught; he felt academic students were trained to regurgitate old ideas instead of developing new concepts of thought. He decided to travel across the country holding “Socrates Cafes” where people could come together and hold discussions. He went everywhere including bingo halls and prisons. The conversation’s jumping point would be an abstract question and everyone in attendance was welcomed comment.

Marrone continues this tradition on third Monday of every month at MilkBoy Acoustic in Bryn Mawr. He creates an informal environment that makes people of all mindsets and ages feel welcome. While some people do have an academic based philosophy background, the group is more focused on freethinking and non-traditional concepts of philosophy. The group can range from just 2 to 3 people or be as large as 25. Marrone starts the group out by directing them to write an abstract question on an index card and then the group democratically votes on what question to discuss. He feels by coming up with a concept on site it will allow for more “organic” thoughts. Marrone, who is also a middle school art teacher, has a way of getting everyone to have a say in the discussion. He calmly deters people who monopolize the conversation and helps break down the question when the crowd starts out on the quiet side. People are also welcome to just come and absorb .

The goal is for attendees to be stimulated by the conversation. Marrone says it may be “daunting after a day of work but participating wakes you up.” Ideas can make a person feel alive and allows them to be more immersed in things, whether it is life or art. Marrone says, “There’s enough room for everyone to participate.”

Join the discussion on Monday, June 17 at 7 p.m. at MilkBoy in Bryn Mawr.
If you are interested in becoming a group leader you can contact Todd Marrone.

In 2007, Hanna Williams was one of my most talented middle school art students. In 2010, she’s one of my most talented collaborators. We’ve joined forces to create a series of conjoined paintings, join us and enjoy.

Friday, June 4th, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
MilkBoy Coffee Acoustic
824 W. Lancaster Ave. Bryn Mawr, PA

“Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master.” – Leonardo da Vinci

Join Bevan “Lightborn” McShea and I at MilkBoy Coffee on 1/22 as we reinterpret 2001: A Space Odyssey via turntables, paint and easels. Stick around as Bevan “Starhaven” McShea releases his new record, Iron Light.

David Robinson • Main Line Times • November, 2008

The phrase “passing the torch” may bring to mind the vision of our ancestors moving through darkened caves, with tiring elders handing the flame of leadership to the next generation. In the art world, “passing the torch” might be thought of as the moment when ancient hands drawing beasts and visions on cave walls pause to take the torch from eager apprentices and hand them charcoal and umber to begin their artistic journey.

MilkBoy Coffee in heart of Ardmore, will be the site of such an exchange First Friday, Dec. 5 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Welsh Valley Middle School’s charismatic art teacher, Todd Marrone, will be passing the torch to the young artist, Lower Merion senior Emmett DeMuzio.

“I went to the Lower Merion High School Art Showcase to see the student work,” Marrone explained. “I go to see what the high school’s are teaching, so I know how to prepare my middle school students for the high school art programs. I also go to catch up on the high school work of my former students… and it’s always a treat to see the art. The shows showcase senior art, but also include the lower grades, and I was really impressed with Emmett’s work and drawn to his style. It’s rare to see such stylistic strength at such a young age. He has a surrealistic flavor. His work is character driven, very graphic and shows a great deal of imagination. I guess it also comes down to what I like and seek in other artists.”

Marrone e-mailed DeMuzio’s art teacher to arrange a meeting, but year end school activities got in the way of meeting, and then DeMuzio went off to a summer painting course at the Rhode Island School of Design. DeMuzio has been serious about his art since middle school and has taken previous summer courses at Moore and the Philadelphia Academy.

“This fall, we finally connected and I saw his sketchbook and thought it would be interesting to do something together,” Marrone explained. Marrone’s work includes drawing and graphic design ranging from skateboards to T-shirts, and performance art. “I’ve done a few shows at MilkBoy for the past three years, and when I was asked back this year, I immediately thought of collaborating with Emmett, because he will bring a new energy and audience,” he said.

The MilkBoy performance art program will feature Marrone and DeMuzio working on stage along with the music of D.J. Lightborn and the four piece band, The Levelheads.

“We will have easels on both sides of the stage and work during the music,” Marrone explained. “We may do as many as 40 improvisational pieces, and we’ll have some hanging art for sale.

“Passing the Torch,” at MilkBoy Coffee (across from Radio Shack on Lancaster Avenue), is free and for all ages, as part of First Friday on the Main Line.

I’m proud to announce an upcoming two-man show featuring the work of a very talented Lower Merion High School student, Emmett DeMuzio. Emmett and I will have artwork on display throughout the month of December at MilkBoy Coffee in Ardmore.

Join us on the evening of December 5th for a First Friday reception featuring live art and music.