For 10 years, Southeast Asia came to Philadelphia each November via From Bali to Bala: An Open House and Sale of Laura F. Cohn's Contemporary Batik Paintings and Original Indonesian Handcrafts, in my Bala Cynwyd home and studio.  After such a long, successful tenure, my show outgrew my home and studio space needed larger horizons to flourish.  In partnership with Mark Carson, I move my annual show in 2006 to Carson Wood Furnishings in Manayunk, a direct importer of a wide variety of distinctive furniture from China and Southeast Asia.

From Bali to Bala offers a unique cross-cultural event, combining the traditional with the contemporary. In addition to my unique batik paintings, I show an unusual collection of imported handcrafts that I collect on my annual trip back to my beloved Indonesia each year. Wooden masks hang, instruments and children’s toys inspire, rich fabrics and sarongs drape, silver and jewelry bedazzle, puppets dance, and many other treasures to discover – all reasonably priced and on sale in time for the holidays. I enhance the exhibit with the sounds, smells, and flavors of Indonesia, to both intrigue and inform visitors about this distant and mysterious land.

I am passionate about sharing information on Indonesia with my Philadelphia-area neighbors. Now, more than ever, we need to learn how people live and feel in foreign lands. Through From Bali to Bala, you can learn about the culture, music, sights, foods, and exquisite handcrafts of Indonesia, without having to travel 12,000 miles to get there. Let me do the schlepping for you, just come and enjoy my bounty!

In keeping with my commitment to Indonesia, a portion of the proceeds each year is donated to a different nonprofit organization in Indonesia, one that is committed to providing resources to those less fortunate then us.

...Laura creates a shopping experience that nurtures the body and soul, offering teas, and delicacies, as one browses through her art and the creations of the Balinese, surrounded by Balinese music. ...

Gail

Laura’s 'From Bali to Bala' home sale is such a wonderful tradition of
the holiday season! Her warm and lovely home is a very cozy backdrop
for all of her original batiks and crafts from Bali.
...

Bernadette

Read More Testimonials>