Nothing says “exciting” and “holidays” like the return of From Bali to Us to Philadelphia. Once again, batik artist and educator Laura Cohn opensher magical Indonesian bazaar, art show, and special events for a limited time: October 30 to December 24, 2026. This year we’ve returned to – 8514 Germantown Avenue – that is spacious and in the heart of Chestnut Hill, perfect to host our special cultural events.
More than ever, unique special activities enliven the show, with opportunities for learning through taste, touch, dancing, music-making, and more. This year, From Bali to Us offers a particularly diverse selection of Indonesian treasures, all handpicked by Cohn herself in a recent trip to Indonesia, crafted by talented artisans there, and imported directed by Cohn from their villages to Philadelphia.
A press release appears below for your convenience. Please let me know if you have any questions and thank you!
From Bali to Us
Laura Cohn, artist – educator – importer
FROM BALI TO US celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year!
Oct. 30 – Dec. 24 8514 Germantown Ave. Chestnut Hill
It started in a living room. In 1996, batik artist Laura Cohn invited friends and neighbors over to shop the handmade treasures of the Indonesian artisans she’d come to know. Thirty years later, From Bali to Us has become one of Philadelphia’s most anticipated holiday traditions: a bazaar, art show, and cultural gathering place that has brought the crafts & life of Indonesians to generations of culture-curious customers.
The show outgrew the house, moved to a storefront in Manayunk, and in 2009 arrived in Chestnut Hill at the former Magarity Car Dealership, where Balinese kites aloft in 12-foot showroom windows stopped passers-by in their tracks. Seventeen years on, Chestnut Hillers count down the days until they can find the perfect sarong, necklace, or handmade ornament for their holiday gift list.
This year, From Bali to Us will run from October 30 through December 24 at 8514 Germantown Avenue. As always, every piece is fair trade and hand-picked by Cohn herself on her annual springtime trip to Indonesia, crafted by artisans she has known for decades, and imported directly from their villages to Philadelphia. Visitors will find themselves transported with countless intricate carvings, textiles, unusual toys for children, and Cohn’s own bespoke contemporary batik paintings.
Much has changed in thirty years, but the passion behind the show has not. Cohn still travels to Indonesia herself, still buys directly from the artisans who handmake each piece, and still treats the show as a place to learn as much as a place to buy. Over the years this has meant gamelan concerts and traditional dance performances, to cooking classes and candlelight dinners, all made possible by a collaborative relationship with the Indonesian diaspora community centered in South Philadelphia.
The 30th anniversary will be celebrated in the same spirit. On Saturday, November 14, from 6 to 8 PM, From Bali to Us hosts A Night of Indonesian Dance & Music, bringing together two groups who have been part of the show’s story for years. Modero & Company, Philadelphia’s hometown Indonesian dance company and a fixture of the show’s special events for over 15 years, will dance live to the sounds of Gamelan Gita Santi, performed by members of South Philadelphia’s Indonesian community, and led by Professor Tom Whitman of Swarthmore College. The celebration is free and family friendly.
The anniversary season also includes an art opening for Cohn’s batik paintings, two Indonesian dinners, a batik trunk show, live music, and a children’s story morning; a full list of special events is attached. “Building bridges all these years is a labor of love, and today more than ever spreading joy and connections fuels my work!” says From Bali to Us creator Laura Cohn.
# # #
FROM BALI TO US Special Events
Events are free unless noted, with some requiring pre-registration.
All are held on-site in our festive showroom.
FIRST FRIDAY – ART OPENING for Laura Cohn’s Contemporary Batik Paintings
Friday, Nov. 6 @ 6 – 8 PM
Every First Friday, the vibrant community of Chestnut Hill comes alive with creativity, culture, and culinary delights! Join us as our very own Laura Cohn shares her journey of over 35 years as a contemporary batik painter while immersed in the scent of melting wax and learning about this ancient art form. Of course, Indonesian treats and delights will be offered. Afterwards, stroll the Avenue to enjoy the other shops, galleries, and restaurants open late for this ARTS & EATS monthly happening.
A NIGHT OF INDONESIAN DANCE & MUSIC – Celebrating our 30th Anniversary!
Saturday, Nov. 14 @ 6 – 8 PM
Join us for a truly special night as we celebrate our milestone 30th anniversary! We’re honored to welcome back Modero & Company — Philadelphia’s hometown Indonesian dance company, who has graced our special events for over 15 years — dancing live to the traditional sounds of Gamelan performed by Gapura’s Gamelan Gita Santi, members of our South Philly Indonesian community, led by Professor Tom Whitman of Swarthmore College. It’s a rare treat to see dance and live gamelan together in one room. We’ll be toasting to 30 years with cake, drinks, and balloons — come celebrate with us!
PASSION, SPICE & CANDLELIGHT DINNER with Chef Diana Widjojo of Rice & Sambal
Tuesday, Nov. 17 @ 7 PM
James Beard-nominated Philly-based Chef Diana Widjojo, formerly of acclaimed Hardena Restaurant, and her partner, Jennifer Cowden, bring their South Philly established Rice & Sambal to us for a very special evening of fine dining – surrounded by the treasures of our magical showroom. Reimagining traditional Indonesian cuisine, we’ll explore the islands of Indonesia, filled with all the passion & spice of the region. Please join us for an unforgettable four-course dining experience unlike any other! Pre-registration is required: $88 per person, BYOB. Save your spot at this exclusive event by signing up at the shop or with our Evite.
DAVAS BATIK TRUNK SHOW – Fashion, Innovation, Tradition
Saturday, Nov. 21 @ 1 – 4 PM
We invite all lovers of Indonesian fabric to join us in welcoming Davas Batik, led by fashion designer David Andreas from Java, for a special trunk show. Known for their innovative take on traditional batik showcasing jackets, skirts, shirts, jewelry, and more for all genders.Every Davas Batik visit adds richness to our showroom. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience and purchase these stunning creations.
STORYTIME & PLAY – Indonesian Tales for Little Explorers
Saturday, Dec. 5 @ 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Calling all little adventurers! Bring the kids for a morning of magic as our dear friend Jenny Kwa invites the littlest members of our community to share Indonesian children’s stories, brought to life in far-off islands. Afterward, the fun keeps going with kids’ party games, surrounded by treasures from Bali. It’s a free, family-friendly morning made just for our youngest guests (and the grown-ups who love them) – so grab the kiddos, come play, and discover a little piece of Indonesia together! Conveniently timed to join us right after the Chestnut Hill Holiday Parade, which goes right by our shop!
Soulful Singer RENY SAWITRI at our STAG & DOE NIGHT
Wednesday, Dec. 2 @ 7 PM
We’re so excited to welcome local Indonesian artist Reny — a soulful, jazzy singer from Jakarta, now proudly calling Philadelphia home. With over 20 years of experience as a lead vocalist in orchestras, bands, and solo projects, her powerful voice and vibrant spirit are guaranteed to light up the Avenue. Come enjoy Indonesian treats, tropical cheer, and live music that just might get you dancing! After enjoying our Indonesian culture and celebration, take in the magic of Chestnut Hill as shops stay open late for the holiday’s Stag & Doe Nights.
LIWETAN DINNER: A Feast of Community & Flavor
Friday, Dec. 4 @ 7 PM
Step into an Indonesian tradition of community and equality: the Liwetan dinner. A long stretch of banana leaves sets the table, layered with steamed rice surrounded by an array of savory side dishes – tempeh, spiced chicken, fragrant vegetables, sambal, crispy fish, and more. A Liwetan isn’t just dinner; it’s a celebration of connection, generosity, and flavor that will transport you straight to the heart of Java. Our friends at Pecel Ndeso Catering will share their love of culture and home recipes while we feast all together. Pre-registration is required: $60 per person, but seating is limited and fills up quickly! BYOB and vegetarians are more than welcome at the table. Sign up at the shop or with our Evite.
STAG & DOE NIGHTS in Chestnut Hill
December 2, 9, 16, & 23 – Wednesdays before the Holidays 6 – 9 PM
For four festive Wednesdays – December 2, 9, 16, and 23- Chestnut Hill sparkles with holiday charm as shops stay open late for the beloved tradition ofStag & Doe Nights.Once again, From Bali to Us is the happening spot on the Hill: come savor Indonesian treats and soak up some tropical cheer! After celebrating with us, stroll the Avenue and experience the magic of Chestnut Hill’s lights, music, and holiday spirit.
