Steve and I spent the month of August in the Philadelphia area, where we grew up. A doctor’s appointment took us downtown, after which we decided to look for as many Murals Around Philadelphia as we possibly could.
I Am Large in the University City neighborhood of Philly
I was so surprised to see just how many we were able to find without a guided tour! In previous visits we have found only a handful of these stunning murals. This time we hit the jackpot!
Contemplation, Clarity, Resilience by Eric Okdeh (left section) at 5630 Chestnut Street
Contemplation, Clarity, Resilience (center)
This art form has taken hold over the many years since we left the area. It is one that we love and have enjoyed in many other cities as we travel this beautiful country of ours.
Contemplation, Clarity, Resilience (right side)
It all began only a couple of years after we moved to South Florida. In 1984 artist Jane Golden, was hired by the Anti-Graffiti Network to get graffiti writers to change the direction of their talents. Redirecting from graffiti to murals allowed them to continue painting on buildings by turning their work into art in very public places. Thus, the Mural Arts Collective was born.
The Tuskegee Airmen: They Met the Challenge by Marcus Akinlana in the University City neighborhood of Philly
We caught this as we were driving by. But my title would be Entrances.
The goal was to transform “the city through community, connection and creativity”. Mission accomplished! That collaborative process is still driving their work. It has become quite a powerful tool for building relationships and sparking economic revitalization.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens by Isaiah Zagar on South Street
Magic Gardens Wall (right side)
Mural Arts Philadelphia has grown to be the largest collection in the nation. For over 40 years they have been harnessing the power of art to ignite change.
Magic Gardens Wall ( center)
Magic Gardens Wall (left side)
Their vision is a world where art and creative practice are highly regarded as critical to sense of self and place and where cultural vibrancy honors all human identities and experiences.
The Seventh Ward of Philadelphia (left side) on South Street
The Seventh Ward of Philadelphia (right side) on South Street
The main focus is to “Beautify. Inspire. Empower.”
Ode to West Philly by Ras Malik at 5650 Chestnut Street
Mural Arts involves artists and neighborhoods in between 50 and 100 public art projects each year. They are maintaining this growing collection through a restoration initiative. Due to 15,000 residents and visitors touring this outdoor art gallery, Philadelphia has received international recognition as the “Mural Capital of the World”.
Another mural captured as we drove by this school building at Broad and Spring Garden Streets in Philly
Man with Outstretched Hands in the Air on Ridge Avenue
To quote Founder and Executive Director Jane Golden: “I believe in what we are doing, that art making is really about access, justice and equity. That’s the real deal for us, a lot of it.”
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