Get The TechniqueOn a recent trip home to Philadelphia, I was amazed to see a new addition to the city's already rich repertoire of public art—a project called "Love Letter" on Market Street, stretching from 45th to 63rd. The installation is in the form of 50 rooftop murals and is thanks to one of my favorite nonprofits, Mural Arts Program. Jane Golden, the director of Mural Arts, came to give a lecture at my high school when I was 17. I remember being moved by her story and the program's initiative to paint as many murals as possible in the city of Philadelphia by first aiding and then collaborating with graffiti artists in the poorest neighborhoods of the city. Mural Arts is now the largest public art program in the United States.
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Each "Love Letter" mural was painted by graffiti artist Steve Powers, and above are images of the process and finished works. Next time you are in Philadelphia, I highly recommended visiting them (the best way to tour them is by train!) Photos by Adam Wallacavage.
From: Kate Burgener | 5/23/11 at 9:10 am
I was torn between the charm and beauty of these murals and...total agitation over each missing apostrophe. Ack! But still, very lovely.
From: Liz | 5/23/11 at 10:59 am
Thanks for posting; I love this mural series too. The Mural Arts Project is definitely one of Philly's "Good Things" as Martha would say
Next time you're in town you can take a guided mural tour by foot, trolley, bike or even Segway. It's a great way to explore the city and get to know the many interesting neighborhoods beyond Independence Mall.
From: Mural Arts Program | 5/24/11 at 7:55 am
[...] The Crafts Dept. [...]
From: april's craft nest | 5/24/11 at 11:57 am
This is totally awesome! I love how graphic they are. Reminiscent of 50's advertising.
From: brandeye | 5/25/11 at 3:40 pm
Yeah Philly! The murals in philadelphia are incredible. I must see a new one every time I go to philly and I'm there a LOT.
From: Honor Roll | Making it Lovely | 5/28/11 at 12:19 am
[...] I had seen a few early examples from the Mural Arts Project’s Love Letter series, but I hadn’t realized that they had done so many now! (via The Crafts Dept.) [...]
From: Free Handcraft Items or Tutorials (large): Tuesday, 24 May 2010 | CraftCrave | 6/4/11 at 12:25 am
[...] Mural Arts Program – 1 freebie(s)? [...]