I spent all weekend keeping the main page up to date. Ive posted 7 new items to the Public Art, Youth Involvement, Video, and Tile sections of the site.
They will describe in detail the murals that I've worked on since the beginning of the year, and recently wrapped up.
They include
Restoration
Lindley Ave & Hutchinson St, Phila
Transformation
41st & Market Sts
There is a final update on the Time Lapse Video of this project as well.
I've been asked by the people at First Person Arts, to speak about my experiences working with behavioral health organizations in creating the Elwyn Mural at 41st and Market. (which by the way I'm about to wrap up)
Next Wednesday August 13th I will be presenting a slideshow, video, and giving a talk about the process and reflecting on the project as a whole. The First Person Salon will be held at the Gershman Y at 401 S. Broad St. from 7-9pm.
Week 5 finds us close to the end of the project. We spent the beginning of the week grouting the glass seed panels, and blocking in most of the main "Tree of Honor" wall. Week 6 is going to be a tough one, we still have to lay out and install the tree trunk completely in glass, install our seeds, and touch up the main and entrance walls. On top of all of that We are trying to squeeze out our final 4 interviews.
Here is a slideshow of the week in photos...
Two more interviews were conducted this week. Drew interviewed Beverly Fisher about her role in the project, and Sakina did our first man on the street interview with George the corner store owner.
Here is a slideshow combining this and last weeks photos from Khalil.
I want to wrap up this blog with some writing. During this week my class had to write a few paragraphs about their experiences with the project for the funders. Here are the first few papers...
_____________________________________
My name is Koran Morris and I have been with Mural Arts for 3 yrs. I have been introduced to this program by my Art teacher at M.L.K. High.
Projects in the past were based on self portraits of stars such as Will Smith, Joe Frazier. This project was nothing of the sort it was the opposite. This one was based on leaves and grass and we had to cut glass. I have come to the realization that this type of art inspires people and from looking at the wall before and looking at it now it's like looking at the before and after picture of an acne commercial.
Throughout the yrs. of experiencing with this I have come to the realization that this program help us grow inside and out. This program also helps us get along well with others and working like a team. I have also learned that this program also reaches out to people who are in jail and is trying to make a drastic change in there lives. This program is an inspiration and motivation fuel that can fill you up. ___________________________________ My name is Shelby jackson and I found out about the Mural Arts Program through my school art teacher. When I first entered the program I knew a lot about painting but not about murals and other art techniques incorporated. Over the course of time I learned how to map out murals and cut glass. Our instructors Eric Okdeh and Desiree Bender guided us and answered any questions I had.
Our site is Hartranft, an elementary school in North Philadelphia. Although the mural is about honoring those who've helped the school its also about bringing color into the lives of the children. Not only do I think the school will enjoy it but the whole neighborhood. It's actually very rewarding to see people from the neighborhood stop to admire and ask questions about the Mural. I hope to work in the program next summer. ___________________________________ I enjoy working on the project I feel like we are given a positive message to the kids because so many kids ask about it and if they could paint with us, feels like I'm a big brother.
I love painting. I've been paint with mural arts for 2 years now and it gets more and more fun. This time it's a lot different I got to paint on a sky jack' never been on one of these before this project. It's lots of fun up there and hot. I now have a tan from being up there, comes from hard work. I just want to thank everyone who made this possible for me and my new friends I've met here. -Jalel Bullock ___________________________________
My time at Hartranft has been fun. I've learned so many new things with working with the Mural Arts Program. Everyday was a new experience. Starting out we painted and slowly transitioned to glass cutting. Each had its own triumphs and struggles, but were very beneficial in the end. For example, I learned how to cut glass and make mosaics out of it. Never before had I been exposed to glass work, and surprisingly I liked it. I know now that knowing these types of techniques is not only good to know for an aspiring artist but also gives you a heads up on other things in art. I'm glad that I had the chance to get to know other young artist and learn new things. This experience has been amazing. Sometimes I couldn't believe that we got paid for doing something that was so fun. This experience has given me a new view of art and a broader understanding of how it can be. I'll always remember all the things that I've learned and will appreciate everything that the Mural Arts Program has done for me and the other muralist. I can't think of any other way that I would have wanted to spend my summer. -Lindsey Jackson ___________________________________
