Featured Mural-- Cultivation
for the Hunting Park Community Garden in North Philadelphia
in conjunction with Ayuda Community Center
whole mural
Cultivation was completed in summer 2009. It was proposed to brighten a deteriorating wall next to the Garden. After meeting with stakeholders, I developed a design. One of the features of the design is the merging of the tilled furrows of the field with the highways of Philadelphia -- suggesting the Garden's positive influence on the city as a whole. This project wouldn't have been possible without the compassionate efforts of Michaelanne Harriman at Ayuda. Over 70 neighbors also helped in all phases of this project. Nearly 100 people came to our mural dedication party, and we received media coverage in the Bulletin and on local TV stations at ABC and FOX.
detail image
The 3 men who founded the Garden. We are
grateful to Andy, Jeff, and Luis for revitalizing
the abandoned lot that was often
used as a dumping site. It is now
a beautiful community space that provides
food, recreation, and connection.
The portraits of Jeff and Luis now serve as memorials,
because we lost the two close friends last Spring.
grateful to Andy, Jeff, and Luis for revitalizing
the abandoned lot that was often
used as a dumping site. It is now
a beautiful community space that provides
food, recreation, and connection.
The portraits of Jeff and Luis now serve as memorials,
because we lost the two close friends last Spring.
wall before mural
The abandoned lot where the Garden is now. Note the graffiti and the cracking drywall and bricks. The Garden has become a symbol of urban renewal.
A close-up shot.
Big thank you's to Matt Miller,
Michaelanne Harriman, Lauren Vargas,
Juliet Fajardo, my wife Kelly Jean,
and the dozens of other youths
and adults who helped with this project.
community potluck
A photo from the April 1st, 2009 community potluck at the garden.
Video for our Pepsi grant application. We didn't win, but we were committed to doing these projects anyway.
Re-installation
In February 2010, a powerful storm blew through
Hunting Park, knocking the mural panels
off the wall. The mural was re-installed in August 2010.
Thanks to Martin Ruff, who provided
the scaffold and vital labor for this difficult task.
As ever, Michaelanne Harriman was at the
center of the effort, securing funding and volunteers.
Re-installation
Gregory and Michaelanne moving the scaffold after
installing the left side of the mural.
Re-installation
Ryan and Daquan working with the scaffolding.
Re-installation
Back on the wall!!!
community paint day
Local youth and adults painting the first layers of the mural.
community paint day
Painting the sky.
