Mural Arts Program

We went on a walking tour given by Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program. It was interesting to really look at the murals that I often pass and see. It was interesting, too, to hear more about the Mural Arts Program and the work that it does.

In general, it seems like a great program. Only I wouldn't want them to be in charge of all the murals in Philly--whenever there are donors, there are silly restrictions on art. Plus, when you base art around unanimous community decisions, it may lead to some good community results, but it sometimes leads to pretty boring art.

Above: the mural was originally supposed to feature William Penn, but Lincoln Financial sponsored it, so they switched the statue to Lincoln. At least our tour guide was honest about it.

In this one, also funded by Lincoln Financial, there is an actual coin with Lincoln's face on it. How much more overt can you be?

This mural (above) was done (as many of them are) on pieces of parachute cloth off site. This one was done by inmates, as part of the Mural Arts Program's focus on Restorative Justice.

I think that these two aren't part of the Mural Arts Program:

Here is one that was designed by Philly kids as part of the Youth Program:

Here's one from near the theater district:

Some, such as this one, are done by artists, while others are done by a computerized paint-by-number thing that lets everyone participate. Lets just say, the differences in quality are obvious.