Mural Arts Month in Philly

One of my colleagues at the American Friends Service Committee in Philadelphia is the lucky husband of Jane Golden, founder and Executive Director of the Philadelphia Mural Arts Project. Knowing my love of art, he drove me by a brand new mural last week while I was in town. It is called “The Evolving Face of Nursing” by Meg Saligman. The mural was dedicated during the beginning of Mural Arts Month and, like so many of the murals in Philly, it was impressive and inspiring. What really blew me away, though, was the mural artist decided to experiment on this mural using LED lights. As the lights slowly changed colors, parts of the painting disappeared while previously hidden parts emerged. The description or following pictures don’t do it justice, but if you happen to be in the area, stop by Broad and Vine and check it out. Also, check out the Mural Arts website to learn more about the incredible murals and tours: www.muralarts.org.

Also happening in Philly during Mural Arts Month, from Oct 7 – Nov 7, is the opening exhibition of a traveling mural project of the American Friends Service Committee called “Windows and Mirrors: Reflections on the War in Afghanistan.” I shared one of the pieces submitted for this exhibit a couple months ago and wanted to share the rest now that it has been unveiled. 45 mural panels, each about 4ft x 6ft, make up Windows and Mirrors and it will be traveling next to Queens, New York, then L.A., and Chicago. Future locations to be determined. Check out the exhibit which has been receiving much press and was Philadelphia Inquirer's Art Pick of the Week at www.afsc.org/project/windows-and-mirrors.