Mural, Mural, on the Wall
The Mural Arts Program (MAP) was established in 1984 as a component of the Anti-Graffiti Network. Today, Philadelphia has 2,400 murals, more than any other city. The MAP says it works "to help beautify the city; help create a sense of community; and turn graffiti-scarred walls into scenic views, portraits of community heroes, and abstract creations."
The paintings can be quite striking, from the inspiring Symbols of Change, by Don Gensler, at 2110 Market St. to the psychedelic Larry Fine, by David McShane, at 3rd Street and South, to the nostalgic South Philly Musicians, by Peter Pagast, at Passyunk Avenue and Wharton Street. They range in size from small one-story designs like Fringe Festival, by Tom Judd at 35 N. 2nd St. to eight-story projects like Common Threads by Meg Fish Saligman, at Broad Street and Spring Garden. Each takes about 2 months to complete and costs up to $15,000.
You can find a virtual gallery, with walking tour suggestions, and a schedule of biweekly trolley tours at www.muralarts.org or by calling tel. 215/685-0745. The 2-hour trolley tour takes place Wednesday and Saturday at 11am ($20 adults, $17 students and seniors, $10 children 5-12, free children under 5; tickets available at Independence Visitors Center). Penn has assembled a mural database at www.cml.edu/murals.
Here are more highlights:
All Join Hands, by Donald Gensler, at Broad and Spring Garden streets, features faces and a poem titled When the City is at Peace, a collaboration of the artist, youths coming out of detention and long-term placement, and students at Ben Franklin High School.
Children of Philadelphia, by Burt Dodge, at 16th Street and Fitzwater, depicts children with a preacher, with the city as a backdrop.
Untitled, by Keith Haring, at 22nd Street and Ellsworth, features the artist's iconic colorful figures.
Peace Wall, by Mural Arts Program director Jane Golden and Peter Pagast, at 29th and Wharton streets, lovingly portrays children's hands overlapping.
Pride and Progress, by Ann Northrup, at 13th Street and Spruce, is a large, elaborate tribute to the gay community.
Philadelphia on a Half Tank, by Paul Santoleri, near the airport at 26th Street and Penrose Avenue, is a vivid pastel portrait of the city on the side of an oil tank.
