Philadelphia, I Love You

 

If you know anything about Philadelphia, then you know that outside of touristy/commercial Center City and Old City, the gentrified areas of West and South Philly, and the more residential areas of Chestnut Hill and Mannyunk, there’s a huge urban blight problem;  abandoned, or simply run-down buildings are almost as prevalent as Eagles jerseys and Phillies hats.  So when I read about former street artist (I know there’s controversy about this term, but bear with me) Stephen Powers’ A Love Letter For You wall mural campaign, several months ago, I was intrigued. 

 

The idea: gather together a bunch of Philadelphia street artists, give each a side of a West Philly building that has seen better days, throw in a love letter theme, and let them have at it.  The result: according to the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program website

 a public art project consisting of a series of 50 rooftop murals from 45th to 63rd streets along the Market Street corridor. The murals, which are best viewed from the Market-Frankford elevated transit line, collectively express a love letter from a guy to a girl, from an artist to his hometown, and from local residents to their West Philadelphia neighborhood. 

And also? Some really rad street art.

 

I’m a big fat fan of using art to create change and benefit a community — particularly when said artists hail from the community being affected.  Sure, murals alone can’t solve the problem of urban blight, but hopefully, the Love Letter For You campaign furthers the dialogue.

For more information on the A Love Letter For You campaign, as well as a look at some of the other murals, visit the A Love Letter For You blog HERE.