Mural Arts

The past three days spent in Philadelphia for UArts's ArtsWeek has been both an informative and transformative experience for me (and there are still two days to go!). When I signed up to take the one-week summer-session continuing education class (Mural Arts: Storytelling), I had no idea how much of a personal impact it would have... it simply sounded like an intriguing professional venture.  However, after hearing at least six speakers associated with the Mural Arts Program (including its extraordinary executive director Jane Golden) and seeing several videos depicting various Mural Arts projects, I have become deeply moved and inspired by the MAP.   


I am amazed by the program's humble yet ambitious beginnings, and I am overwhelmed by its growth and progress.  The core of the program is social justice, and the partnerships its staff and participants have formed with the community are astounding. I am incredibly impressed with the stories I have witnessed via Mural Arts staff, artists, and participants; the mural tours our class has taken thus far are equally remarkable. In fact, I am determined to research, explore, and somehow become involved with the program.  The amount of positive difference the MAP has made throughout the city of Philadelphia, as well as in the lives of some of the city's most neglected citizens, is nothing short of miraculous.  And, in my opinion, Jane Golden's personal journey and influence--in  conjunction with the Mural Arts Program--make her a strong candidate for sainthood.


Despite a general aura of exhaustion, I am brimming with excitement and anticipation for the remainder of this week!  I am thrilled to learn and actually attempt every step in how to execute a mural.  I am enjoying every moment of this class, and I can hardly wait to see our finished product!  Beyond that, I look forward to finding an opportunity to work with others to create a mural in my own community...