We Met Over Coffee
As anyone who’s ever walked just a few blocks in our city can tell you, Philadelphia is a city bursting with public art — and we largely have the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program to thank for that. You’ve likely seen their efforts splashed on the sides of buildings or sprucing up underpasses, but you may not be aware of their Core Mural Arts programs, which offer creative, project-based learning experiences for youth and adults. We’re so awestruck by the work that comes out of these programs that we partnered with Mural Arts to feature a rotating display of these pieces in Saxbys 11th and Locust — at the moment, we’re spotlighting work from Mural Arts’ Restorative Justice Program. We chatted with Mural Arts’ Restorative Justice Youth Program Manager, Ellissa Collier, about the program (which provides art education to incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, or at-risk youth), the inspiration behind this exhibit, and which mural in Philadelphia you should stop everything to see.
Tell us about you! How long have you worked with Mural Arts?
This is my 8th year with Mural Arts! I started out as a teaching artist in our art education program. Working with youth is my passion. They have so much potential and promise. As the program manager for the Youth Restorative Justice Program, I feel honored to lead and support that growth with the help of our amazing teaching artists and site partners! Together we serve over 800 students each year.
The work you do with the Restorative Justice Program is so inspiring. How did you get started with the program?
Working with adjudicated youth is challenging and rewarding. Our goal is to work with our students in a more holistic way so that we can increase their resiliency and increase positive life outcomes. As Mural Arts’ founder and executive director, Jane Golden, likes to say, “It’s not just about the paint”! It’s also about the journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Mural Arts gives young people confidence and support. We want their voices to be heard!
Mural Arts student Brandon shows off the Eakins Oval mural he worked on last summer.
How did you select these pieces to display at Saxbys 11th & Locust?
It was so hard to choose! We decided to showcase the work of a few sites: Lee Prep Academy, Vision Quest, Philadelphia Youth Advocates, and the Juvenile Justice Services Center. With so many exceptional artworks to choose from it was difficult to make a decision, but the team came together and discussed what would best represent our students. We decided to show a variety of works inspired by Open Source artists, Swoon and Sam Durant. Both these artists have an interest in social justice and the students really admired their perspectives.
What inspired this particular project?
We asked our students to draw inspiration from Open Source, a city-wide event that brought together 14 well-known artists for one month in one city, Philadelphia. The goal of Open Source was to ignite conversation around public art, social change, and innovation. Judging from the tremendous response, I think it met that goal!
What was your favorite part of the process?
Seeing the faces of the students at the reception held at Saxbys 11th & Locust was amazing! Because the majority of our students are incarcerated, having students participate and attend our exhibitions is so meaningful. I’m proud of all our students, and I’m doubly proud when they can receive the recognition they deserve in a public setting. Having Saxbys acknowledge their hard work and perseverance means the world!
Have you been to Saxbys before the reception?
For me, living in University City, Saxbys is the neighborhood hub. But Saxbys 11th & Locust’s partnership with Mural Arts is unique. Saxbys allows our youth to showcase the creative work in a welcoming space. And they bring communities together from all over Philadelphia.
The Mural Arts Education Team and their students at the reception held at Saxbys 11th & Locust.
What do you wish more people knew about Philadelphia?
I wish more people knew about the Mural Arts volunteer program. We’ve got some great projects planned for the summer, and we could always use the additional support!
Which Philly murals are must-sees, in your opinion?
There is a wonderful mural designed by contemporary artist, Shinique Smith at 800 Diamond Street. It’s bold, graphic, and playful! It really pushes the boundaries of what we expect from murals, and it’s still evolving. Shinique is actually going to be adding to the mural this summer, so be sure to check out the new changes. Last year the students had a great time assisting in the mural process, and I know they are really looking forward to collaborating with her again.
If you’re interested in Saxbys 11th & Locust’s previous Mural Arts exhibit, check out these photos. Also, this summer, Sunday 11am Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour will be stopping at Saxbys, and you can purchase tour tickets at a discounted rate if you use the promo code SAXBYS online. For more information about Mural Arts, visit muralarts.org.