Archive for the 'Public Art' Category
Sunday, July 5th, 2009
Steve Powers Sends Love to Philadelphia
This August Steve Powers returns to his Philadelphia roots, unveiling “Love Letter,” an ambitious 20-block long mural project. According to Powers, the large scale piece was conceived as a “love letter spanning 50 walls and roof tops to be painted in West Philadelphia facing the Market-Frankford Elevated train. The letter is meant for one with meaning for all, and in a larger sense, will be for West Philly from West Philly.” The outdoor installation is being realized with the help of local residents who are being taught the art of sign painting at a temporary school set up by Powers. To complement Love Letter a short film is being produced by Ghost Robot (whose production credits include three Sundance awards for The Station Agent, as well as Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator).
The entire endeavor is made possible with a grant awarded to The Mural Arts Program by The Philadelphia Exhibitions Initiative, a program funded by The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, who join a growing list of organizations facilitating and legitimizing Powers’ vital contributions to the public landscape. In 2005 Creative Time backed the Dreamland Artist Club and again lent support for the Waterboard Thrill Ride in 2008 – the same year Powers was awarded a Fulbright grant for a six-month project in Ireland.
Images: Steve Powers