Author Archives: Victoria Vitale

The City of Murals

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“Garden of Delight”

Fall in Philadelphia has proven to be, twice now, my favorite season of the year.  While I initially had to mourn the passing of summer, I am full steam ahead about all that fall has to offer.  I decided to ring in this beautiful weather by checking out Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program.  They offer a self-guided “Mural Mile Walking Tour” that I took full advantage of!

“Legacy”

The Mural Arts Program has a fascinating history which began in 1984 as part of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network.  In hopes of creating empowering neighborhood murals, graffiti artists were hired to inject color and life into an industrial city.  Local prisons and rehabilitation centers offer educational programs on mural arts, and incarcerated individuals are hired to paint murals for schools and community centers in the area.  Mural Arts even has a re-entry program for recently released prisoners.

“Taste of Summer”

Today, Philadelphia is home to 3,500+ murals.  These murals give local residents a voice and a medium with which to communicate stories and traditions.  The Mural Arts Program has expanded to working with children and youth, helping them to develop a sense of community and belonging.

“Building the City”

“A People’s Progression Toward Equality”

To any Philadelphia-goer: Don’t forget to look UP!

Ode to Adrienne Rich

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When my girlfriend, Anne, and I moved in together, it was late summer 2012.  We were moving to Philadelphia from different cities for graduate school, and it was an exciting and hectic time to say the least!  We found a beautiful apartment amidst the hustle and bustle of Center City.  Hardwood floors.  Built-in bookshelves.  We were ecstatic!

I knew that I wanted to surprise her with a homemade housewarming gift – something that captured this important moment in our lives.  When I found this quote by Adrienne Rich, I knew that something had to be done!  I was inspired by a stencil pillow from Wit & Whistle.

Here is a list of some supplies & tips:

  • As an Etsy advocate, I decided on this linen pillow cover.  I used a pillow insert that I already had, which saved a lot of money!
  • I purchased a black Pebeo Setaskrib marker from Dick Blick, and stencil from Amazon.
  • Before getting started, I mapped the project out on a piece of paper to get a sense of the layout that was needed.
  • Keep a piece of cardboard inside of the pillow while you work in order to avoid any bleeding from the marker.

This stencil pillow was a big success, and it is something that Anne and I both look at every day.  It is a reminder that we are always learning.  Happy crafting!