Mural Sighting: 4040 Market Street

The latest project by the Mural Arts Program takes us to West Philadelphia. Titled “Transformation,” this mural can be found on the northwest corner of the Elwyn building at 4040 Market Street. The mural was created in partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services, City of Philadelphia.

Though a unique MAP project because it was not built on a derelict or abandoned building, the big-box nature of the building provides a great canvas for public art.  Humanizing this large intimidating street frontage has been a topic of discussion among local residents for years, and was highlighted in A Civic Vision for 40th and Market Street, a community design released by the Friends of 40th Street in September 2006 that has since leveraged $280,000 in public money for physical improvements to the Market Street streetscape.

For those who don’t know, Elwyn is a human services organization that provides care for those in need such as senior citizens and the disabled.  Elwyn has numerous behavioral health and physical health programs at this location.  The theme of the mural is overcoming the stigma of mental illness through transformation to recovery.

The dedication ceremony will be held next Friday, September 12, 11:00am, at 4040 Market Street.

For more information about the mural, check out this University City Review article.

Posted by Andrew Goodman.  Contact him at agoodman@design.upenn.edu.