New South Philly mural will reflect diversity of neighbors’ native lands

Inspired by the diversity of the Passyunk Square neighborhood in South Philadelphia, artist and designer Shira Walinsky created a mural, “Migrating Home,” that pays tribute to the residents’ native countries.

The mural is an abstract map of the area with elements of the countries from which the residents migrated.

On Saturday, Walinsky teamed up with the Passyunk Square Civic Association and volunteers from throughout the city to bring the mural to life at the Capitolo Playground Center.

The mural was broken down into large canvas squares, then color coded. This enabled participants to literally paint by number.

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The completed mural will be installed on the side of the home of Sandra Marinaccio and Keith Sottovia at 10th and Dickinson streets.

Walinsky likened the process of attaching the mural squares on the side of the building to hanging wallpaper. The mural, a project of Mural Arts Philadelphia, is expected to be finished and dedicated in early summer.

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