I have recently been questioned for not protesting along with Occupy Philadelphia members. With vandalism in the name of protest in State College I feel again called to ask people to simply volunteer for the issues they care about. Volunteer with kids in low- income neighborhoods so they can be …
En route to teaching an art workshop, I took a hike in John Heinz Reserve in Tinicum, 10 minutes away from downtown Philadelphia, where great adventures are to be had. This reserve is a very special urban oasis as it is where fresh and salt tidal streams meet and wildlife …
“Congratulations on another wonderful achievement for the neighborhood and the city! It looks great. I hope that you and your volunteers are patting yourselves on the back. It looks like the city needs many more projects like this one and it is great that the neighbors and kids are joining …
Because I wear so many hats for Art Sphere Inc, it is important for our organization that I am not derailed for long. While there have been plenty of tough times when I have gotten frustrated and overwhelmed, I always know that there are better uses for my energy awaiting …
Sometimes I wonder what the Universe or God would have to say about a challenge I’m facing. That’s when I know it is a good time to make some art. Thankfully the process of making art deeply relaxes me. Even the repetitive actions of making crafts with students or preparing …
(An inspired moment when I had our students (seen below) using my car for a desk to finish drawing mural designs for surrounding garage area neighborhood hangout.) I recently listened to this powerful series on thugs by This American Life (http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/442/thugs). The last piece in the series, “Thugs,” only convinces …
Yes, I guess there is also a bit of the rebel in me and the “Question Authority” bumper sticker sure makes sense if you want innovation. We have been told that it is pointless to paint a mural on “that” wall or in “this” neighborhood because it will be graffitied. …
Valentines for Seniors We made almost 200 valentines for Senior Citizens, delivering them to sites and making art with Friends Senior Guild House and senior citizens at Fair Acres in February as part of our yearly tradition. Senior citizens often feel forgotten in Senior Care Facilities. Some have no living …
