Steve Powers and crew paint sweet nothings to the city.
By now most West Philadelphians and many residents of different neighborhoods—and cities—have seen Steve Powers’ walls of love on the El line.
Powers grew up Philadelphia, applying his ESPO (Exterior Surface Painting Outreach) tag to walls around the coity
His Love Letter series of murals calls for a revival of the lost art of sign painting. It’s pretty easy to mix up the murals with other signs on buildings along the EL—many of which remain from generations ago. Written like a series of love notes between sweet-hearts, they’re also love notes to the city, in a neighborhood that especially needs it. These days the west end of the Market-Frankford line is looking pretty good, but for a few years the construction of various El stations blocked off traffic on Market Street, creating devastating effects for businesses between 46th and 63rd Streets.
Along with the murals — more than 40, with more in the works-- the project has included a significant community element. As a Mural Arts Program project, Steve Powers and his team of artists have held community meetings to gather neighbors’ ideas and reactions. They set up shop on the corner of 46th and Market Streets, in a building that used to be a Cash Checking store. Inside the shop, Powers and other artists lead sign-painting workshops for local youth. They also well as painting signs, free of charge, for businesses along the El corridor.
Of all the people who see and have seen the murals, there is a group of people who see them every day. In fact, it’s a part of their job. For a group of SEPTA operators on the El, Mr. Powers’ project has given them something new to enjoy.
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1. Eric said... on Oct 20, 2009 at 02:44PM
“This project couldn't have come at a better time. Not only does it embody what Philadelphia is about, but it speaks to the common folk. I'll always remember this quote, "The greatest thing in the world is to love and to be loved in return." What we don't want is to be alone in this world. So whether you're walking along Market Street or taking a ride on the EL, these series of love letter will bring a smile to anyways face.”
2. Sagirah said... on Oct 21, 2009 at 09:36PM
“Thnks Powers the ESPO puts a smile on my face.
Can't wait to view them when I visit!”
3. brendancalling said... on Oct 23, 2009 at 02:00PM
“hey nariel,
nice to see your work in the weekly!”
4. The Man!! said... on Oct 26, 2009 at 08:40AM
“You idiots!! I can't believe the City of Philadelphia; and that crazy woman from Mural Arts let ESPO of all people do a project like this...
We just gave a grafitti artist license to write on wall again.
True the style may be different but the concept is the same: Writing on Rooftops.”
5. Dicky said... on Oct 26, 2009 at 11:52AM
“Graffiti is awesome and can be art.”
6. Dave said... on Oct 29, 2009 at 10:51AM
“Philly needs all the help, and paint, it can get.”