Recipe for the Community by artist Cindy Lozito is located inside the first floor offices of the Vetri Community Partnership kitchen in the Callowhill/Poplar neighborhoods of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lozito described the experience of creating the mural in an statement presented at the public dedication for the project held on January 25, 2024: “As soon as I entered Vetri Community Partnership’s headquarters, I knew I had to work on this project. [During my first meeting with the project partners] they told me about how people often enter the space as strangers, but leave as friends. [Program participants] came in with a knowledge of food prep that ranges from very basic to quite experienced, but once class got underway, the initial nerves disappeared and soon enough they’d be gathered at the mega table in the kitchen, enjoying something delicious they crafted together and experiencing how food can be a common denominator for community. We were all aligned that this mural – the first thing most people would see when they enter the space – should make them feel like they belong and – of course – get them excited about food! By merging my love of comics and public art, I created a simple story through painted panels of how the Moroccan veggie stew gets made.
“I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful it was to work on this mural with my talented assistant Sammy and superstar Restorative Justice crew members December and Rialiah. Any muralist will tell you that the place where you’re installing a mural can make or break how you feel about the experience, and I could not have asked for a kinder, more welcoming environment than this one. Throughout my time installing the mural, It was clear to me that the Vetri Community Partnership team brings so much care and attention to each and every cooking class, planning and tailoring recipes that make cooking enjoyable for all guests. I have to say, it also sweetened the deal that we got to taste some recipes in progress on our last install day, too! “
Location Note: Interior mural that may not be available for public viewing outside of regular business hours.
