Circle Up

Circle Up is a new mural by Eric Okdeh, Cody Stuhltrager, and the Restorative Justice Department of Mural Arts Philadelphia exploring themes of mentorship, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Led by artists Eric Okdeh and Cody Stuhltrager, Circle Up grew out of a mentoring relationship that began through Mural Arts’ Restorative Justice program at SCI Graterford. Okdeh, a formerly incarcerated artist, taught Stuhltrager as a teaching artist at SCI Graterford from 2013 until its closing in 2018. Over the years, Okdeh mentored Stuhltrager as he developed his skills as an artist and muralist.

This project brings that relationship full circle, transforming years of shared experience into a collaborative work about the many ways mentorship can shape our lives.

The design draws inspiration from a few sources, including workshops conducted at COMHAR’s Open Door Clubhouse, a resource center for anyone with a mental health diagnosis.

Artists in Mural Arts’ program at SCI Phoenix, members of The Guild, and members and staff at COMHAR’s Clubhouse all provided design input. Eric and Cody worked with each group to brainstorm and refine images, quotes, and themes related to mentorship.

A few COMHAR members are featured in the mural in the scenes depicting kitchen work and computer literacy training. Additionally, the artists at SCI Phoenix make an appearance as silhouettes sitting in a circle, perhaps having a lively discussion about art, incarceration, mentorship, and mental wellbeing.