Spotlight on our hard working Rec Crew
Thanks to the Anti-Violence Community Expansion Grant from the City of Philadelphia, Mural Arts Philadelphia has partnered with the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to establish a Rec Crew of graduates of Restorative Justices’ Guild and Women’s Reentry Programs to help to revitalize community spaces and recreation centers in zip codes heavily impacted by violence.
The Rec Crew helps create a welcoming interior for Rec Centers that needs some love. Some will get murals restored, and other Rec Centers may get new murals altogether. Some may even get modular furniture like storage benches or places to hang coats and other items in collaboration with TinyWPA. The Rec Crew works with the Rec Leader and community to provide something they need or will use and enjoy.
Rec Center projects being completed in 2023
Keep an eye out for these up-coming projects by the Rec Crew to be completed in 2023!
- 48th and Woodland, a.k.a. “Johnson Playground”
- Christy Rec Center
- McCreesh Recreation Center
- Tustin Rec Center
- Scanlon Pool
- Chew Playground
- D. Finnegan Rec Center
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center
- Mill Creek (Tiffany Fletcher Memorial)
- Guerin Rec Center
- Horton Playground
Meet the Rec Crew Members!
Priscilla aka “Ruby”
I’m 42 years old, and I’m from NYC. I’ve been with mural arts for two years as a crew leader for the restorative justice program, painting, and beautifying rec centers in Philadelphia. Someday I would like to be a coordinator for the program. Working with the Rec Crew made me open my horizon and made my network outside of my comfort zone.
Kyle
I am 42 years old. I used to be a user, but today I am a hard-working, caring, loving father who works four jobs. I am family oriented and a highly motivated leader to be an example for my children. I would like to be a person that can lead my people to ways to survive, self-educate, and be more of a community-based village. I would like a career as a CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST.
With the Rec Crew, I’m a helping hand who paints, cleans, and supports the community as part of one of the village people. Working with the Rec Crew has been my happy place. It has allowed me to know I am a great human who can be himself. I love being here. It has given me great hope to only want to be a better man and father overall.
Da’Wan
I am 42 years old, and I live in Philadelphia. I’ve been a part of the Rec Crew for three months now. I am also an associate with gopuff, and I’m working on my Commercial Drivers License.
With the Rec Crew, I paint and help out with whatever is needed at the time. I have helped work on the Mural we are painting at the Rec Center on Woodland Ave. I have learned how to cut glass through the program. Working with the Rec Crew gave me a different way to look at painting.
Nassir
I’m 25 years old, and I’m from North Philadelphia. I’ve been with mural arts for three years now. In the future, I would like my career to be in real estate.
With the Rec Crew, we retouch up the rec centers that are in Philadelphia so the kids can get inspired by the murals and one day dream to be a painter.
Jared
I’m a system-impacted young person who now works with other youth. I plan to continue to help others by motivation and inspiration through my fitness. I’ve been with Mural Arts for a little over two years now. With the Rec Crew, I help with painting, learning life skills, and bring community to rec centers.
Dawan and Ruby have definitely helped me a lot to grow and develop solid leadership and life skills.
December Ablessing
I am 31 years old, originally from the Bronx, New York, but I grew up in Southwest, Philadelphia. I’ve been with Mural Arts for about a year 1/2, and my duties consist of Crew Lead and assisting Coordinator to the Women’s Reentry Program. In the future, I hope to be facilitating in many organizations teaching others how to navigate through life.
With the Rec Crew, I take part in restoring recreation centers and mural sites. We get to Interact with different artists and residents of various neighborhoods while helping with painting, designing, installing, and restoration projects.
Rec crew has impacted my life by giving me another space to escape with no judgment. Learning that creativity can neither be right or wrong. In my opinion, creativity soothes the mind!
Destiny
I’m 26 years old, and I’m from North Philadelphia. I’ve been with mural arts for a few years now. I’m currently employed but plan on working for myself in the future as a creator of shirt designs and custom sneakers.
I make murals around the Philadelphia area that bring meaning but also shed light on the streets of Philadelphia. One mural that really stands out to me is the one we did on the side of the rec center at Mill Creek Playground for the young lady that passed, Tiffany Fletcher.
The Rec Crew impacted my life by opening my creative side and letting me know it’s ok to think outside of the box when it comes to art.
Rocquill
I’m 27 years old, and I’ve been with mural arts for four years. I’m a crew leader, and we have painted many rec centers around the city and also installed murals. My life has been better since joining the Rec Crew.
Donnie
I am 24 years old, and I’m from Philadelphia. I have been a part of Mural Arts for three years. I currently paint and install murals with the Rec crew. I also work part-time at a cleaning service.
I help clean and paint Rec centers. I’m also a crew leader and mural installation leader.
The Rec Crew impacted my life majorly. I’m the first to admit I was a little lost before being a part of the Rec crew, but for the last three years, my head has been on straight, and I’m headed down the right path.
Rosalee
My name is Rosalee Duran. I’m 28 years old, and I was born and raised in North Philadelphia. I’ve been with Mural Arts for a little over a year. It’s a great experience and opportunity. One of my hopes is for a career in law enforcement.
With the Rec Crew, I paint rec centers all throughout Philly and engage with the community.
Having a leader like Dawan and Ruby, I feel like I can never fail, and I have become better. Accountability and responsibility is a big part of the Rec-Crew.