Educate to Liberate (from passive to active citizens)

Educate to Liberate by artist Eliseo Art Silva, comprises two murals located at the Joseph Pennell Elementary School in the East Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This project reinforces the importance of teaching young people the value of civic virtues through the filter of public art.

The title of the mural, “Educate to Liberate,” was taken from a quote from Brazilian educator Paulo Freire. The mural aims to encourage the students to apply what they learn in school to help better their neighborhood. This ideal is exemplified by the mural they gifted to their school and community; providing a beacon to that part of the city.

Pennell students were integral to the mural making process that celebrates the schools 80th anniversary.

Description of Imagery

The students collectively decided that the Statue of Liberty should be the main image for the mural.

Main wall: (Facing traffic) Torch of Liberty being held by the students symbolizing their collective power.

Adjacent wall: Book of education which allows students to open their minds to different worlds. In celebration of the School’s 80th Anniversary, a stylized “80” is also featured.

Top left: Joseph Pennell as printmaker.

From left: (Counterclockwise) People Power in school; at home; in the community.

The black and white figures honor outstanding individuals that inspired and impacted the community.

Location Note: Murals no longer on view at this location.