Movement Blooms from the Heart

Movement Blooms from the Heart by artists Josh Sarantitis, Daniel Lipschutz, Monica Mathieu, and Adriana Amador-Chacon, aka The Teacup Collective, is located at the 48th & Woodland Recreation Center in West Philadelphia. Painted flowers cover the retaining wall at the rear of the center, and mosaics of stylized flowers grace the entrance, along with a sign identifying it as Johnson’s Playground. The mural was created in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Restorative Justice Rec Crew (2022 and 2023 cohorts).

This project was created as part of the Anti-Violence Community Expansion Grant from the City of Philadelphia. Mural Arts Philadelphia has partnered with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to create a Rec Crew who can help to transform several recreation centers in zip codes heavily impacted by violence. Established in April 2022, the Rec Crew comprises 22 men and women, most of whom are alumni of the Guild program and have training in painting, mural installation, construction, and cleaning detail. The Rec Crew uses paint to create welcoming interiors and exteriors to Rec Centers that have an outdated look to freshen up and modernize them. Some have murals restored, and others may get new murals altogether. Some may even get modular furniture and signage in collaboration with TinyWPA.

The Rec Crew works with the Rec Leader and community to provide something they need or will use and enjoy. The Rec Crew seeks to reduce instances of gun violence and aid lower-income communities in Philadelphia by providing its members with employment opportunities and financial stability. Participants have received lift certifications and have been instructed in new methods of mural installation, which helps bolster their marketable skill sets.