Panati Playground Mural (title unknown)

This mural (title unknown) by artist David McShane was painted on an exterior wall at the Panati Playground in the Swampoodle neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This project was one of three projects sponsored by the Allegheny West Foundation as an intervention to encourage neighborhood youth to think about the future, and to guard against taking a negative path in life.

The young people in this neighborhood had recently experienced a tragedy: the death of Faheem Thomas-Childs, a third grade student and classroom leader at nearby Thomas M. Pierce Elementary School (23rd and Cambria Streets). Thomas-Childs fell victim to tragic, senseless violence in February 2004. He was caught in the crossfire of rival drug dealers and died several days later from his injuries.

For the site at Panati Playground, the artist worked with 19 ninth graders Dobbins High School (21st Street and Lehigh Avenue) to explore themes of pride and self-esteem. This resulted in the creation of portraits of each of the young people.

Location Note: Mural no longer on view at this location (lost to construction/renovation ca. 2008).