The Living Tree

The Living Tree is located in the East Germantown/Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Teaching artist Daniel Lipschutz and youth from the Rumph-Mallery Recreation Center designed and painted this mural that transformed the youth’s stories into a mural that feels like home. Through workshops, the youth participants developed the concept of a mural depicting the seasons, which represent the time they spend at the Rec Center, playing and growing together. The tree at the center of the mural represents a safe haven through the visible transition of the seasons through its foliage. The mirror at the center of the mural encourages youth to see themselves within the stability of the tree through the changing seasons. The mural includes representations of student work — including the flowers, birds, caterpillar, and lantern. Members of the Rec Crew also contributed flower designs. The youth of the recreation center are also depicted within the work riding bikes, balancing on branches and swinging on swings. This vibrant mural reminds us that every season deserves to shine.

As part of a new program partnership started in 2024 between Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Education Department and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, youth at recreation centers throughout the city can partake in a multi-week art education program that teaches them foundational art-making skills, fosters creative expression, and builds self-confidence. The program culminates in a mural designed and painted at each center by the youth in collaboration with their instructors and the Mural Arts Rec Crew. The Mural Arts Rec Crew is a group of Guild graduates who work at rec centers around the city, revitalizing community spaces and assisting with mural installations. Designed to reduce community violence, the project is funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.