Celebrating our Summer Interns

On a beautiful sunny summer evening in August, our interns, their Lead artists and supporters of Mural Arts gathered together for a closing Ceremony of our Summer Internship Program at the Independence Foundation.  

This Summer Internship program, which is more than 20 years old, is more than just a learning experience; it is a sacred journey for any artist, a path that winds through the rich tapestry of mural-making, where hands and hearts come together to create. These students, with courage and creativity, became part of a team that contributes to the renaissance of Philadelphia, painting their mark on the canvas of this great city. For many, it was their first step into the vast world of public art and social practice, where their talents met purpose, and their skills in mural-making and community engagement flourished.

“We must continue to support these emerging artists, for they are the torchbearers of the future,” said Mural Arts Executive Director Jane Golden. “It is critical, as essential as the air we breathe, as vital as the art that beats within our hearts. Art is essential, and so is our commitment to nurturing the artists who create it.”

This program teaches the nuts and bolts of mural painting, from prepping paint,  matching colors, creating grids, and working with mural cloth. These interns got their hands dirty and learned many techniques.  But they also learned the essential role that communities play in each mural.  They were on hand as we engaged neighbors and school students to discover what each mural would reflect.  And that’s the heart of this work!

At Mural Arts, we know deep in our souls that Art Ignites Change. We hold fast to the belief in the transformative power of art, in its ability to shape futures and breathe life into dreams. We understand that education is an investment not just in knowledge, but in the promise of tomorrow. That is why this Summer Internship program shines so brightly—it opens doors for participants to walk alongside a professional muralist, earning not just a paycheck, but a wealth of experience.

On hand was Susan Sherman, President & CEO of the Independence Foundation, our vital partner in this program.  Our work, this program, and the dreams it nurtures, would not be possible without the steadfast support of the Independence Foundation. Their funding is not just a contribution; it is the lifeblood that keeps essential programs like the summer internship alive and thriving in the heart of Philadelphia.

In addition several notable leaders joined us including State Senator Vincent Hughes, who represents the 7th Senatorial District in Pennsylvania and serves as the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, a position he has held since 2011, Val Gay, Chief Cultural Officer for Creative Philadelphia, as well as Joe Manko, who honors his late wife Lynn with the Lynn K. Manko Scholarship for one of our summer interns each year.

Please join us in congratulating our 2024 Summer Interns for completing their training:

Isaiah Franks
Sanaa Webb
Kayla McGrowder
Kaya O’Neill
Ro Adler
Desiree Norwood
Marlena Marg Bracken
Oak Bediako
Malayah Reynolds
Masai Matale
Glorious Cuttino
Abbey Wroten

Thank you to all of the artists who worked with the interns this summer:

Felix St. Fort
David McShane
Eurhi Jones
Marian Bailey
Sammy Kovnat
Daniel Lipschutz

Photos by Arekusn.