Discover The Tacony LAB: A Creative Hub for Makers

The Tacony LAB gave me the confidence to start selling my work and think of myself as an artist.

— Zoey Storck, Tacony LAB Participant

Teaching artist, Bob Dix instructing watercolor painting. Photo: Lucia Alber

If you’re looking for a space where creativity thrives and community comes first, Tacony LAB Community Art Center is the place to be. As a program of Mural Arts Philadelphia, The Tacony LAB embodies the organization’s mission to use art as a tool for social change, community engagement, and creative expression.

Located on Torresdale Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia, The Tacony LAB offers free art-making resources and experiences designed to bring neighborhoods together and spark imagination. Like all of Mural Arts’ work, The Tacony LAB is about more than art. It’s about building connections, amplifying voices, and creating opportunities for people of all ages to explore their creativity.

The Tacony LAB is always a favorite stop at the Tacony CDC’s Annual Halloween Carnival. Photo: Barb Baur

A Space for Everyone

At The Tacony LAB, there’s something for all ages. The center offers free classes and workshops for children, teens, and adults, covering a range of topics, including fine art and crafts, sewing, weaving, printmaking, and 3D design. There’s the Saturday Kids Club, weeknight classes for adults and teens, and plenty of open studio time for independent work.

With high-quality tools and donated materials, including Cricut® machines, weaving looms, sewing machines, knitting machines, a 3D printer, and even a laser cutter, the LAB provides everything you need to experiment, learn, and create.

Zoey Storck started taking classes in September of 2021. “I came to the LAB at a point of transition in my life, and it enabled me to build an extremely strong community of artists, makers, and learners,” said Zoey. “It gave me the confidence to start selling my work and think of myself as an artist.”

“Art is for Everyone” Mosaic by Tacony LAB Artist in Residence Laura Lyn Stern. Photo: Barb Baur.

Artist Residencies And Collaborations

The Tacony LAB is also home to a dynamic artist residency program, where artists create original work while connecting with the community through public art projects and workshops. Past collaborations have included organizations such as the Riverfront North Partnership and the Tacony Community Development Corporation.

The Tacony LAB Annual Knit-A-Thon is part of November’s Fiber Month events. Photo: Barb Baur.

Events That Bring People Together

The Tacony LAB is at the heart of Northeast Philly’s creative scene. Monthly First Friday events, a Maker Market three times a year, and special programs like the annual 24-Hour Knit-A-Thon, offer fun ways to engage with the arts, meet neighbors, and support local initiatives.

“The Tacony LAB space and programming have grown in response to the needs of our community. Open studio sessions evolved from a neighbor’s request for a space where she and her friends could work on their art,” says Tacony LAB Program Manager, Barb Baur. “It became apparent they weren’t the only ones who had this need. Sewing and textile classes are very popular, and we have had to increase the frequency of these classes to try to meet the community’s interest. Whenever someone walks in the door with a suggestion for something they are interested in, we always try to say yes.”

Community member Evette Cuebas enjoying a weaving class at the Tacony LAB. Photo: Lucia Alber.

Join the Community

Whether you want to take a class, work on an independent project, or just explore what’s possible, The Tacony LAB invites you in. Visit the Tacony LAB Community Art Center and see how Mural Arts is building community through art, one maker at a time.

Upcoming events:

Wednesday, July 2: Beginning Sewing with Emily Hitchner

Wednesday, July 9: Indigo Dyeing with Lucia Alber

Friday, July 11: Artistic Art Coalition of Philly 6th Art Exhibition