“We Here” at the KCT Garden
The excitement was palpable as the flatbed truck arrived at the Kensington Corridor Trust (KCT) Garden lot from Johnson Atelier Digital, carrying the first of artist Roberto Lugo’s 11-foot sculptures on Wednesday, July 24. Members of the We Here Project team, Mural Arts staff, KCT staff, and the We Here Community Advisory Council gathered to witness the moment.
After extensive planning, numerous community engagement events, and tile- and pattern-making workshops led by artist Roberto Lugo, the first sculpture is now installed in Kensington by the talented team from Johnson Atelier.
We watched and documented the process breathlessly as the vessel was meticulously removed by a crane and placed in its permanent location amidst KCT’s pollinator garden and John Zerbe’s Heart of Kensington: Lots of Lots of Love mural. Once in place, Roberto Lugo was the first to step inside and say, “We Here!”
A few days later, on Saturday, July 27, KCT and Mural Arts hosted a Garden Party at the site to celebrate the installation. The community gathered to experience the new artwork, taking selfies and Polaroid shots inside. Guests enjoyed delicious tacos and pizza, gourmet popsicles, music and dancing, clay-making activities, and live pottery demonstrations by Roberto Lugo.
The three sculptures, which were fabricated and painted at Johnson Atelier Digital in Hamilton, NJ, embody the spirit of the community and include patterns and other input from Kensington residents in their design. Johnson Atelier was also responsible for the installation, which was done with the utmost care.
We also celebrated the work and mission of our amazing partner for this facet of the project, KCT. The Kensington Corridor Trust (KCT) utilizes collective ownership to direct investments in the corridor that preserve culture and affordability while building neighborhood power and wealth in Kensington. Activities focus on restoring cleanliness and safety, attracting and accelerating businesses to provide goods and services that meet local needs, and increasing job opportunities. Strategic property acquisition, development, and activation underpin the Trust’s programming. KCT’ vision is that Kensington Avenue is a safe, healthy, and socioeconomically diverse commercial corridor with accessible opportunities for Kensington’s existing and future residents.
“We are thrilled to partner with Mural Arts Philadelphia to unveil a masterpiece at the community garden — a pottery vessel crafted by the talented Ruberto Lugo, a proud product of the Kensington neighborhood,” said Adriana Abizadeh, Executive Director of Kensington Corridor Trust. “This collaboration not only celebrates art but also honors our vibrant local heritage, infusing our shared spaces with the beauty of creativity and the richness of our community’s stories.”
Events and Workshops
Next Site Installations!
Come and join us for the exciting installation of the next two sculptures!
Free Church of St. John: August 8 | 8:30 am – 11:00 am | Helen St. & Elkhart St., Philadelphia
Taller Puertorriqueño: August 9 | 8:30 am – 11:00 am | 2600 N 5th St, Philadelphia
Up-Coming Celebrations & Events
Block Party Celebration: Free Church of St. John | September 14 | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Community Forum: Taller Puertorriqueño | October 19 | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Clay Workshops
Free and Open to Kensington Community Members
Kensington Storefront, 3208 Kensington Avenue
This summer, We Here is hosting workshops with passionate clay artists and members of the Kensington community, Nitza Walesca Rosario. The workshops are free and open to the Kensington community to learn and experience the joy of working with clay to make tiles, bowls, and more. They will take place the following Saturdays from 10 am to 12 pm:
August 10
August 24
September 7
September 21
October 5
More information about the workshops is available here. Find out more about We Here.
