Last month we officially completed the first updated iteration of Front Street Walls, created with Streets Dept Walls, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and CookNSolo‘s Lilah Events and Goldie Falafel! Featuring the addition of four new murals from local artists Iris Barbee Pendergrass, EL TORO, Emily White, and UNAPXLXGETIQ, the murals will remain on view on Front Street between Columbia Avenue and Oxford Street in Fishtown for the next year.
As we mentioned when we announced this updated version of Front Street Walls, curator and Streets Dept founder Conrad Benner will be working with Mural Arts and CookNSolo to refresh these four murals spaces each June with new Philly artists.
So thrilled to work with these amazing partners, these four incredible artists, and assisting artists Donna Grace Kroh and Michele Scott to bring this project to life over the last number of months. See more about this year’s artists and murals below. And be sure to follow Streets Dept Walls on Instagram to learn about next year’s open call for artists in January, 2024.
Front Street Walls dedcation, July 11, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett.” data-medium-file=”https://streetsdept.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/2023-07-11-front-street-walls-dedication-59.jpg?w=300″ data-large-file=”https://streetsdept.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/2023-07-11-front-street-walls-dedication-59.jpg?w=600″ loading=”lazy” width=”1024″ height=”683″ src=”https://streetartem.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-07-11-front-street-walls-dedication-59.jpg” alt class=”wp-image-24855″ srcset=”https://streetartem.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-07-11-front-street-walls-dedication-59.jpg 1024w, https://streetsdept.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/2023-07-11-front-street-walls-dedication-59.jpg?w=2046 2046w, https://streetsdept.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/2023-07-11-front-street-walls-dedication-59.jpg?w=150 150w, https://streetsdept.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/2023-07-11-front-street-walls-dedication-59.jpg?w=300 300w, https://streetsdept.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/2023-07-11-front-street-walls-dedication-59.jpg?w=768 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px”>
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Iris Barbee Pendergrass
Artist Bio: Iris Barbee Pendergrass was born in the city of Philadelphia, PA. At a young age Iris began to express herself through art. Which later led her to pursue a higher education at Arcadia University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and majored in Graphic Design. Iris has used her passion for art and design to illustrate her feminine side. While finding her voice as an artist, she created the inspirational brand These Pink Lips. These Pink Lips are uplifting and inspiring for women to be sexy, strong, beautiful, and comfortable with their femininity and power!
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EL TORO
Artist Bio: Justin is an artist born in the Philippines, but is currently residing in Philadelphia. He is known for creating “EL TORO”, an anthropomorphic character inspired by the carabao (a water buffalo native to the Philippines). The character can mostly be seen on stickers stuck on the back of signs and newspaper bins. He learned about exhibiting his art in public for free when he attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia to study graphic design. He believes art should be enjoyed by everyone and it shouldn’t matter what age, race, creed, ethnicity, sex or background you come from.
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Emily White
Artist Bio: Emily White is a painter, muralist, and sculptor. Emily’s work focuses on the relationship between the animal and its changing environment. Her paintings are paired with objects that are distinctly human, illustrating the bond of the animal’s life with our own. She invites audiences to reflect on the consequences of human industry and innovation on our natural world, and our relationship to it. Emily has been painting murals in Philadelphia for over a decade. She has worked with the Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia Flower Show, The Philadelphia International Airport, Blick, Ketel One, and Virgin Voyages to name a few. She’s had her hand in many prominent Philadelphia Mural Arts murals such as “Untitled” by Amy Sherald and Roberto Lugo’s “The Talented Mr. Trotter” on the new Clay Studio. Emily also creates sculpture and paintings for gallery shows and has her second solo feature with Arch Enemy Arts later this year. Originally from the Boston area, Emily has been living in Philly for 11 years. She graduated from Massachusetts College of Art in 2011 with a BFA in sculpture. In 2021, she started White Knuckle Painting LLC and continues to paint murals and signs for businesses in Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs.
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UNAPXLXGETIQ
Artist Bio: UNAPXLXGETIQ is an Alternative name adopted by Artist & Designer Emmanuel Wisdom. UNAPXLXGETIQ is a conscious creator. He creates to heal, nurture and cultivate a prosperous afro-human mentality. He’s also known for his creative, thoughtful & expressive artworks. He strives to Educate, Elevate, and Inspire progressive conversations throughout his work. In addition to art, He’s worked as a designer for a variety of brands, from commercial projects to small & international businesses. Some notable clients include; Nike, Wrigley’s Gum, Men’s Health, American Greetings, Freeform TV, Reform, and NFL Alumni Association.
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