South Street Debuts New Mural by Philadelphia's Magic Gardens' Isaiah Zagar Today

South Street Headhouse District, (SSHD), Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (PMG), and Octo Design are proud to announce the unveiling of another major art installation by local award-winning mosaic mural artist Isaiah Zagar. The mural will have its major reveal on Thursday December 3, 2015 at 3:00pm. Art lovers, neighbors and friends are invited to attend and light refreshments will be served.

In its ongoing efforts to enliven and beautify the community as well as build on its history as a public art environment, the SSHD sought out Mr. Zagar to create one of his famous signature murals on South Street. After searching for the right property, kismet brought the choice to 836 South Street at Schell Street.
Isaiah Zagar's work can be found on more than 200 public walls throughout the city of Philadelphia and around the world. Born in Philadelphia, his work is included in the permanent collections of numerous art institutions, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and has been featured in solo exhibitions throughout the Philadelphia area.

Wendy Verna purchased 836 South about 2 years ago with hope of it becoming a creative space. As the owner of Octo Design Group, she recently partnered with David Waterman of InkIt Digital to open Marketing Salon, offering design and marketing solutions to start-ups businesses. Reflecting on the mosaic project, Ms. Verna says "We feel like we won the lottery! We loved watching the magic happen and Isaiah's smile lit up our corner daily. That light now will continue to shine each and every day for all the people who come to South Street."
The project was funded through the Knight Arts Challenge Grant, which the SSHD was awarded from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

In addition to the Zagar mural, SSHD has initiated a variety of other public art beautification projects in the District. SSHD collaborated with Paradigm Studio+Gallery to transform dull utility boxes into inventive original works of art with celebrated street artists. Traffic signal boxes and Big Belly trash cans are being rewrapped with colorful art designs. Future projects include partnering with Philadelphia Mural Arts as well as local painters to transform vacant storefronts into works of art.

For more information about the artist: www.phillymagicgardens.org

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation: www.knightfoundation.org