Mural Arts Philadelphia recently unveiled the first of six youth anti-violence mural projects in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, writes Peter Crimmins for WHYY.

This first mural was unveiled at the Markward Recreation Center in Fitler Square. It was designed by a group of 5 to 12-year-old children in an after school program under the stewardship of lead artist Calo Rosa.

“The design includes the energy that the kids will put in their drawings. That activity of playing around the mural,” said Rosa.

Rosa spent 10 weeks with the children.

The mural’s design is of large-scale flowers, such as brown-eyed susans and Echinacea, reflecting a nearby pollinator garden energized by colorful daubs that look like blotches from paintbrushes and markers.

“Instead of addressing the issue directly, the importance of creating the space, of creating something beautiful together helps a lot more,” said Rosa.

The mural project is being funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, a policymaking government agency for criminal justice and crime development.

According to Mural Arts, the goal is to engage youth in public art projects, especially in statistically high-violence ZIP codes.

Officials have not yet determined the locations of the five future murals that will be a part of this program.

Read more about Philadelphia’s new youth anti-violence mural project in WHYY.

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