About the Project 

Mural Arts’ partnership with Fairmount Park Conservancy, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation continues this year at The Oval.

Opening Friday, July 15, 2016 and running for five weeks, The Oval presented by PNC features a mix of free movies, live music, kid-friendly activities, interactive games, a rotating lineup of food trucks, a beautiful beer garden, and an enormous 33,000 square foot mural. Eight acres of chestnut trees, grass lawns, and public art encompass Eakins Oval, a public space which is transformed into a summer oasis.

Philadelphia artist Brad Carney created this years’ winning design. Titled Rhythm & Hues, Carney’s mural covers 33,000 square feet of concrete at the center of the park. Using bold colors and whimsical gestures of movement and musical rhythm, Carney created a full-scale music-inspired abstract experience. The art and music harmony can be found throughout The Oval with art installations in the trees, around the beer garden and mini golf area, and a new feature this season called “The Orchestra Pit,” featuring a collection of instruments for anyone to play. This sound garden of music encourages kids and adults alike to pick up an instrument regardless of skill level and create music with each other. Rhythm & Hues goes beyond the painted mural with complementary art activities all summer long like instrument-making crafts, music-inspired painting activities, temporary tattoos, and other fun crafts using sheet music and musical lyrics.

The Warby Parker Class Trip 

In addition to sponsoring Rhythm & Hues, Warby Parker has brought a unique shopping experience to the Oval. The Warby Parker Class Trip – a classic yellow school bus reimagined as a mobile showroom – has traveled to over 16 cities across the U.S and will be at the Oval July 15 through August 21. Warby Parker will also be hosting a free concert at The Oval on August 11, starring Philly-based band, Japanese Breakfast. Later this year, the company will be opening a permanent store on Walnut Street.