Employee Profile: Raheem

Raheem Camp started with Mural Arts in 2010 as a member of our Restorative Justice department’s Guild Program. Growing up in West Philly he described himself as “on the streets doing what I wanted to do to find a way to make money.” That lifestyle led to a handful of arrests and eventually to the Guild.

“Being at Mural Arts has calmed me down a lot.” He says.  “I’m more focused and I enjoy the work that I do.” Raheem’s name is on the artist credits on a variety of projects including Legendary (aka The Roots mural) and In Nature, Nothing Exists Alone at the Philadelphia Zoo.

His work with the Guild led to part-time gigs as a landscaper, assistant artist and crew member. When a scarcely available, permanent position on the operations crew opened up earlier this year, Mural Arts jumped at the chance to bring him on full-time.

The crew manages the logistics of mural creation, repair and maintenance. That includes landscaping, wall prep, scaffold construction, light carpentry, supply delivery, painting and a long, long list of other duties. The crew is basically our in-house team of general contractors.

The work takes him all over Philadelphia. Working and interacting with various communities in the city is both central to the mission and his favorite part of the job. “Mural Arts is a good program.” He said during our chat. “This is the job I’ve had that I actually like.”

When not at Mural Arts, he enjoys spending time with his 6-year old daughter, playing football or reading a book.

Photo: Raheem at the Roots mural dedication in May 2013. Photo by Dave Tavini