Mar 3

In case you missed it… Abbott Elementary shined a light on Mural Arts Philadelphia!

by: Jenny Donnelly Johnson

On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, a packed audience of Mural Arts Philadelphia friends, partners, students, and supporters came together in the auditorium at the Bok building to celebrate the work of Mural Arts Philadelphia and watch the much anticipated “Mural Arts” episode of ABC’s Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series, Abbott Elementary.

The inclusion of mural-making in the Abbott Elementary episode offers a glimpse into Mural Arts’ student-focused programs. It also showcases Philadelphia’s robust arts and culture scene, where so many schools throughout the City of Philadelphia feature murals on the walls of their buildings.

Kicking off the watch party was a lineup of speakers who helped put this momentous occasion into perspective. Thanks to all of our wonderful speakers, including 6abc news anchor Alicia Vitarelli, who emceed the event.

Mural Arts Philadelphia Executive Director, Jane Golden, explained how Mural Arts’ work in the Philadelphia community is a prime example of the power of art that ignites change, the impact of art in schools, and how it helps to shape our local landscape, and offers a voice for students. “Our Art Education department demonstrates how art goes far beyond the realm of public space to that of public action, as art is seen not only in terms of physical development and revitalization but also social transformation and change.”

Art can do more than simply beautify a structure – it can inspire and empower not just communities but individuals.

- Jane Golden

Next, we heard from PA State Senator and husband of Abbott Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph, Vincent Hughes, who pumped up the crowd with a rousing chant, “When I say MURAL, you say ARTS!!

City Representative Sheila Hess recognized how this episode brings national recognition to Philadelphia and how Mural Arts shapes our City and gives voice to young people.

Finally, Mural Arts Philadelphia Alumni Teaching Artist Tai Baucom shared her inspiring experiences in the Art Education program and how they impacted her life.

How did this episode happen? When Quinta Brunson, the creator of the hit TV show Abbott Elementary, grew up in Philadelphia in the 2000s, Mural Arts Philadelphia came to her middle school to guide her class through creating a new mural. According to a tweet from Brunson, that childhood experience inspired this week’s episode of the show: Mural Arts comes to the fictional Abbott Elementary to guide the students through designing and creating a mural.

About Mural Arts’ Art Education Program 

With more than 2,000 young people in our Art Ed programs, ranging in age from 10 through 22, at sites across our city, we see endless potential and genius, and our job is to unlock it.  Through in-school, after-school, and summer arts-based programming, students have opportunities to do their own work, collaborate on youth-designed mural projects, and work side by side with locally, nationally, and internationally known artists; develop creative portfolios and showcase artwork at exhibitions; and apply for scholarships, internships, and jobs in the creative sector.

We want to give our students choices and inspire them to be creative, curious, and bold. We want them to know we will stand by their side and help them bring their ideas to fruition, knowing they are the next generation of people who will lead.

- Jane Golden

We need your help to continue to do this critical, impactful work!  If you are a fan of Mural Arts Philadelphia  – please consider making a donation today

Donate Now

 

  • Mural Arts mobile van outside the Abbott Elementary screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Hugh E. Dillon.

  • Mural Arts Philadelphia Board Members Jenaye Munford and Julia Fleischner at the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Hugh E. Dillon.

  • Mural Arts Executive Director Jane Golden with Dr. Tony B. Watlington, Superintendent of Philadelphia Schools at Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Hugh E. Dillon.

  • Monique Braxton, Deputy Chief of Communications and Spokesperson, Dr. Tony Watlington, Superintendent of Philadelphia Schools, Mural Arts Philadelphia Executive Director Jane Golden, PA State Senator Vincent Hughes, Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Hugh E. Dillon.

  • Members of Mural Arts Development Team at Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Hugh E. Dillon.

  • Audience members get ready for the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik. Left to Right: Mural Arts Executive Director Jane Golden, PA State Senator Vincent Hughes, 6abc's Alicia Vitarelli, City Representative Sheila Hess, and Mural Arts Arts Ed alumni teacher Tai Baucom.

  • Emcee Alicia Vitarelli welcomes the audience at the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • PA State Senator Vincent Hughes pumps up the crowd at the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • City Representative Sheila Hess speaks at the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Mural Arts Alumni Arts Ed teacher Tai Beacom at the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Quinta Brunson on screen at the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Audience members enjoy the gourmet popcorn bar at the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Hugh E. Dillon.

  • The audience delights at the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

In the News 

This exciting episode garnered significant press coverage. Here are some links to Mural Arts in the news:
Peter Crimmins, WHYY

Kira Wang, Billy Penn at WHYY

Nemesis Mora, Al Dia

Frankie Rudneski, Philly Voice

Solomon Jones on WURDAxios Philadelphia

KYW Newsradio

Ben FM Radio 

Philadelphia Inquirer

Billy Penn at WHYY

6abc Action News

Action News 4am

Action News 6am

Action News 5pm

WHYY FM Radio

Diva Gals Daily

Shout Outs & Thank Yous 

Alicia Vitarelli, 6abc, co-anchor of Action News at 4 pm

Senator Vincent J. Hughes

Sheila Hess, City Representative

Tai Baucom, Mural Arts Alumni Teaching Artist

Dr. Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia

Jacklin Rhoads, Press Secretary, Office of Governor Josh Shapiro

Renee Wilson, Constituent Services Representative, Office of Senator Nikil Saval

Margaret Hughes, First Deputy City Representative

Philadelphia City Council

Councilmember Mark Squilla

Councilmember Jim Harrity

Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, his staff, and his family

Anthony Luker, Regional Director, Office of the Governor

Dom Miller, Chief of Staff, Office of Councilmember Isaiah Thomas

Max Weisman, Communications Director, Office of Councilmember Isaiah Thomas

Alison Stohr, Chief of Staff, Office of Councilmember Kendra Brooks

Joel Volcy, Chief of Staff, Office of Councilmember Jim Harrity

Duwayne Terry, Office of Councilmember Sharon Vaughn

Kathryn Ott Lovell, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Patrick Morgan & Maita Soukup, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Patricia Wilson Aden, President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Friends from Visit Philadelphia

Friends from The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB)

And to our team at Mural Arts Philadelphia and Signature 57 for putting this event together!

By celebrating students and teachers, by presenting not just challenges but optimism and tenacity, Abbott Elementary reminds us that, even on the darkest days, hope is in our midst. The educators of Abbott Elementary don’t just teach lessons to their students. They teach all of us lessons as well — and for that, we are deeply grateful.

- Jane Golden

In case you missed it… episodes of Abbott Elementary are available on demand on Hulu the day after they air on the ABC network.

Last updated: Mar 7, 2023

Art Education

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