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.
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.
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
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Mural Arts mobile van outside the Abbott Elementary screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Hugh E. Dillon.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Members of Mural Arts Development Team at Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Hugh E. Dillon.
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Audience members get ready for the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.
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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.
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Emcee Alicia Vitarelli welcomes the audience at the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.
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PA State Senator Vincent Hughes pumps up the crowd at the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.
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City Representative Sheila Hess speaks at the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.
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Mural Arts Alumni Arts Ed teacher Tai Beacom at the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.
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Quinta Brunson on screen at the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.
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Audience members enjoy the gourmet popcorn bar at the Abbott Elementary live screening at Bok, March 1, 2023. Photo by Hugh E. Dillon.
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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
Frankie Rudneski, Philly Voice
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.
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
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