PUBLIC ART
Lightboxes
In July 2022, we installed five sets of lightboxes at five businesses located south of Washington Avenue on the 9th Street Market. Each lightbox highlights stories from different business owners, not centered on labor, but on reflections of light and hope for themselves and our collective community.
Designed by Michelle Angela Ortiz, the lightboxes provide beauty and function by providing more lighting and safety along the Market. These works were installed with Philadelphia Scenic Works and 10th Floor Productions.
This component of the project was supported by the Art is PHL grant through the City’s Department of Planning and Development and the Knight Foundation.
"I come from women that are strong, hardworking, and empowered."
Andres Hernandez from Adelita Restaurant remembers his grandfather and the women in his family caring for the magueys on his land in Puebla, Mexico. In the artwork, his words are paired with the image of Adelita, a woman soldier who cooked and cared for the wounded and fought in battles during the Mexican Revolution.
Andres and his father at Adelita Restaurant
“Oh Philadelphia! My flesh and blood run through your veins like the waters of your rivers that flow around you.”
Cristina Martinez from Casa Mexico shares her poem that speaks to her connection to our city and honoring the life of her son, Isaias Berriozabal-Martinez. Isaias and Cristina brought to our city their barbacoa tradition from their hometown of Capulhuac and neighboring Toluca, Mexico.
Cristina Martinez at Casa Mexico
“I owe my life to God and I owe my food to Tepito.”
Brenda Méndez worked alongside her mother in the open air market in her neighborhood of Tepito in Mexico City. She became a young mother and had to work hard to support her child. In the artwork, Brenda’s son is looking upwards along with the phrase that she remembers spray painted on the walls while working in Tepito everyday.
Brenda at B&J Printing
“There is always a light on your path.”
A mother’s embrace is what Javier Ríos Sandoval from Mole Poblano described as an expression of love. A mother is always searching for ways to fight for their children. Javier and his brother, Pedro, took over the family business. He shares the importance of honoring your parents and being at peace with oneself. His wife and children give him hope and light.
Javier at Mole Poblano Restaurant
"May all hearts bloom."
The Tree of Life are clay sculptures made in Mexico. For Eva Hernández Cruz , owner of Chocoarte, the Tree of Life has to do with life, the act of creating, joy, and her good wishes. It is important that her Mexican roots and culture endures. Eva believes that it is essential to create spaces that make the heart happy.
Eva at Chocoarte