Art + Community
The Murals
We are literally covering the Germantown ArtHaus in vibrant, community-created art!
Background art by Victoria Holmes
Absolute Equality/Juneteenth
Transforming Tragedy
Philly Youth Selfie Project
“Absolute Equality:
Full Circle
Philly’s 1st Juneteenth Mural
on the west-facing wall of The Germantown ArtHaus.
Designed by Lead Artist Keisha Whatley.
Co-Lead Artist, Andre Chaney | Mural Assistant, Khalid Dennis
This new Philadelphia Mural celebrates ‘Freedom Day,’ the first of its kind in Philadelphia. It was unveiled and dedicated at The Germantown ArtHaus on Saturday, June 17th during the 2023 Philadelphia’s Juneteenth Festival. The mural is a multi-year project with the aim to tell the story “full circle,” from freedom (in Africa) through enslavement, “emancipation,” Jim Crow, systemic racism, police brutality to a future created collaboratively with community; one of peace, trust and empowerment.
The 2023 Juneteenth installation was phase one of a three-phase project. Stay tuned for phase two in 2024! See below for additional information.
Check out some of the press about the June 17th Mural Dedication Ceremony!
”Transforming Tragedy: A Gateway to HOPE
4 Community Artists Add The Next Level to the Juneteenth Mural
ABOUT THE PROJECT
On June 19th, 1865, Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, which informed the people of Texas that all enslaved people were now free. He proclaimed: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves.”… but The struggle for freedom continued… so the story continues through history to this very moment. Philadelphia’s first Juneteenth Mural was unveiled in June of 2023 at The Germantown ArtHaus (designed & produced by Founder Keisha Whatley of Custom Arts Studio)
On May 17, 2021, The Germantown ArtHaus hosted the Germantown Artist Summit, an open gathering for local creatives to learn about the newly acquired Germantown ArtHaus, and learn about a Community Artist Mural project, “Transforming Tragedy: A Gateway to Hope.” The concept was inspired by …
The Philly Youth Selfie Project
The Germantown ArtHaus tiled with the self-portraits of Philadelphia’s Youth!
The Philly Youth Selfie Project paired some of Philadelphia’s best fine artists with groups of Philly Youth to create self-portraits that now tile the east-facing wall of the Germantown ArtHaus!
