An Electric Light Mural Just Arrived in South Philly

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHEGCFSj2MK/

A light installation titled “Electric Street” just arrived in South Philly, and it looks exactly how it sounds.

The mural is the brainchild of artist David Guinn and lighting designer Drew Billiau, and it’s up and ready to view on Percy Street, just south of 9th and Wharton streets. Streets Dept.’s Conrad Benner has pinned the location on Google maps, since it’s a little difficult to find.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BG7_4lhMHcJ/?taken-by=_david_guinn

Knight Foundation and Mural Arts supported the installation, which Guinn’s said is the first phase of the Percy Street Project.

Benner did some digging and found that the mural and the project were created in hope of deterring crime from Percy Street and the surrounding area, “a rather convenient spot for criminal behavior,” Benner said. The small alley is right around the corner from Pat’s and Geno’s and a number of popular bars.

According to emails Benner received from residents, a neighbor helped work with Guinn, who had received a Knight Foundation grant, to envision the mural. When the team knew they wanted to add a light component, they partnered with Billiau as well.

Benner has a plethora of photos of the mural on his website.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHJH5smDb3c/

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