Schuylkill Wildlife Get Spotlighted in New Street Art Project in Manayunk
Photo courtesy of Tiffany Ledesma
Manayunk is getting a blue makeover this summer courtesy of one of Mural Arts’s largest installations ever.
“Waterways,” a collaborative effort between Philadelphia Water and Mural Arts, is a 50-piece outdoor project that begins at Pretzel Park, winds through the Main Street business corridor and finishes up at Venice Island. The exhibit is helmed by local artist Eurhi Jones, who is using a rare vinyl medium to create the vibrant works that will swim along the roughly 10 blocks comprising the installation.
Think of it as the Schuylkill meets Finding Nemo, but without the clownfish. Instead, the images, which act as stepping stones through the neighborhood, will feature Manayunk’s native wildlife, such as herons, shad and crayfish, and pay tribute to the area’s industrial history by incorporating wheels and cogs within the works.
The exhibit will be officially feted this Thursday, May 14th at 6 p.m. with a celebration at Main and Lock streets. The unveiling will include free ice cream and a tour of the entire installment, which ends with some fun time at Venice Island. According to a rep from Philadelphia Water, “Waterways” will be on display for 3 or 4 months, and possibly longer in certain locations. Check out more photos from the exhibit below:
