LOVE+GRIT STOREFRONTS PROJECT
Our work is part of the Love + Grit Storefronts Project with @lovegrit- philly + @visitphilly. The project uses public art to turn empty store- fronts into expressions of pride and support businesses impacted by the pandemic. #LoveGritPhilly #VisitPhilly Find my art pieces below
The campaign, an extension of VISIT PHILADELPHIA’s popular Love + Grit podcast, reinvigorates the city’s empty storefronts by transforming them into art installations. The Love + Grit Storefronts Project spotlights Philly’s talented QBIPOC artists and innovative Black and Brown-owned businesses. In the citywide public art installation, each artist has turned an empty storefront into an expression of pride, supporting a business adversely affected by the pandemic and showcasing the potential of storefronts available for lease. The displayed artwork is on view for locals and visitors to see and enjoy through the holidays.
This project was Curated by Ginger Rudolph and Conrad Brenner
Funded in part by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the exhibit features 24 local businesses impacted by the pandemic and 12 QBIPOC artists who have transformed empty storefronts with their artistry, creativity and ingenuity. The 12 participating artists collaborated with two businesses each. QR codes appear on all storefronts, encouraging admirers to check out visitphilly.com/storefronts to learn more information about the campaign, the artists’ inspirations and the business owners’ stories.
WE CHAT ABOUT THE PROJECT ON THE LOVE+GRIT PODCAST
INFINATE
INFINITE is a future-leaning collage/illustration that honors past design, acknowledges Kenya and Steven’s retail journey, and looks to the future. It was inspired by the modern lines of The Modern Republic’s building and its mid-century décor, along with the relationship the furniture’s time period had with West and East African aesthetics.
Inspiration for the Work: The Modern Republic (1600 W. Girard Avenue), a mid-century modern furnishings store, owned by Kenya Abdul-Hadi and Steven Brown, selling wares from the 1940s through 1970s.
UP AND OVER
UP AND OVER is a visual narrative created using mixed-media street art and fine art to celebrate movement, shift and flow while helping to amplify all voices.
Inspiration for the Work: The African American Museum in Philadelphia (701 Arch Street), dedicated to preserving, interpreting and exhibiting the heritage and culture of African Americans.
Photos by R. Rabena for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® / VISIT PHILADELPHIA®