Philadelphia, Pa. - Thanks to a vibrant Mexican community, visitors to the show can experience the joy and richness of Mexican art and culture in Philadelphia beyond the museum's walls. The award-winning City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program features numerous works by artists Michelle Ortiz and Cesar Viveros at locations around town.
Where to Experience Latin-American Culture in Philly
Centro Musical
Stocked with the most extensive collection of Latino music CDs in the entire state. It's also a one-stop shop for musical instruments and an excellent place to find hits by Vicente Fernandez, Ana Gabriel, and Pedro Fernandez. 464 W. Lehigh Avenue, (215) 425-7050
Eyes Gallery
Founded by artists Isaiah and Julia Zagar in 1968, the Eyes Gallery specializes in Latin American crafts, textiles, and exotic jewelry from Mexico, Peru, Haiti, and elsewhere in South America and the Caribbean. From colorful Day of the Dead figurines and dolls to pottery from celebrated artist Josefina Aguilar, the gallery offers three floors of hand-picked fair-trade items from around the globe. 402 South Street, (215) 925-0193.
Indigo Arts
A vivid palette of global folk and contemporary art decorates the showroom at Indigo Arts, featuring the finest folk and contemporary art from Latino hotspots such as Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. 1400 N. American Street, (215) 765-1041.
Philadelphia Mural Arts Program.
All around town, art lovers can connect with Mexican culture courtesy of works created by the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. Recognizing the new merchants in the Italian Market, Journeys South: Different Paths, One Market by muralist Michelle Ortiz appears on canopies covering produce carts along 9th Street. At 3rd Street and Girard Avenue, visitors can view Fuego Nuevo (New Fire), a mural by Cesar Viveros that speaks to his Mexican heritage. And another work by Viveros, The Sacred Now: Faith and Family in the 21st Century, commemorates Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia and is even signed by the pontiff himself. It's on display at 11th and Thompson streets. (215) 685-0750.
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
A visual fantasy land of winding paths and secret passages, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens shows off the Mexican folk art that influences Isaiah Zagar's work. Walls, ceilings, even floors are lined with mosaics fashioned from mirrors, tiles, and found objects. 1020 South Street, (215) 733-0390.
For more information on Philadelphia's Latino Community, See PhillyBite Magazines 7 Facts About Philadelphia's Latino Community and Philadelphia's Hispanic & Latino Art Scene
