Art is something that is a mainstay in Fairhill. From graffiti-covered buildings to walls adorned with murals, the controversial yet strikingly beautiful expressions can be found almost anywhere. HACE, a nonprofit organization attending to the Hispanic community of Philadelphia, has given residents of Fairhill a more orthodox forum for this.
Starting this summer, the 30-year old organization began an art exhibit within their location on Fifth Street and Lehigh Avenue that promotes local artists.
“So often people have talent but have nowhere to showcase it,” HACE Assistant District Manager Emanuel Rivera said. “That’s what we are trying to accomplish here.”
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. “As you can see there’s some real talent around here,” HACE Business District Manager Yvonne Sullivan said.
This is what I call an understatement.
Impressionist era, classical and downright experimental are all on full display in the exhibit. One look at a Picasso-inspired painting also shows these artists know their history.
There is one piece that caught my attention more than any other though. I believe it is because it seemed so unequivocally Fairhill. The piece consisted of merely paper bags and coil. Very striking, it personifies what Fairhill has continued to do – making something out of nothing.
“Everyone needs a voice,” Sullivan said.
HACE is doing what they can to provide it.
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