Through art and writing, AIGA Philadelphia, Spells Writing Lab, and local children collaborate to celebrate Philly’s unique neighborhoods.

by Neha Agarwal

Eager to flex their creative muscles, inquisitive children filled a classroom at Moore College of Art and Design on Saturday, April 10. In just one fun-filled afternoon, with the help of college graphic design students, kids ages 8 to 12 managed to showcase “their Philly” through beautifully crafted poems and collages.

In an effort to promote the power of images and the written word, Spells Writing Lab and AIGA Philadelphia came together to put a positive spin on our city’s sometimes negative reputation. Spells Writing Lab is a local organization that provides free writing workshops and after-school tutoring for a diverse mix of kids and teens from the surrounding community.

In a time when stories of crime and violence seem to pervade the news, This is My Philly sought to build momentum and motivation by focusing on Philadelphia’s positive qualities. As members of our community, we all have a responsibility to continuously maintain and improve our home. AIGA Philadelphia and Spells Writing Lab wanted to fulfill this responsibility using our creative skills.

The afternoon kicked off with a discussion about our various neighborhoods and their unique qualities. Christina Dubb, Executive Director of Spells Writing Lab, led a brainstorming session to explore the favorite parts of their community. Hands shot up as children shouted out words such as “fun, freeze pops, cut grass, and yummy” to describe their neighborhood. With the help of their college buddies, the children proceeded to draw a map highlighting the special quirks of their surroundings. Once their maps were created, the pairs made a list of words and phrases that described their map, and would later be composed into their final poem.

After a short break for goodies and chatter, everyone diligently returned to their stations to begin the visual portion of the day. Gigi McGee, Professor of Graphic Design at Moore and Education Co-Chair at AIGA Philadelphia, delivered a brief presentation of artists such as Pablo Picasso and Eric Carle, that utilize outline and mixed media collage. With brief instruction and a sample collage from Neha Agarwal, Visiting Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Philadelphia University and Membership Co-Chair at AIGA Philadelphia, the group set out to create their collages. The classroom was buzzing with activity as a swirling tornado of magazine clippings, crayons, markers, and paint swept across the room.

As the finishing touches on collages and poems were made, local designers Andrea Pippins and Philadelphia University Adjunct Instructor Beth Shirrell scanned every map, word list, and collage created. Dave Copestakes, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Arcadia University and Education Co-Chair at AIGA Philadelphia, pinned up the final creations for a show-and-tell session.

The afternoon came to a close with a festive pizza party and proud group photographs. Parents, teachers, kids, and college students exchanged stories and admired each other’s work.

In a 3-hour session, local children proved no matter what the size or location, they all feel a sense of pride and love for their neighborhood. Through the power of writing and art, each child proudly declared: “This is My Philly!”

Under the guidance of Neha Agarwal and Beth Shirrell, the college students are currently designing a book that will highlight each participant and their creation. Check back for details regarding this publication.

Interested in learning more about this initiative? Contact Neha Agarwal at neha@nehaagarwal.com

Check out Spells Writing Lab at: phillyspells.org

Photography by Steve Kradel