4th LAAF Review!

"Artistic emotions flow together in an ocean of imagination"

This is the message painted on the mural which represents this wonderful creation.

What a monumental day for the Portside Arts Center and the community. The 4th Annual Lehigh Avenue Arts Festival was a great success with over 40 artisan vendors, 10 children activities, 11 live local bands and of course, the moon bounce, it was the largest LAAF the neighborhood ever experienced! The Portside had lots of volunteers of all ages helping with the festival and everyone had a fantastic time. Kim Creighton, Director and Jenna Wilchinsky, Assistant Director said they could not have pulled off the festival without their help and constant volunteerism! Jane Golden was there from the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program with an inspiring speech for the mural dedication ceremony and encouraging words for the Portside. Now on the bottom left hand corner of the beautiful tropical fish educational mural states the names of all the artists and the Portside Community who helped with the creation of this magnificent public work of art. Also Cesar Viveros mural artist and Jonny Buss, mosaic artist talked about their inspiration and creation of the mural during the dedication. With tears in her eyes Creighton expressed her gratitude towards the community and the Mural Arts program, Artists and Jane Golden for bringing this mural project to the Portside. This mural is the first of its kind to exist in the Port Richmond area comprised of paint, glass mosaic and metal work making it a mixed media masterpiece. Following the dedication several of the Portside students from the music program showed off their talents on the stage for all to enjoy. The music teachers followed with a violin solo by Elizabeth Zook and Chris Johnson and Tyrel McCoy showed off their drumming talents with some shredding. Jamie McMahon owner of the Green Rock Tavern organized the live music bringing together local bands who also donated their time for this annual fundraiser for the Portside Scholarship Fund for families of limited resources. Creighton said they received a great outpouring of generosity from local community businesses and community members with donations for our Chinese lottery and also with monetary sponsorships. What a great day said Creighton to see the community come out in such a force to support their local arts center. Thank you!