Life Imitating Art

There are more than 2,400 murals in Philadelphia, a number that far surpasses the public works of art that exist in any other American city. Residents can thank the forward-thinking Mural Arts Program, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, for such beautification. This week on TV12, two documentaries recognize the contributions the Mural Arts Program has made to Philadelphia's neighborhoods, and other new programs celebrate the work of established and emerging artists alike.

Mural

This original WHYY production from 2001 follows four artists participating in the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, capturing the trials and triumphs of creating art on a grand scale. Using handheld cameras, veteran muralists Parris Stancell, David Guinn, Diane Keller (pictured) and David McShane, along with community leaders involved in planning and producing these murals, recorded the personal stories behind the creation of each piece of public art. Mural blends their "video diaries" with formal interviews to showcase the history surrounding each mural project and to demonstrate how the Mural Arts Program, headed by artistic director Jane Golden, profoundly impacts the lives of young people. Sunday, October 3 at 6 p.m.

Soundmix: Five Young Musicians

Not long ago, teenagers Troy Andrews, Hovia Edwards, Camilo Gaetan, Gabrielle Athayde and Jake Krack were strangers -- hailing from different parts of the United States and with their own likes and dislikes, friends and hobbies. What they share -- and what eventually brought these five exceptional teens together -- is a deep-seated connection to American musical traditions. This documentary-style program profiles each young artist in his or her hometown before filming their first meeting at a workshop where they share their individual musical styles and discuss the passions that fuel their art. This is not your ordinary band camp: their mentors include trumpeter Wynton Marsalis; fiddle legend Melvin Wine; and Latin drummer Louis Bauzo. Thursday, October 7 at 10 p.m.

A Healing Kaleidoscope -- The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program

Twenty years after it began as a part of a campaign to rid Philadelphia of graffiti, the Mural Arts Program has completed more indoor and outdoor murals than any other public arts program in the nation. This reflective, locally produced documentary revisits the history of the Mural Arts Program, from its origins as a citywide beautification program to its current manifestation as Philadelphia's "Outdoor Museum of Art" under the direction of Jane Golden. Golden, Philadelphia Mayor John Street, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and numerous artists, activists and community partners also provide insight into the social, financial, educational and emotional impact these murals have had on The City of Brotherly Love. Sunday, October 10 at 6 p.m.

Heartland: Paintings by Bo Bartlett

The art and life of distinguished Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts alumnus Bo Bartlett is the subject of this hour-long program, produced to coincide with a touring exhibit of 40 of the artist's oil paintings, which are currently on display at the Academy. Hailed as one of America's greatest living artists, Bartlett mixes realist tradition with surrealistic juxtapositions in his portrayals of such everyday themes as family, religion, memory, life and death. The program provides a close examination of Bartlett's work, and explores his lasting connections to the region -- the painter worked closely under the tutelage of Chester County legend Andrew Wyeth and resides in Belmont Hills, Pa. -- through interviews with Bartlett's family, art curators and close friends. Pictured: Bone, 2000, Oil on linen by Bo Bartlett. Monday, October 11 at 10 p.m.

Become a WHYY Member, and get reduced admission to the "Heartland" exhibit at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, now through November 14, 2004! Pledge your support today.