PUBLIC ART
Lightboxes
Our series of lightboxes are installed at nine locations on south 9th Street between Washington Avenue and Federal Street. Each lightbox highlights stories from different business owners, not centered on labor, but on reflections of light and hope for themselves and our collective community. The lightboxes provide beauty and function by providing more lighting and safety along the Market.
These works were installed with 10th Floor Productions. Support provided by the Art is PHL grant through the City’s Department of Planning and Development and the Knight Foundation and the William Penn Foundation in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia.
"I come from women that are strong, hardworking, and empowered."
Andres Hernandez from Adelita Restaurant remembers his grandfather and the women in his family caring for the magueys on his land in Puebla, Mexico. In the artwork, his words are paired with the image of Adelita, a woman soldier who cooked and cared for the wounded and fought in battles during the Mexican Revolution.
Location: Adelita, 1108 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Artwork by Michelle Angela Ortiz/ 2022
Andres and his father at Adelita Restaurant
"Here we share with joy a special part of what we left behind."
Inspired by conversations with Julio about the power of history, culture, and food, as well as understanding more about his courageous political activism in Venezuela, this piece concentrates on the democratic nature of Arepas, where elements from Julio's past in Caracas are actively and joyfully kneading his present and his future in Philadelphia.
Location: Arepa Restaurant, 112 S 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Artwork by Alfonso Pérez Acosta/ 2024
Julio Rivas at Arepa Grubspot Restaurant
“Life is like a game and you have to know how to play it to win.”
The owner of King Video Games, Oscar, grew up in Brooklyn and shares his love of games. Although Oscar sells all eras of video games, he fondly remembers the era of 8-bit games, which heavily influenced the final artwork. The saying in the artwork reflects the obstacles that Oscar has overcome as a small business owner to get where he is today.
Location: King Video Games, 1128 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA. 19147
Artwork by James Olstein/ 2024
Oscar at King Video Games
“There are no limits, everything is possible.”
Jenny and her mother Marisol offer dresses for special occasions to the community. Their quote and the two dresses wrapped in a ribbon indicate a young girl's coming of age. The images surrounding the dresses are reminiscent of girlhood into womanhood as it is celebrated in quinceañeras.
Location: Novedades Marisol, 1136 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Artwork by Madeleine Conover/ 2024
Jenny at Novedades Marisol
“Oh Philadelphia! My flesh and blood run through your veins like the waters of your rivers that flow around you.”
Cristina Martinez from Casa Mexico shares her poem that speaks to her connection to our city and honoring the life of her son, Isaias Berriozabal-Martinez. Isaias and Cristina brought to our city their barbacoa tradition from their hometown of Capulhuac and neighboring Toluca, Mexico.
Location: Casa Mexico, 1134 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA. 19147
Artwork by Michelle Angela Ortiz/ 2022
Cristina Martinez at Casa Mexico
“I owe my life to God and I owe my food to Tepito.”
Brenda Méndez worked alongside her mother in the open air market in her neighborhood of Tepito in Mexico City. She became a young mother and had to work hard to support her child. In the artwork, Brenda’s son is looking upwards along with the phrase that she remembers spray painted on the walls while working in Tepito everyday.
Location: B&J Estampados y Mas, 1135 S 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Artwork by Michelle Angela Ortiz/ 2022
Brenda at B&J Printing
“When you work hard for your dreams, they come true.”
Maria Carmen is a mother and business owner of Mexibike. She shared her memories of riding her bike with her children. She identified the monarch as a powerful symbol of migration and how arduous the journey is. Maria’s phrase in the artwork is representative of her journey and pursuing her dreams in the Market.
Location: Mexibike, 1139 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Artwork by Cindy Lozito/ 2024
Maria Carmen at Mexibike
“There is always a light on your path.”
A mother’s embrace is what Javier Ríos Sandoval from Mole Poblano described as an expression of love. A mother is always searching for ways to fight for their children. Javier and his brother, Pedro, took over the family business. He shares the importance of honoring your parents and being at peace with oneself. His wife and children give him hope and light.
Location: Mole Poblano, 1144 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Artwork by Michelle Angela Ortiz/ 2022
Javier at Mole Poblano Restaurant
"May all hearts bloom."
The Tree of Life are clay sculptures made in Mexico. For Eva Hernández Cruz , owner of Chocoarte, the Tree of Life has to do with life, the act of creating, joy, and her good wishes. It is important that her Mexican roots and culture endures. Eva believes that it is essential to create spaces that make the heart happy.
Location: Chocolate Arts and Crafts, 1168 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Artwork by Michelle Angela Ortiz/ 2022
Eva at Chocoarte