The Creative Connector Project
Did you know that artists are connectors? This is what the Leadership Philadelphia’s current study suggests — artists are creative community connectors and it is their intent to affirm from this study that the arts are an economic engine as part of this process.
I find this concept interesting but the outcome, I think, is obvious. Yes, I believe artists are connectors because they are creative and seek out-of-the-box type of solutions for getting things done. People are naturally drawn to their ideas because they inspire and trigger their thought process and brain activity which sparks energy. Like synapses in neurons firing, once a creative idea gets sparked, artists connect others through their expressive ideas and people are naturally and positively drawn to this type of positive and exciting energy.
This study has its premise based on Malcolm Gladwell’s book, The Tipping Point (great read by the way), in which Gladwell “used this term to describe people who know everyone and get things done. They’re the glue holding the community together, and are often under the radar,” according to Liz Dow, the director of Leadership Philadelphia. “She’s not looking for just any artist.” “We’re looking for someone who pulls a community together,” as this The Philadelphia Inquirer online article describes. “The Mural Arts Program is a perfect example,” Dow said. Click here to learn more about this opportunity for artists, regarding the study and how to submit nominations though July Ist.
Speaking of Murals, since this is Mural Monday. Here are a few murals that I did not get to post when I wrote about our family trip to Philly, and especially to see a few of the many murals as part of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program (MAP).
Wowza! So many of Philly’s murals surprise the visual senses.
If you want to know more about Philadelphia’s public art, these sites are worth visiting:
• Live Arts & Fringe Festival Blog — where you can see how the largest Philly mural in the airport was painted through a community paint day and keep informed of other public art activities.
- community-paint-day via Live Arts & Fringe Festival Blog
• Grid – Towards a Sustainable Philadelphia — See all sorts of initiatives to everyday beautification: Lunch Truck Project and Recycling Trucks among many artistic solutions.
Philadelphia Painted Lunch Truck via Grid 
Philly “tricked” truck via Grid
casart
I'm an artist, wife and mother of two boys. I started my illustration business, The Occasional Palette over 35 years ago, when my oldest son was an infant. Once my children were in school, I began painting decorative, faux finishes and murals through my second business, Casart, now over 30 years old. My third business, Casart Coverings, is a springboard from my second. Click on the link on the sidebar to see innovative, custom, designer wallcovering, removable and reusable wallpaper and coordinating decor.
