I had the chance to return to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens last week. I've posted
previously about this incredibly inspiring place. It's the largest public installation by mosaicist Isaiah Zagar, and the genesis of the whole arts movement on South Street in the 1960's.
It's a maze of artistic fantasy! Everywhere you look, every corner you turn reveals the next wonderful art piece that collectively makes up this amazing giant scale mosaic masterpiece.
On this particular day, I was there to meet Angel Lugo. He's a documentary film maker, and he's currently working on a film about the arts community in Philadelphia as it relates to the current economic conditions. I think his project is very interesting, and I feel fortunate to be able to take part in it.
While I was waiting for Angel and his crew to finish setting up their equipment, I couldn't help but wander around in the gardens snapping more and more photos...
It felt like I could never see it all. There's a story in every nook and cranny of this beautiful place.
Isaiah Zagar's son Jeremiah made an award winning film called "In a dream". I love this film. It's a completely real look into the life...
If you're in Philadelphia you must see it for yourself! And, don't forget to bring your camera! :-)
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a nonprofit organization that relies mainly on contributions from individuals for its activities. This support enables us to continue to offer our educational programs, concert and performances, and other public events.
For more information visit their
website
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Photos by Robert Petril
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dreaming in mosaic
This is my cousin's pizza shop. It's called City Pizza, and it's located at 16th & Oregon Ave in Philly. You can claim my bias here, so I invite you to ask anyone within range in South Philly, and they will tell you it's one of the best pizza shops in all of Philadelphia. And, it's completely full of Petril Peeps! Let me introduce them to you...
This is Robert Petril. He's the owner, and he's jammin' on the main ovens.
And then there's another Robert Petril, and he's jammin' the back ovens...
Then we have Anthony Petril rockin' cheesesteaks on the grill...
And then another Anthony Lebo Petril wheelin' the pies all over South Philly...
Ok, then we have Nick Petril laying down sauce, cheese, and toppings on the fresh dough that Bruce was just tossing... 
The list goes on. Some more Petrils just had the night off. Like this mug here named Dio Petril. He was probably home sleeping... 
Here's a clip of what City Pizza "Rush Hour" looks like. It's a well choreographed pizza ballet...
Seriously! How lucky am I to have a pizza army like this in the family!?
