March 20, 2012

The Fleisher Art Memorial, located in South Philadelphia, will launch ColorWheels, a new mobile art studio funded by a prestigious grant from PNC Arts Alive. ColorWheels is equipped with the supplies and tools needed for Fleisher’s teaching artists to engage children and adults in creating on-the-spot works of art, and will deliver creative learning experiences to community members in neighborhoodsthroughout Philadelphia. The vehicle’s vibrant multi-color design and logo were designed by Westphal Graphic Design students Cara Brobst, Aaron Cichowski, Tyler Graham, Philip Gross, Alexa Lareau, Catherine Lewandowski, Ilana Mclean, Scott Robertson, and Andrew Stuber, under the direction of Program Director, Jody Graff. To celebrate the launch of ColorWheels, there will be a ribbon-cutting and art-making event on Saturday, March 24th at 10 AM outside the PNC Branch at 8th and Christian Streets.

Between April and July, ColorWheels will host ten events in South Philadelphia including Mifflin Square Park and the Cambodian Association, with plans to expand to other Philadelphia neighborhoods in the fall. ColorWheels was developed in response to in-depth research and interviews with community members funded by a Wallace Foundation Excellence Award that revealed the importance of and the desire for arts opportunities to be accessible where participants live, work, and play.

PNC Arts Alive is a five-year, $5 million investment from The PNC Foundation that supports visual and performing arts groups with the goal of increasing arts access and engagement.