Positive messages can pop up anywhere. Guests traveling through PHL can find them in two art exhibits: "Fill the Walls with Hope" between Terminals C and D and "Granny Graffiti" in Terminal F.
"We're one year into the COVID-19 pandemic and the mental fatigue caused by the virus and the disruption to our lives and routines is a struggle for so many," said PHL Director of Guest Experience and Airport Art Program Director Leah Douglas. "The 'Fill the Walls With Hope' and 'Granny Graffiti' exhibits not only brighten our terminals with beautiful artwork, they also provide the words of encouragement many people need to see and hear right now."
"Fill the Walls With Hope" replicates a visual arts project developed by Philadelphia artist Mark Strandquist last March as a way to post encouraging artwork and messages on empty walls, sign posts and other blank spots throughout the city. In a year, more than 75 artists have contributed artwork and more than 1,500 posters, yard signs, banners and vinyl decals have been posted across Philadelphia, as well as downloaded and posted in Los Angeles, Richmond and the Netherlands.
"The messages focus on the importance of taking care of our neighbors, shoutouts to frontline workers, and support for racial equality and it reminds us that there are people experiencing the same feelings," said Douglas. "And the exhibit is wrapped in large arms, giving the hugs that so many of us have been missing over the last year."
In "Granny Graffiti", Philadelphia artist Carole Loeffler uses vintage do
ilies she has collected over the years as canvases for positive notes created with red felt letters. Loeffler started the project after an encounter with a young man in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood. She placed a doily with the phrase "Be Strong on a telephone pole, hoping he would see it. From there, Loeffler began placing doilies with messages like "It is Possible", "Have Courage" and "Lead with Love" on telephone poles around the city, as a gesture of kindness and comfort.
“Carole also participated in our virtual art demonstration for Valentine’s Day and provided handmade red felt hearts with love notes that were a hit with our passengers and employees,” Douglas. “They enjoyed being surprised by positive messages of love in an unexpected place. I think they will get the same feeling from 'Granny Graffiti'."
