A Mural Expected for Chestnut Hill

Bredenbeck’s Bakery at 8126 Germantown Avenue will be home to the town’s new art, welcoming mural-viewers, avenue-goers, business people and residents to Chestnut Hill from the building’s spacious south-side wall.

Bredenbeck’s has been “a staple for Chestnut Hill,” says the store’s Operations Manager, Lauren Boyd. In reference to the decision to display the mural on Bredenbeck’s wall, Boyd continued, “We’ve been here for 28 years and have the space for it. It’s awesome. We’re very honored.”

The installment will be the first mural exhibit in Chestnut Hill. Those already involved are thrilled for the recognition the mural will bring to the avenue and beyond eager for the recurring benefits and new visitors the painting will invite.

The Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia is spear-heading the exhibit. According to their website, the program “unites artists and communities through a collaborative process, rooted in the traditions of mural-making, to create art that transforms public spaces and individual lives.”

Chestnut Hill residents and employees anticipate the mural providing nothing short of a smooth integration of the avenue’s traditions with Philadelphia’s cultural diversity and national attention.

Mural Arts Program’s website states that “more than 3,000 murals are located throughout the City of Philadelphia.” The program offers tours of such murals for tourists, art enthusiasts and locals to best experience the art work.

As of right now, the North West Philadelphia Area does not have a tour arranged through the Mural Arts Program. However, Ken Weinstein, owner of the Trolley Car Diner and member of the Mural Arts Program advisory board, mentioned that he hopes as new murals are added to the preexisting handful of art in the Northwest Area “we can have our own tour.”

When asked about the impact of the tours and if they aid in attracting business to the area, Weinstein replied, “Absolutely, and [the tour] is the bigger picture here.”

Once active, the tour should bring those desiring the artsy Philadelphia experience into the North West area.  

Boyd commented that she hopes the mural “ties more of us into Philadelphia.”

“When we tell people our mailing address is Philadelphia, they seem surprised. We are a part of the city,” says Boyd who hopes the artwork will “bring everyone together.”

The mural will mark a crucial cultural landmark for residents and newcomers to the Chestnut Hill area. It will “hopefully attract different types of people to Avenue-wide events,” says Boyd.

Despite high anticipation, the specific design of the mural has yet to be decided. The Mural Arts Program and the Chestnut Hill Business Association have collaboratively limited their selection for the artwork to three local artists.

“Mural Arts Program uses a community process for determining the design of the mural,” said Weinstein. “Artists meet with neighbors…and show their sketches” so that the decision-making process is greatly in the hands of the community.

Though the actual image is still being discussed, Chestnut Hill continues to prepare for the installation. First on the agenda remains fundraising.

According to Boyd, the city provided Chestnut Hill with a $20,000 grant, leaving the town to fundraise for the remaining $11,000 balance.

The first fundraiser will be held on March 6, where insightful information about the artists, Mural Arts Program, and the upcoming plans will be discussed. Jane Golden, head of the Mural Arts Program will be attending, as well as many Chestnut Hill merchants and residents. Weinstein, host to the fundraiser, commented, “We want people to come and hear about the plans…I encourage people to come out [especially] to hear from Jane.”

While plans have yet to commence for further fundraising, Boyd spoke to the excitement her and her fellow staff share for the endeavor.

“We’ll absolutely do something,” says Boyd.

In any case or neighborhood, the responsibility lays on the community to raise the funds for the mural. Weinstein, who’s participated in mural establishments before, said that “if we want to make this happen, we have to give to it.”

“It’s a one-on-one appeal,” said Weinstein.

While the local businesses head their own efforts to raise money for the mural, individuals efforts will be needed in the fundraising.

On fundraising and the mutual benefit of the mural, Boyd concluded, “It’s not just about Bredenbeck’s…it’s for the whole community and will hopefully bring us all together.”