Announcing the first 2016 integrated artists residency artist: Delia King

Delia King, "The Garden" 2012. See more of her work here.

Delia King is a mixed media artist, mural painter, community-based artist and single mom living in Philadelphia PA. She has completed some 30+ murals for the city’s amazing Mural Arts Program, many of them packed with color, pattern, geometry and poetry. Her work finds its roots in interests as diverse as philosophy, math, community engagement and corrections reform.

In Delia’s words: “The things in life have been elusive and difficult, homelessness and poverty have been key points in my life. But I’ve used this to develop empathy for the communities I serve through Public Art. I know that there is no one formula that can lift people from the hardships of the underclass, but I do believe that the soul is not bound by class, and it is in this that I believe that Art can and does lift folks up far above societal expectations.”

I’m so thrilled to support this incredible artist for the month of January as our first Integrated Artists Residency parent artist. Delia will use the month to enter full production mode for her newest public art project, designed with students from the Julia de Burgos Bilingual Elementary School at 4th and Leigh Streets in Philadelphia. The work will consist of eight glass mosaics on pre-existing four-foot concrete pillars.

Delia and I are strategizing about every area of her life as a mother and artist - gathering resources and community support around her, freeing up time, energy and focus so her work can really flourish. Stay tuned here for residency reports!

Sketch for the Aquinas Center Mural Design, Philadelphia PA.