08/09/2012 0 Comments   Philadelphia's Magic Gardens Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is an awesome and inspiring place to visit. Artist Isaiah Zagar moved to the South Street neighborhood of Philadelphia in the late 1960's. He and his wife Julia became determined to revitalizing the neighborhood by purchasing and renovating old run down buildings. In the process of renovation, they placed colorful mosaics on the walls, adding color and art to the neighborhood. In 1994, Isaiah began working on the Magic Gardens in an empty abandoned lot close to his art studio. He spent the next 14 years digging tunnels, building walls, and creating extensive murals on every square inch of the place. In 2002, the owner of the lot wanted to sell the property, but the neighborhood rallied together to save the Magic Gardens from being destroyed. The people raised enough money to buy the lot and turn it into a nonprofit organization that will preserve and promote Isaiah's work. Photo by Spinstah Photo by Peter Gorman Looking down on the Magic Gardens from the parking lot across the street. Photo by Michael  Christmas Break is over, time to get back to Mosaic and Art .   During Winter (the non-gardening time in the gardens) I try to do all the Art projects for the gardens. These photos really got me thinking.   HAPPY NEW 2013.