PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A partnership between Mural Arts Philadelphia and Prevention Point Philadelphia has resulted in a beautified vacant lot in the heart of Kensington.
The Love Lot on Ruth Street has been used since 2021 to distribute clothing, provide a clean public restroom, food and overdose reversal training for the Kensington community.
Artist Jacob “Chris” Hammes lives and works in Kensington and spent two months volunteering at Prevention Point before the opportunity to beautify the lot next-door into a warm, welcoming space presented itself.
“All humans deserve beauty, not just the people in affluent neighborhoods, and not just people that have money and can afford it. Like, it needs to be everywhere,” he said.
He added that everyone wanted him to make the space as colorful and inviting as possible, and he did just that. The lot, with crumbling brick walls and cracking pavement, is now vibrant with beautiful pieces of art, which aim to uplift and inspire.
One piece features a wall of bright smiling suns as an homage to people at Prevention Point calling all of the participants “sunshine,” as a term of endearment.
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Also featured in the renovated space are various planters with fragrant greenery and fresh herbs, such as basil and mint that can be put into food. Meals are prepared in the space as well.
Silvana Mazzella is interim lead executive officer of Prevention Point.
“We hope that we are communicating welcome, we want you. We care about you. We want to serve you. We want to help you. We want to enjoy the space with you.”
A ribbon cutting will be held to officially unveil the space.
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