The Barnes Foundation and Mural Arts Philadelphia Present Where I'm From
Exhibition featuring original work by artists from Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew and SCI Phoenix
July 5–August 25, 2025
Philadelphia, PA, June 17, 2025—This summer, the Barnes Foundation and Mural Arts Philadelphia present Where I’m From, an exhibition of original work created by artists from Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew, a 24-week job readiness and life skills program for justice-impacted young adults, and artists at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men. Free with general admission to the Barnes, Where I’m From will be on view in the second-floor classroom of the Collection Gallery from July 5 through August 25, 2025. A preview of the exhibition will be available on Monday, June 30, during Wawa Welcome America’s Free Museum Day at the Barnes.
Throughout the spring, Rec Crew members participated in art education classes in the Barnes collection taught by instructor Christine Stoughton and Bill Perthes, Bernard C. Watson Director of Adult Education at the Barnes, and art-making workshops at Second State Press led by its executive director Emma Flick and Stoughton. Artists at SCI Phoenix work year-round in a dedicated studio space, creating original artwork as well as visual elements that are incorporated into many of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s public murals. Throughout the spring, Perthes visited the artists at SCI Phoenix to discuss the exhibition theme. Where I’m From is the culmination of this spring’s initiative, and the artworks in the exhibition convey place of origin, express a state of mind, contemplate spirituality, or reflect on a personal journey. The exhibition gives voice to the perspectives of individuals not often heard in our society.
“The Barnes and Mural Arts have shared goals of promoting social justice and investing in the arts as a pathway to a positive future,” says Perthes. “We are proud to present Where I’m From this summer, which offers a powerful reflection on humanity, resilience, and personal growth and determination.”
“At Mural Arts, we believe art has the power to transform lives and amplify voices that too often go unheard,” said Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia. “Where I’m From is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and humanity of individuals navigating the justice system, and we are honored to share their stories with the public.”
The Rec Crew is part of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Restorative Justice program, which engages individuals who are incarcerated or on parole, probation, home detainment, or work release, and those with open criminal cases, by providing opportunities to reconnect with society in productive ways through community engagement, skill building, and collaborative mural projects. Participants in Mural Arts’ Rec Crew learn how to develop résumés and prepare for interviews while building plans for personal and professional growth with a focus on career pathways leading to employment in city operations or the creative economy. The Barnes and Mural Arts launched their collaborative restorative justice initiative in 2018 with art education classes led by Barnes educators and printmaking workshops held at Second State Press.
SPONSORS
Where I'm From is made possible through an ongoing partnership between the Barnes and Mural Arts Philadelphia. The artwork created by Rec Crew participants was made possible by a partnership with Second State Press.
Where I'm From and the Barnes’s restorative justice programming is supported by Pam and Tony Schneider, along with Mark Driscoll, David and Julia Fleischner, Joan and William Goldstein, Peter and Janie F. Gross, Margaret C. Hallenbeck, Laura Kind McKenna, Jay B. Minkoff, an anonymous donor, and other generous individuals.
Lead support for community engagement and family programs is provided through the Comcast Center for Community Engagement at the Barnes. Generous endowment support for community engagement programs is provided by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
ABOUT THE BARNES FOUNDATION
The Barnes Foundation is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution that shares its unparalleled art collection with the public, organizes special exhibitions, and presents programming that fosters new ways of thinking about human creativity. The Barnes collection is displayed in ensembles that integrate art and objects from across cultures and time periods, overturning traditional hierarchies and revealing universal elements of human expression. Home to one of the world’s finest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern paintings—including the largest groups of paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Paul Cézanne in existence—the Barnes brings together renowned canvases by Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, and Vincent van Gogh, alongside African, Asian, ancient, medieval, and Native American art as well as metalwork, furniture, and decorative art.
The Barnes Foundation was established by Dr. Albert C. Barnes in 1922 to “promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture.” A visionary collector and pioneering educator, Dr. Barnes was also a fierce advocate for the civil rights of African Americans, women, and the economically marginalized. Committed to racial equality and social justice, he established a scholarship program to support young Black artists, writers, and musicians who wanted to further their education. Dr. Barnes was deeply interested in African American culture and became actively involved in the Harlem Renaissance, during which he collaborated with philosopher Alain Locke and Charles S. Johnson, the scholar and activist, to promote awareness of the artistic value of African art.
Since moving to Philadelphia in 2012, the Barnes Foundation has expanded its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social justice, teaching visual literacy in groundbreaking ways; investing in original scholarship relating to its collection; and enhancing accessibility throughout every facet of its programs.
The Barnes Foundation is situated in Lenapehoking, the ancestral homeland of the Lenape people. Read our Land Acknowledgment.
Hours and ticket prices are listed on our website.
ABOUT MURAL ARTS PHILADELPHIA
Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation’s largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For over 40 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative and equitable process, creating over 4,000 artworks that have transformed public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts aims to empower people, stimulate dialogue, and build bridges to mutual understanding through projects that attract artists from Philadelphia and around the world and programs that focus on youth education, restorative justice, mental health and wellness, and public art preservation. Popular mural tours offer a firsthand glimpse into the inspiring stories behind Mural Arts’ iconic and unparalleled collection, earning Philadelphia worldwide recognition as the “Mural Capital of the World.” For more information, call 215.685.0750 or visit muralarts.org.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Barnes Foundation: Deirdre Maher, Director of Communications
215.278.7160, press@barnesfoundation.org
Online press office: https://www.barnesfoundation.org/press
Mural Arts Philadelphia: Frank Luzi, Luzi Media
215.779.7614 / frank@luzi.media