Looking for a unique Philadelphia destination?  Head to the famous South Street and check out the Magic Gardens created by visionary and award-winning mosaic mural artist Isaiah Zagar.  I just couldn’t get over how Philly has embraced the arts and certainly Zagar has been instrumental in helping to create this city into a thriving creative community it is today.

philadelphia's magic gardens

The garden includes a fully tiled indoor space and a massive outdoor mosaic sculpture garden that spans half a block.  Thousands of glittering mirrors, hand-made tiles, folk art statues, bicycle wheels, colorful glass bottles to name a few.  As you make your way through the maze there are a number of sightings of Zagar’s personal experiences.  I’ll leave it at that…you can find that out when you visit!

As you walk along South Street mosaic tile work is everywhere including the building that houses Zagar’s studio.  And guess who just happened to be working with a bunch of students that afternoon?  Yep, Mr. Zagar himself.  What a treat to meet him and chat with him and his students.  A character in his day – no doubt – and dearly loved by his students as they continued to mention how giving he was of the information he’d learned about the process over the years.  This is a must-see while in Philly!

isaiah zagar at work

Coming up…a session at Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School with two of the foxiest drag performers in Philly and the infamous Naked Bike Ride!  (and no…I didn’t partake in the ride…but trust me…it’s on the bucket list so one day it’ll happen!)