Time is running out to see one of Philadelphia’s most heartwarming exhibitions of the year. Just Us, the uplifting show at the Barnes Foundation created in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia, closes on October 12 — and it is free with general admission.
The exhibition features original artwork by young adults from Mural Arts’ Rec Crew program and by artists at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Phoenix. This spring, Rec Crew members — justice-impacted young adults building job readiness and life skills — took art classes in the Barnes collection and made prints at Second State Press, while artists at SCI Phoenix worked year-round in a dedicated studio creating original pieces and visual elements for many of Mural Arts’ beloved public murals.
The title draws from the word “justice,” and the works radiate fellowship: between the Rec Crew and the artists at SCI Phoenix, between the two institutions, and between the artists and everyone who visits. “Just Us is a powerful expression of what happens when access to the arts is nurtured — it ignites the imagination and creates community, fellowship, and opportunities for collaboration,” said Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia.
The Barnes and Mural Arts launched their restorative justice collaboration in 2018, and this exhibition is its joyful culmination. Don’t miss these final days of art that proves creativity can open doors, rebuild connections, and change lives.
Photo: The Barnes Foundation
