More than two-dozen local artists have joined forces to doodle up your next home-based project: a Philly-themed coloring book.
Muralists, street artists and other visual creators who lent their sketches to the project include Noségo, Distortedd, Andrew Herzog and Dina Baez. The 44 pages are meant as a form of art therapy during the winter wave of the coronavirus — an antidote to the quarantine vibes, said Brendan Lowry of Rory Creative, one of the initiative’s organizers.
Rory, a local consulting company that’s been involved with other public art initiatives like the SEPTA “Track Takeover” and the Bigbelly “Trashcan Takeover,” helped curate and produce the book.
“2020 was a year that hit everyone hard,” said Rory creative producer Debora Charmelus. “[B]ut it also showcased the giving capabilities of those in our community.”
Called “Draw to Action,” the publication’s proceeds will be split among contributing artists and 15 organizations focused on social justice issues, including criminal justice reform, racial equity, trans rights and mental health advocacy.
When you buy a copy, you’ll be able to choose which organization you’d like the money to benefit — groups like Philly for Real Justice, Juntos, the Philly Bail Fund, and RHD Morris Home.
The project was originally conceived to provide artists suddenly out of work with additional income, but following the police killing of George Floyd, Charmelus said she and her team decided to expand the book’s impact.
Most of the work featured in the book is by Philly-based artists of color, and it was printed by Fireball Printing, a Kensington-based environmentally-friendly publisher that uses a hybrid delivery vehicle, recycled paper and carbon neutral shipping.
“Draw to Action” is a followup to 2019’s “Track Takeover,” which saw 30 artworks about social unity replace advertising on subway station walls and billboards.
The coloring book — meant for both adults and kids — costs $20, and is available online and at This Corner, a small Center City salon and home goods shop.
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Organizers said they hope to sell 1,000 copies by the end of the month.
