MURAL MAKERS
The Eco Mural Project
Mural Artist: Hagopian Arts
Location: Philadelphia, PA
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The Eco Mural Project is Hagopian Arts’ passion-driven environmental initiative that was started in 2018. As a series of ecologically themed public art pieces, The Eco Mural Project has two goals: to beautify blank walls and educate the public about environmental degradation. These pieces are meticulous in every aspect of their creation: they are diligently researched and incredibly detailed, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces that transport viewers into an otherwise inaccessible environment.
These informative explosions of color, texture, and captivating design are located in metropolitan areas (most are located in Philadelphia) where passersby can engage with them during their everyday routine and learn about habitats and species in need of active conservation. With over 20 pieces installed, each piece includes a QR code that leads the public to information about the project and subject matter, including links to environmental activist organizations.
Hagopian Arts, through its Eco Mural Project, aims to reintroduce environmental awareness into urban communities by creating ecological artworks that spark conversations about our role on Earth. Addressing climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss requires a nuanced and multifaceted approach. Our mission is to equip citizens with the knowledge to reduce future damage and repair past mistakes.
The following Articles were recently written about Hagopian Arts’ Eco Mural Project:
Philly Green Article: https://www.greenphl.com/water/kala-hagopian-turns-natures-canvas-into-beautiful-eco-murals/amp/
34th St. Magazine: https://www.34st.com/article/2023/10/kala-hagopian-street-art-eco-mural-project-west-philly
About the Mural:
Name: Eco Mural Project
Size: N/A
Products used: Golden Paintworks Mural & Theme Paint on Poly Tab (parachute cloth) material installed on the site-specific wall using Golden Paintworks Mural Adhesive Gel.
See it at:
Many of Hagopian Arts’ Eco Murals are located along Baltimore Ave in West Philadelphia, see the Eco Mural webpage for information about each project and a detailed map of Eco Mural locations:
hagopianarts.com/eco-mural-project
About the Maker
Hagopian Arts is an independent female-owned and operated public art initiative based out of West Philadelphia. Founded in 2015 by Kala Hagopian, we specialize in luminous, meticulously rendered murals inspired by nature. In 2018, Hagopian Arts began the Eco Mural Project, a series of street-level murals aimed at raising environmental awareness by introducing depictions of natural ecosystems into urban spaces. Kala Hagopian was born in rural Peacham, Vermont, and was highly influenced by a childhood spent in nature. She has been a working artist in Philadelphia since 2005, and graduated from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art in 2009. Kala describes herself as a “fine-art muralist,” specializing in realism interspersed with bright pattern and atmosphere. Hagopian Arts has a great deal of working experience across a large range of clients, including nonprofits, community outreach programs, corporate developers, small businesses and personal residences.
What advice would you give aspiring mural artists?
As a full-time muralist, I believe that the work must be a primary focus in one’s life. If there isn’t a deep internal drive to create art, beyond just liking it, then it probably will be difficult to make a living as a full-time artist. When I was at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, a teacher once told our painting class that pursuing fine art or painting as a career with a plan B would likely lead to ending up in that plan B. Creating and promoting one’s own work requires a lot of perseverance, grit, determination, and attention to detail. Over the years running my own business, I’ve faced many challenges and adversities, but I’ve learned to address them proactively without allowing them to overwhelm me. In this field, it’s important to have a mentality of focusing on the work and putting blinders on to adversity (while proactively addressing challenges). I also refrain from comparing my progress to others and instead strive to be my own greatest competition. Spending time worrying about what others are doing takes necessary focus away from output and growth. When I look at the work of other artists, I do so through the lens of drawing inspiration.
Do you have any other projects coming up that you’d like to share anything about?
Hagopian Arts’ Eco Murals focus on environmental threats, exploring ecosystems’ delicate balance and encouraging conservation. The project has evolved to focus on the local flora and fauna communities, highlighting medicinal plants and their cultural and historical connections to an area. Our Wild Medicine Eco Murals feature medicinal plants’ cultural significance, promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices. For instance, in Wild Medicine Eco Mural 15, we engaged local schools and organizations with educational materials and interactive workshops. Partnering with herbalist Melaney Gilchrist, we hosted workshops on natural medicine-making, fostering community dialogue and learning. Here is a link to that project on our Eco Mural webpage
Our outreach extends to projects like Eco Mural 20: Wild Medicine, Artelo, in partnership with Square Roots Collective. This mural depicts local medicinal flora and pollinators, reflecting Kennett Square Pennsylvania’s cultural and natural history. We conducted painting workshops at Hyacinth Montessori School, integrating art, mindfulness, and environmental education, and engaged attendees at John Heinz Refuge in hands-on learning about featured species.
Currently, we are working on Wild Medicine Eco Mural 21 a project in partnership with Bartram’s Garden (the oldest botanical garden in the country), The Philadelphia Housing Authority, The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, and Empowered CDC. Hagopian Arts is creating eight free standing mural panels for the first phase of this project. They are slated for installation at the intersection of 56th Street, Lindbergh Boulevard, and Elmwood Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia. This public art project aims to help create a welcoming community hub for the surrounding neighborhood. Hagopian Arts is creating Eco Murals depicting medicinal flora and pollinators local to the area and utilized by the Indigenous Lenape natives. Artist Laura Lyn Stern is making beautiful naturalistic mosaic planters inspired by what thrives and grows beneath the ground.
See more of Hagopian Arts work:
Website: www.hagopianarts.com
Instagram: @hagopianarts
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