Cecil B. Moore Library Hosts Artistic Workshops Celebrating History

Exploring Art and History at Cecil B. Moore Library: A Summer Workshop Series

In the heart of Sharswood, the Cecil B. Moore Library is opening its doors this summer for a series of engaging workshops that highlight its significant artistic and political contributions to the community. These sessions, led by local artists, will offer hands-on experiences in mosaic-making, collage, clay sculpture, painting, and graffiti, all inspired by the library’s rich collection and history.

Since its establishment in 1962, the Cecil B. Moore Library, formerly known as the Columbia Ave Branch, has been a beacon of midcentury modern design. A striking feature of the library is its vestibule, adorned with a 30,000-tile mosaic titled “Integration of Science and Art,” created by Philadelphia Op Art visual artist Edna Andrade. This mosaic marked one of the initial projects funded by the Percent for Art program. To delve into the geometric patterns and designs inspired by Andrade’s work, mosaic artist Sammy Kovnat will conduct two specialized workshops.

Architect C. Preston Andrade, who was married to Edna Andrade at the time, designed the library with a focus on openness, clean lines, and ample daylight to create a welcoming and non-intimidating space for patrons. Architect Isaac Howland-Townsend will lead sessions that explore the political landscape of the 23rd and Ridge Avenue corner, blending city-planning insights with graffiti culture.

Over its 64-year history, the Cecil B. Moore Library has showcased significant community art by local artists. Ceramic artist Jihan Thomas will offer a two-part clay workshop inspired by the works of North Philadelphian artist and Black nationalist Elder Johnny Gossett, whose collection of 13 carved wooden busts is displayed at the library.

During the tumultuous times following the 1964 Columbia Avenue rebellion and throughout the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s, the library became a center for Black political education, community organization, and art exhibitions. Visual artist Yannick Lowery will facilitate a collage workshop that encourages participants to reimagine neglected spaces using both archival and contemporary imagery.

Artist Ebony Bennett will launch her exhibit, Cowrie: Shells of Heritage, accompanied by a workshop on art and jewelry featuring cowrie shells.

Workshop Schedule:

Intro to Mosaic (All Ages) | Saturday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m.

Story Busts: Clay Sculpture – Part 1 | Saturday, June 13 at 1:00 p.m.

Intro to Mosaic (Kids and Caregivers) | Tuesday, June 23 at 3:00 p.m.

Story Busts: Clay Sculpture – Part 2 | Saturday, June 27 at 1:00 p.m.

Collage Workshop: Still Addressing the Future | Saturday, July 11 at 1:00 p.m.

Cowrie Shell Heritage Jewelry and Painting Workshop | Saturday, July 18 at 1:00 p.m.

Getting Up: Marking and Mapping | Saturday, July 25 at 2:00 p.m.

Hand-Styles and Hi-Rises: Re-Tracing Sharswood | Saturday, August 22 at 1:00 p.m.

The Arts of Cecil B. Moore Avenue at Ridge workshop series is generously supported by the Edna Andrade Estate and the Locks Gallery, celebrating visual artist Edna Andrade’s invaluable contributions to the library.