In this issue, our writers talk to three Philadelphians with distinct visions — and each one is creating something larger than themselves.
At just 20, Faysal Adger makes art that highlights beauty, resilience, peace, and prosperity in a way that people can feel, not just see. In his Fishtown mural “Just Like Music,” art, sound, and ancestry coalesce in the image of a woman surrounded by stylized flowers against a backdrop of city skyscrapers. Her eyes are wide open as she breathes in the scent of a flower. She seems receptive to the nature, music, and cityscape around her.
Adger seeks to present Black identity in a way that reflects its depth and dignity. His vision extends beyond art to a broader sense of community and connection. Currently pursuing culinary training, he sees food and art as complementary forces that bring people together and help create a sense of unity.
At Elwood, chef Adam Diltz revives the flavors of Pennsylvania Dutch country cuisine, reintroducing dishes that tell the story of an often overlooked region. The restaurant, which is housed in a converted rowhome, was named in honor of his grandfather. In a way, it also pays tribute to a culture that he learned about as a child on a Pennsylvania family farm. In keeping with its old-fashioned charm, Elwood serves dinner on Thursday through Sunday only and midday tea service is offered on Saturday and Sunday. In a sense, Diltz is world-building through Elwood, bringing to life a vision that honors the past while also creating something new.
April is Autism Awareness Month, making it a fitting time to feature the work of Michele Leahy. Through her business, Leahy Life Plan, she helps families and caregivers navigate systems that can often feel impenetrable, so that people with disabilities and special needs can receive the support and access they deserve.
Leahy says that parents and caregivers of people with special needs tend to focus on their loved one’s strengths and often overlook — or miscalculate — their daily struggles. That makes it more critical that they create clear, realistic, and empowering long-term plans. Leahy’s vision includes helping the people she works with lead independent and self–determined lives.
We also take the pulse of February’s Philly Fashion Week, a vibrant and inventive showcase of style that distilled the city’s creative, vital energy into a swirl of color that feels appropriate for spring.
Enjoy!
