Artist fights to save studio from city
“From world-class museums to iconic murals, Philadelphia is a city well-known for its love of art. It’s a shame the city won’t extend that respect to my art studio.
Instead, City Council is abusing the power of eminent domain. The city wants to seize my property, bulldoze it, and give my land to a private developer, all to build a parking lot and supermarket.
I never wanted to be anything but be an artist. Growing up in Philadelphia, I had a difficult upbringing, but expressing myself through art helped me overcome adversity. I became the 17th African American to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania’s master of fine arts program.”
Dupree, James. Philly.com 6 January 2013.