In The Italian Market:

Fresh Produce and Free Painting

By Suzanne Jacobson, Ashlee Smith and Alisa Walters


Fresh produce on Ninth Street	Artists gather at Ninth and Montrose streets.

The Italian Market is known for its fresh produce, meats and cheeses. The market has been a historic landmark in South Philly for over 100 years. However, some residents think the Market is not what it used to be.

One organizatioin, The Samuel S. Fleisher Arts School, located at Eighth and Catherine streets, is committed to changing the image of the Italian Market. In a partnership with local businesses in the market, Fleisher's emphasis is on fine food and fine art.

Thora Jacobson, the director at Fleisher, says a relationship with the Italian Market and Fleisher will benefit South Philly residents and local businesses by bringing culture into the market.

"Everyone should be prepared to use the length and breadth of the Italian Market as their studio."

-Thora Jacobson

	On four Saturdays in May and June, Fleisher held free art classes in the Italian Market with various artists. Fleisher plans to make free art classes in the market an annual event. Nancy Sophy, the artist available on May 28, said the goal of the sesssion was to get people in the community to take classes at Fleisher and a chance for members of Fleisher to enjoy food in the Italian Market.
Nancy Sophy shows the art of paper stretching.

View Photo Gallery of Free Art Class in the Italian Market

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