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Brush With the Law uses the visual arts in community-based beautification projects throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Projects are led by professional artists who create together with college students, people assigned community service hours, advocates and members of the behavioral health community, and volunteers from the neighborhoods we work in to create public art.

person with body painting
artistic eye makeup
woman s face
shallow focus photo of paint brushes

Brush With the Law has a
YouTube Channel.
Check it out…. Cause why not?

Video showing some of the work we have done and fun we have had over the years making things.

The experience of feeling accepted and welcomed into a community is a powerful stimulus for change amongst participants and the artworks made produce visual affirmations of change, transforming “blighted” spaces to reveal the strength and spirit of the community.

WE BELIEVE

that by working on creative projects that serve the community, people start to understand and recognize one another as human beings.

Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center in Norristown. Mural done in entranceway.

textiles and paper in a bunch
acrylic paints with paint brush being used
uplifting mural painted at homeless shelter

Mural painted in front entrance at Resources for Human Development’s, CHOC to help bring about a welcome and inviting vibe.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick televised on C-Span at U.S. House of Representatives recognizing Brush With the Law as an outstanding nonprofit organization.

Thank you!

✨

Mission Statement

Brush With the Law’s inclusive community uses art as a tool for social change and brings awareness to the critical social issues affecting our world today. Professional artists, students, advocates, and members of the behavioral health community work together to create meaningful changes in participants’ lives and their communities.

Out on the streets is where participants need the most appreciation and the most cheerleading for their efforts in trying to regain a place in society. For the most part, drug addiction and mental health go hand in hand; due to similarities, this is also true for drug addiction and criminal activity. Brush With the Law quickly evolved into a community re-entry arts program focusing on community service by seeking out city beautification projects.

Shovel, tools

CITY BEAUTIFICATION

graffitied under bridge

Beautification is the process of making visual improvements emphasizing the necessity of order, dignity, and harmony.

Who works on the various projects BWTL takes on?

  • College students (Arcadia University, Kutztown University, Montgomery County Community College, Bryn Mawr College)
  • ARD Program – Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office
  • DOC Prisoners – SCI Phoenix, SCI Greene, Montgomery County Correctional Facility
  • Probation/Parole
  • Mental/Behavioral Health
  • People in recovery from substance use
  • People with community hours to serve 
  • Community members who want to volunteer their time to a cause that engages people to work together.

All participants work creatively together on projects.

painting mural at police station for community service
Painting mural for Norristown police station with community service

THE PROCESS

We often use the Polytab Method (a.k.a. “parachute cloth”) for murals. Polytab is a non-woven fabric, lighter-than-canvas material that takes on the form of the substrate it is applied to. Traditionally used in the garment industry, this fabric is now widely used in large public mural art projects.

The “parachute cloth” method makes it possible for people in all different places and spaces to participate in the creation of murals. This method allows us to take the fabric to various facilities for participants to draw, paint, and adhere to the prepared surface. 

Brush With the Law Art Project community service volunteers helped Habitat for Humanity’s Norristown branch during Rock the Block
Brush With the Law Art Project community service volunteers helped Habitat for Humanity’s Norristown branch during Rock the Block

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