From the Director
Dear Friends, Hello and happy autumn! We've been quite busy planning many new and exciting things here at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens in the past months and we're glad to be back in touch with all of you. As the new Executive Director, I'd like to express my gratitude for your continued support of PMG and I am looking forward to sharing our event information, educational opportunities, and news through monthly updates. Although the fall signifies an upcoming winter slumber for many creatures, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens can provide a comfortable and entertaining "den" to keep you active all winter long! In community,  
Second Saturday Concert Series: Intimate Impromptus featuring Brundlefly, Alan Ens, and Tongue and Groove November 14, 2009 at 7:00pm Chase away the autumn chill on November 14, 2009, with this up-close-and-personal version of our monthly Second Saturday concert series at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. In Intimate Impromptus, we'll introduce Brundlefly, Alan Ens, and Tongue and Groove for a night of interactive and spontaneous music and theater. In A Dream Now Available on DVD!
In a Dream DVDs ($26 ) include special features such as an alternate ending, a theatrical trailer, deleted scenes, short films, a short documentary, and a music video. The In a Dream Limited Collector's Edition DVD ($65) includes the special features from the standard DVD, plus deluxe packaging, an additional bonus disc of short films, a hand-crafted Isaiah Zagar figurine, and an autographed movie poster. Only 500 copies will be sold. Order In a Dream through the PMG website or stop into the gallery to pick up your copy! Unique holiday shopping at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens!
Browse our collection of Zagar's one-of-a-kind handmade "doily" tiles ($10). Our display case features antique tile rings and pendants by artists Christina Root and Michael Straight ($26 each, or one pendant and one ring for $45), as well as Zagar-designed sterling silver pins ($12 - $40). Framed and signed Zagar mosaics> begin at just $150. Give a PMG Membership to your loved ones so they can enjoy the Gardens year-round. PMG Basic Membership includes free member entry for one year, 3 guest entry passes, 1 free tour voucher, reduced prices to many PMG public events, and a 10% discount on PMG gift shop merchandise and Isaiah Zagar's mosaic artworks up to a $550 value. For that creative person in your life, you can also give a gift certificate to Zagar's Weekend Mosaic Workshops ($300). PMG Site Tours and TacTile Tours for the Visually Impaired
TacTile tours lead visitors who are blind or partially-sighted through the Magic Gardens main site, allowing them to touch and explore the fully mosaiced gallery walls and labyrinth sculpture garden with trained PMG interpreters. Tour topics include artist Isaiah Zagar's mosaic techniques and artistic influences, the materials used in the mosaics (with a particular focus on tiles and global folk art), the narratives behind his iconography and images, and the history of South Street and Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. Guests with visual impairment are welcomed to experience sculptures and tiles from around the world through this fun and informative new program. The tours are $7 per participant, last approximately 75 minutes and are capped at four visually-impaired participants per tour. TacTile tours will be offered one Sunday per month, and may also be privately scheduled with advance notice. To make a reservation or schedule a private TacTile tour, please call PMG at 215-733-0390. El Día de los Muertos
During this annual PMG celebration, visitors celebrated with a family-friendly papel picado art activity, a papier mâché sculpture workshop with Mexican artist Joel Garcia, and our Sunday Site Tour through Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. Participants could view the traditional Mexican folk art sculptures embedded throughout the mosaic labyrinth, create a traditional cut-paper flag, and leave a private message for the deceased on our ofrenda, or traditional alter. |
Over the past four decades, Isaiah Zagar has covered more than 50,000 square feet of Philadelphia with stunning mosaic murals. In a Dream is a documentary feature film that chronicles his work and his tumultuous relationship with his wife, Julia. Directed by Zagar's son Jeremiah, the film follows the family through their many struggles and hardships. The award-winning documentary has now gathered over eight major awards and was short-listed for the Academy Awards.
PMG offers great gifts for fans of Isaiah Zagar's artworks, or those just looking for truly unique presents.
Get an insider's feel of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens! PMG's first TacTile tour for the visually impaired was piloted during the month of October, and we are excited to announce its permanent addition to our educational programs! 
On Sunday, November 1, PMG celebrated the traditional Mexican holiday, El Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.www.philadelphiasmagicgardens.org
