Welcome to the first edition of the Magic Gardens' Magic Newsletter! Thanks to all your support, we've had a great year full of new art, workshops, and weddings. The Magic Gardens are now open to the public every Tuesday through Sunday from 11-5. Over 300 people visit the Garden each week, thousands of photographs are taken, and we believe that Philadelphia is now known as the city of mosaics.

In September, the Magic Gardens hosted GreenFest Philly's first-ever Green Wedding, and one month later Philadelphia dancers Myra and Madison spoke their vows within these tiled walls. Tours of all shapes and sizes have come through the Magic Gardens in the past months, including a group of New Jersey art teachers on a tour sponsored by the Dodge Foundation, and a gaggle of second-graders from Chestnut Hill Academy.

Over 200 people learned Isaiah Zagar's secrets in 2007 during monthly mosaic-making workshops he taught from March through October. Many of these groups helped Isaiah begin work on his newest (and biggest) project, a 10,000 square foot two-story warehouse space on Watkins Street in South Philadelphia. With help from volunteers and many donations of tile and mirror, Isaiah is well on his way to accomplishing his "dream that it becomes a palace of mosaic art." He plans to host a Mosaic Making Marathon this March to kick off 2008's workshop season. After registering at least 100 people for the marathon, Isaiah will lead the group to create a 3,000 square foot mosaic on March 29th and 30th. More on that in the coming months, but to sign up early (or to give the workshop as a spectacular holiday gift) download the registration form.

One last important note is that the Magic Gardens are no longer in danger of demolition. We raised over $200,000 in just a couple of years, and are working hard to make up the $100,000 difference. Although we lost the support of an anonymous donor who had pledged to pay off the rest of the Magic Gardens mortgage, the space is secured, the mirrors are glittering, and Isaiah keeps on grouting. Read more about the Garden's history and what's been going on for the past few years. We still need your support! Help Philadelphia's Magic Gardens raise the final $100,000.

The Gardens are always changing, and with new exhibits and installations passing through, you're sure to notice something you never have before. We would love to see you!

Isaiah's Studio Open for the Holidays  
When you stop by the Magic Gardens this holiday season, we'll treat you to an extra look at Isaiah's Kater Street studio. Here, a selection of Isaiah Zagar's oil paintings from 1966-1967 will be on display throughout December. Studio open during regular Magic Gardens hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 11-5 pm.

Groups and Tours Welcome at the Magic Gardens  
Discounted rates for student groups and children. Call (215) 733-0390 or email magicgardens@verizon.net to schedule a tour led by Isaiah Zagar himself.