Forty local and international artists teamed up to paint 50 walls along Market Street between 63rd and 45th streets last August. They created, under the guidance of longtime graffiti artist Stephen Powers, the Love Letters project. The painted walls show a series of witty and sentimental phrases and illustrations that narrate the evolution and power of love.

The project expands beyond painted walls. In addition to two books and a documentary film, the Love Letters project includes a sign school and shop that provides instruction for area youth and free signage for businesses on the Market street corridor. One of the books is small, paperback and was given to businesses for free. The other book, on sale now, is hardback and documents the artwork, the neighborhood and inspiration behind the project.

Love Letters is a project of the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and is sponsored by the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage through the Philadelphia Exhibitions Initiative. The Love Letters project also received support from the Brownstein Group and Septa.