The Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia

No other city knows how to take back abandoned lots and graffiti-laden buildings for revitalization better than Philadelphia. They scoop up sides of police stations, schools and apartment complexes and color over with buckets of paint, reforming an ugly wall into a work of art.

This is just one of the many murals I saw while Diana drove up and down Walnut Street in South Philly. Others include the activism of Mahatma Gandhi, a series of water inspired murals that flow like a river and a 'cops & kids' initiative.

The murals usually take from three-to-six months to finish, it's a collaboration of local residents and community meetings. The beautification program is heavily shaped by many diverse faces, some that might appear in the drawing while the artist draws. The finish product acts like a catalyst for positive social change and discourages future graffiti.

Newark could benefit greatly from this.