This summer, art enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to delve into the creative legacies of three influential South Philadelphia artists through a special joint tour of the Magic Gardens Studio and the Dina Wind Art Foundation/John Wind Studio.
The collaboration between these two esteemed art spaces is a result of a shared vision to showcase their rich artistic traditions, which began when John Wind reached out to the Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens with the idea of opening his studio for public tours.
Olivia Edlund, Education Manager at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, remarked, “Since we had also just opened the Magic Gardens Studio for tours, and because we are so geographically close, we thought it made sense to showcase these two amazing art spaces in South Philly together.”
During a visit to the Wind family’s studio, Edlund was pleasantly surprised to discover this hidden gem, which she had previously walked by without realizing the artistic wonders housed within.
Although the artistic expressions of John Wind, his late mother Dina Wind, and the renowned Isaiah Zagar differ significantly, they share a common thread of incorporating found objects into their works.
Edlund explained, “John, Dina, Isaiah, and Warren Muller—whose chandeliers are featured at the Magic Gardens Studio—all incorporate found objects into their work. It’s interesting to see how each of them does that in a different way.”
Notably, Dina and Isaiah knew each other, and during Edlund’s initial visit, John Wind pointed out an early piece by Isaiah that had been collected by his parents.
“I think seeing these spaces together also gives people a window into how an artist creates a body of work over a long period of time and how the place where they are creating also influences their work,” Edlund added.
The tour will kick off at the Magic Gardens Studio, an expansive 10,000-square-foot warehouse that Zagar transformed into a vibrant space starting in 2007 and that opened to the public last year. This studio provides an immersive glimpse into Zagar’s artistic process.
Sharing her excitement, Edlund said, “We sometimes joke that now we’re like Willy Wonka opening the gates to the chocolate factory. If you’ve been to the Magic Gardens Museum on South Street, you’ll notice a lot of similarities, but this space is decidedly different, too, with its own stories and surprises to share.”
For years, visitors had shown interest in gaining insight into Zagar’s studio, many unaware that such a creative environment even existed. Once they step inside, guests will be struck by the sheer scale and intricate details of the mosaics that envelop nearly every surface.
Edlund commented on the impact of Zagar’s work, emphasizing the connection between his creative process and his mental health journey. “We talk a lot about how Isaiah’s work is tied to his mental health. At the Studio, in particular, we’ve also begun to think about how his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease was influencing the work.”
The Preservation Team at the studio is dedicated to maintaining many of the original elements from Zagar’s time there, allowing visitors to visualize what it was like during his active creative years.
The studio also serves as a venue for art-making workshops, enabling visitors to craft their own mosaics inspired by the enchanting surroundings.
Edlund highlighted some of the whimsical aspects of the studio, declaring, “There are so many wonderful details, beautiful objects, and whimsical tiles. I love the windows that have all been transformed by Isaiah into colorful faux stained glass mosaics using a technique he learned from artist Ricky Boscarino, the creator of the art environment Luna Parc. Warren Muller’s found object chandeliers are fantastic and illuminate the space beautifully. You’ll never look at a push broom the same again. There’s also a hand-painted tile that says, ‘Poodles are difficult to draw because??’ that I laugh at every time I see it.”
Following the Magic Gardens Studio exploration, guests will proceed to the Dina Wind Art Foundation’s firehouse studio, a century-old structure featuring more than 300 welded metal sculptures and abstract paintings by Dina Wind.
John Wind, president of the Dina Wind Art Foundation, spoke fondly of his mother’s impact on the arts, stating, “My mother was a passionate artist, arts advocate, and ‘lady welder’ whose abstract sculptures challenged gender stereotypes and embraced sustainability.”
Dina Wind and her husband Jerry were deeply committed to the Philadelphia arts community, supporting initiatives at local organizations such as Fleisher Art Memorial and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Edlund was moved by John Wind’s commitment to sharing his mother’s art and legacy, noting how it influenced his own artistic journey. “I loved seeing how Dina’s work as an artist influenced John and how they collaborated during her life. John is such a great steward of her collection and has created a space and experience that thoughtfully honors her legacy.”
The combined tour not only celebrates the artistry and stories of these talented individuals but also aims to foster a connection with visitors through engaging experiences. Guests can relish refreshments on the rooftop sculpture deck and have opportunities to purchase curated jewelry, fine art, and catalogues, all supporting the Foundation’s mission.
Edlund encapsulated the significance of these creative spaces, saying, “Philadelphia has such a long history with art and artists, and these spaces are both actively contributing to the current vibrant art scene. They are places where artists’ legacies are being preserved and where art is still currently being made. Together, I think they really showcase how artists have shaped the culture of the city. I think anyone who tours these spaces will leave feeling inspired and with a sense of how art can transform someone’s life.”
This collaborative effort not only highlights the individual artistic contributions of Isaiah Zagar, Dina Wind, and John Wind but also enriches the local community’s appreciation for the arts.
As the summer unfolds, this joint tour is set to captivate and inspire, inviting all to explore the depths of creativity in South Philadelphia.
image source from：metrophiladelphia
