As an homage to the deep Latinx roots in Fairhill reflected in the many restaurants, nonprofit organizations like Congreso De Latinos Unidos and the well-known “Musico Centro Musical” superstore, Keisha made sure this community’s billboard reflects the Latinx vibe of the neighborhood.

“I want to include all that in there, as much as possible, to make it accessible to the 80% of Fairhill that speaks Spanish,” Keisha said. 

The founder of Custom Arts Studio, a Philly-based creative agency, Keisha’s connection to this project went beyond business as she spent the entire summer creating with her two sons. 

“I recruited them to work with me this summer,” Keisha said. “It was probably more fun for me than for them, but I really appreciated having the time to be with them and learn more about their own artistic interests.” Her older son is studying gaming design while her younger son is pursuing digital art.

“When people see this billboard, I want them to think about how literacy is all around us, and it doesn't have to be a heavy lift for parents.” 

This artistic enterprise is a continuation of a long family tradition. Khaleel is the son and nephew of professional multimedia artists who fully support his current studies at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

The artistic gift has been passed on to the third generation. Faruq, 18, is an anthropology major and Africana studies/art minor at the University of Pennsylvania, and Faysal, 15, is an aspiring artist at the Woodlynde School.

“Their passion reminds me of myself when I was their age,” Khaleel said.

Faruq gets inspiration from his campus life that he describes as a “racial and cultural melting pot.” “I get to see how Black people, white people,  Asian people—all different races—interact with each other and that helps me with my art.”

Faysal’s inspirations are wrought out of the personal challenges he’s overcome. 

Even before taking his first steps, Faysal was diagnosed with cancer. Doctors told the family that Faysal would never walk or talk. Not only is Faysal walking and talking, he’s drawing, painting and flexing his culinary arts.

“I'm still standing. I'm still doing things I never thought I would be able to do. That's why I feel like it's so important to cherish things that are already here for you, like reading, art and just doing the right thing,” Faysal said. 

Andre Chaney got used to being ready to tell his mom the full story behind his artwork.

“At a young age, I didn’t understand that she was grooming me to be a great artist.”

—Andre Chaney, Logan Billboard Artist

Growing up, whatever Andre drew, he knew he had to be ready to explain his art work to his mom, because she would always want to know more. Ask questions. Listen to what he had to say. Then always encourage him to take things a step further. 

Different colors, different backgrounds, different characters, different meanings, different storylines. 

“So, once I came back with the sketch, color and background she would say, ‘Now, tell me what this means,’ or ‘What inspired this idea?’” Andre said. 

Andre got used to being ready to tell his mom the full story behind his artwork. “At a young age I didn’t understand that she was grooming me to be a great artist.”  

At 18, he attended California College of the Arts, located in San Francisco. After returning home to Philadelphia, Andre started his own business providing art services, from billboards and murals to commissioned paintings and children's book illustrations.

For Andre, reading and learning is not just about the written word, but artistic expressions—an epiphany that has strengthened his resolve. 

“If you think you want to quit, wake up the next day and give it one more shot and the doors could open for you.”

“My cultural upbringing has always been a strong influence on my art,” Manuela said. “I've lived in a lot of tropical places like Miami, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and I've always appreciated the kind of colors I was always surrounded by—from native plant life to volcanoes.” 

Beyond the colors, Manuela’s art is also inspired by her parents’ immigration—a narrative familiar to many in South Philly. 

“They took a big risk...like most others, they did it out of love for their family. Immigrants in this country are often marginalized, so I try to create stories that humanize them.”

Manuela also works as a middle school art teacher. Through art, Manuela explores the different ways that her students learn, specifically for those who are visual learners.

“We need to change this narrative around learning, especially reading. There are many ways to tell a story. There are many ways to communicate outside of writing, outside of reading words in a book.”