New Project Honors Gun Violence Victims: Faces Etched onto Greenhouse Walls in Philadelphia
In a touching tribute to victims of gun violence in the Philadelphia region, a new project called The House of the Living has been unveiled. This unique initiative involves etching the faces of these victims into the walls of a greenhouse, creating a visually striking representation of the city’s gun violence epidemic.
The greenhouse, located in Elkins Park, was originally overgrown with vines. However, the vision of Swarthmore photography professor Ron Tarver transformed it into a sanctuary known as The House of the Living. Tarver was inspired while walking his dog, realizing the need for a place where families could find solace, support, and peace in the midst of their grief.
Rovella Davis, a mother who tragically lost her 20-year-old son Aasir to gun violence seven years ago, expressed the powerful impact of this project on her healing journey. Although the murder remains unsolved, Davis finds comfort in knowing that her son’s memory continues to live on through his engraved portrait.
The greenhouse is now adorned with glass panels etched with the faces of 90 murder victims, serving as a poignant reminder of the toll that gun violence has taken on the community. It is an homage to these lives lost and a call to action for change.
Managing the greenhouse is Christa Barfield, CEO of Farmerjawn, an organization dedicated to fostering sustainable and equitable food systems. Barfield ensures that all the organic produce grown in the greenhouse is provided to communities of color. The seeds are started within the sanctuary and later transplanted onto the farm’s fields, cultivating crops such as lettuce, kale, and tomatoes.
What makes this project even more meaningful is the belief that the light shining through the engraved portraits will nourish the plants within the greenhouse. It symbolizes the resilience and strength of these victims, as their memory helps grow a source of sustenance for their communities.
The intricate glass etchings and panel installations within the greenhouse were the result of months of hard work by Swarthmore art students. The Emir Healing Center facilitated the participation of the families who wanted to take part in this project, representing their loved ones who were tragically lost to gun violence.
Swarthmore College aims to secure additional funding to engrave a total of 410 portraits, expanding the scope of this powerful memorial. The greenhouse stands as a symbol of remembrance, healing, and a beacon of hope for future generations.
The House of the Living not only honors the victims of gun violence but also serves as a reminder of the urgent need for change. Through this visual representation, the project seeks to bring attention to Philadelphia’s ongoing struggle with gun violence and encourages a collective effort to find solutions.
As Rovella Davis aptly states, the greenhouse is truly a gift that continues to give. It offers a space of solace and support for grief-stricken families, while also contributing to the growth of sustainable food systems for marginalized communities. The House of the Living is a testament to the resilience and unity of the human spirit, providing a platform for healing in the face of tragedy.
