The Frank Shuman Solar Art Parklet
The Frank Shuman Solar Art Parklet occupied two parking spaces in front of 6918 and 6920 Torresdale Avenue – effectively the width of the Tacony Library and Arts Building (TaconyLAB.) The Parklet was designed as part of an artist residency in 2016 at the TaconyLAB, sponsored in part by Mural Arts Philadelphia.
Frank Shuman was a renowned Tacony resident – he was an inventor, engineer, and solar energy pioneer known for his work on solar engines, particularly those that utilized solar energy to heat water, generating steam.
The Parklet provided residents of Tacony and library patrons an opportunity to socialize in an informal exterior space. The parklet was an extension of the library space that helps ease overcrowding. Free Wi-Fi was also available inside the library. Art workshops and programming that typically took place at the library during the summer could extend into the outdoor space. Additionally, the parklet served as a temporary gallery space for exhibitions showcasing work created by participants. The double-long space allowed for extra programming to take place, which included lectures, music, or informal conversations.