Karl Yoder

web developer

The mural design process is very similiar to my web design approach. I begin by meeting with the client, whether an individual, an organization, a group of community activists or a company. I talk with the client until I have a solid sense of the message they are trying to convey and any specific ideas, imagery or text that may need to be included. It is my task to distill those ideas into a design that has a unique character and whose visual impact is harmonious and tasteful.

Florie Dotson Memorial

Florie Dotson Memorial
3220 W. Turner Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2000

Florie Dotson was a much loved and revered figure in her neighborhood. She cared deeply about the people in the neighborhood and worked constantly to improve their quality of life. Through her community activism, the streets and properties of her North Philadelphia neighborhood were safer, cleaner and a source of pride for the community. She worked to bring affordable, quality housing to the area and sought to instill a sense of civic duty and empowerment in others through "Get Out and Vote" campaigns.

History of Tacony

History of Tacony
Longshore Avenue and Tulip Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2001

Tacony is a town in Northeast Philadelphia with a unique history. The town has its origins as the residential area for the employees of the Disston Saw Works. Henry Disston had a paternalistic view of his workers and wanted them to have affordable and decent housing. Today, Tacony is a community with a strong, patriotic identity. The town holds many colorful parades throughout the year, celebrating the bravery of the nation's veterans as well as its own proud history.

History of the Trolley

History of the Trolley
Baltimore Avenue and S. 45th Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2002

West Philadelphia and in particular, Baltimore Avenue has a unique character. Originally, the suburban mansions of wealthy Philadelphians, it is now home to an eclectic mix of peoples and cultures. West Africans, Ethiopians, Vietnamese, anarchists, hipsters and hippies all mingle in the cafes, bars and markets of West Philadelphia. In addition, Baltimore Avenue has a unique history as one of the nation's oldest trolley routes. As part of Philadelphia's Subway-Surface system, it continues to provide transportation between West Philadelphia and Center City and has recently been designated a "Streetcar Suburb" historic district.

Reaching Out

Reaching Out
4702 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2002

The United Way is a philanthropic organization, providing services for the poor and elderly. The three main missions of the the United Way are Job Training, Care for the Elderly, and Education.

Cedar Park

Cedar Park
4926 Baltimore Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2003

Cedar Park is at a crossroads of various West Philadelphia events and organizations. In the summer, there is a free weekly Jazz Festival. There are also important humanitarian services in the area such as the Cedar Park Women's Shelter.

Tribute to Italian-Americans

Tribute to Italian-Americans
7219 Torresdale Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2003

Tacony and Northeast Philadelphia in general has historically been composed largely of Italian-Americans. This mural is a tribute to that history and is located in a particularly Italian-American section of Tacony.

Philadelphia Beauty Showcase

Philadelphia Beauty Showcase
544 S. 52nd Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2004

The Philadelphia Beauty Showcase National Historical Museum is a privately-run museum in West Philadelphia. It chronicles the history of the beauty industry, with a focus on the role of the hair industry in African-American culture.

Tribute to Philadelphia Police Officers

Tribute to Philadelphia Police Officers
8501 State Road
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2004

This mural is located along the gun range at the Police Academy in Northeast Philadelphia. It depicts police officers in a variety of roles and is a tribute to their service.

Berwyn: A Historic Crossroad, Then and Now

Berwyn: A Historic Crossroad, Then and Now
682 Lancaster Avenue
Berwyn, Pennsylvania
2005

Berwyn is located on the Main Line in suburban Philadelphia. This mural conveys Berwyn's historical character and patriotic spirit. Notable residents as well as historical Berwyn buildings are depicted in a turn of the century setting.