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Wild Medicine Eco Mural 19: Crown and Feather

Location: Crown and Feather Tattoo Co., 2628 Martha St., Philadelphia, PA
Artist: Designed, illustrated, and painted by Hagopian Arts

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A Celebration of Medicinal Plants and the Ecosystems That Sustain Them
Wild Medicine Eco Mural 19 is a vibrant homage to the therapeutic power of medicinal plants, their cultural significance, and their timeless contributions to traditional and functional medicine practices worldwide. Installed at Crown and Feather Tattoo Co., the artwork highlights not only the extraordinary healing properties of these plants but also the critical importance of preserving the ecosystems where they thrive.

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From the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia to the arid grasslands of North America, the plants depicted in this mini-mural are deeply tied to their native environments. These ecosystems are vital not only for the survival of these species but also for the communities that rely on their medicinal and cultural uses. This piece serves as a reminder that the conservation of biodiversity and natural habitats is essential for protecting this invaluable heritage of healing.

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Through this composition, viewers are invited to reflect on the interconnectedness of plants, ecosystems, and human well-being, emphasizing the urgency of environmental stewardship to ensure that these resources remain available for generations to come.

In Focus: The Flora of Wild Medicine Eco Mural 19

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Torch Ginger
Found in the humid tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, torch ginger is a towering herbaceous plant with vibrant pink or white blooms. Its edible flowers and shoots are staples in traditional cuisine, while its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties have made it a cornerstone of traditional medicine. Torch ginger’s role in its ecosystem extends to supporting biodiversity, attracting pollinators, and providing food and medicine to local communities.

 

Reishi Mushroom
Native to East Asia, reishi mushrooms grow in forested regions on the trunks of deciduous trees. Known as the "mushroom of immortality," reishi has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to enhance immunity, reduce stress, and support longevity. Its presence in forests contributes to the nutrient cycles of these ecosystems, breaking down organic matter and enriching the soil.

 

California Poppy
A symbol of resilience, the hardy California poppy thrives in the dry, sunny grasslands of the Western United States. Native American tribes have long valued this plant for its calming properties, using its petals in teas and syrups to address pain and anxiety. These grasslands are crucial habitats for pollinators, and the preservation of such environments ensures the survival of this drought-tolerant plant and the ecosystems it supports.

 

Blue Lotus
This tropical water lily, native to Egypt and parts of Asia, grows in still or slow-moving waters. Beyond its spiritual and medicinal significance, the blue lotus contributes to the health of aquatic ecosystems by providing shelter and sustenance to aquatic life. Its psychoactive and calming properties, once revered in ancient ceremonies, continue to make it a valued plant in modern herbal practices.

 

Ginkgo
Known as a "living fossil," the ginkgo tree is a species of remarkable resilience, thriving in diverse temperate climates worldwide. Ginkgo’s fan-shaped leaves and nutrient-rich seeds have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to enhance memory and circulation. Its role in urban and natural landscapes includes improving air quality and providing habitat for wildlife, further underscoring the need to protect this ancient species.

 

Bobinsana
Found along the riverbanks of South America, bobinsana is a vibrant shrub with feathery pink flowers. Integral to Amazonian shamanic traditions, it is valued for its anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties. The preservation of the Amazon ecosystem is critical to maintaining the cultural and medicinal heritage tied to plants like bobinsana, as well as the broader health of the planet.

A Global Heritage of Healing
These medicinal plants collectively represent a global heritage of healing, uniting the wisdom of ancient traditions with contemporary healthcare practices. However, their survival depends on the health and stability of the ecosystems they are part of. By showcasing these plants, giving natural and cultural context, Wild Medicine Eco Mural 19 inspires viewers to appreciate the vital role of biodiversity in maintaining wellness and balance across cultures and throughout history.

Part of the Wild Medicine Series
Wild Medicine Eco Mural 19 is part of Hagopian Arts’ Wild Medicine Series, a signature initiative within the larger Eco Mural Project. This series not only highlights the cultural and historical significance of medicinal plants but also emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural environments that sustain them.

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Through collaborations with local artists, herbalists, and community organizations, Hagopian Arts transforms urban spaces into vibrant educational tools. These murals serve as both visual celebrations and calls to action, encouraging communities to engage with environmental conservation and the traditional knowledge tied to medicinal plants.

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By exploring the interconnectedness of art, nature, and cultural heritage, Wild Medicine Eco Mural 19 invites viewers to rediscover the healing power of medicinal plants and the ecosystems they call home.

About the Eco Mural and Wild Medicine Projects

The Eco Mural Project by Hagopian Arts is an ongoing series of public art installations designed to educate and inspire action on ecological and cultural issues. Each mural is a meticulously detailed, one-of-a-kind piece, blending vibrant artistry with rigorous research. These murals transport viewers into immersive natural environments, revitalizing urban spaces while addressing pressing concerns about environmental degradation.

 

Within this initiative, the Wild Medicine Eco Mural Project focuses specifically on the cultural heritage of medicinal plants. Through detailed depictions and thoughtful programming, the series highlights the historical, cultural, and healing significance of plants, fostering a deeper connection between individuals and the natural world.

 

The Eco Mural Project is rooted in the belief that reconnecting communities with nature can profoundly impact mental and physical health. These murals showcase the beauty of local flora and fauna, enlivening public spaces and encouraging residents to see their environment in a new light. This engagement inspires a sense of pride, belonging, and collective responsibility for the natural world. To enhance accessibility, each mural includes a scannable QR code linking viewers to a webpage that provides detailed information about the artwork, the plants featured, and their historical and cultural significance. These pages also honor Indigenous histories by sharing the uses, markers, and cultural associations of the depicted flora and fauna.

 

Community-Driven Programming and Collaborations

Hagopian Arts amplifies the impact of its murals through live events, educational initiatives, and community partnerships that engage people across generations and cultures.

Hagopian Arts transforms urban landscapes through art that bridges the worlds of ecology, education, and cultural heritage. Each mural is a portal into the hidden wonders of the natural world. By blending intricate artistry with educational outreach, Hagopian Arts inspires communities to rediscover the beauty and importance of the environment they call home.

Honoring Indigenous Histories and Local Ecosystems
A standout project in the Wild Medicine Series is Eco Mural 21 at Bartram’s Garden, a series of freestanding mini murals showcasing medicinal plants historically used by the Lenni Lenape people. Designed with community input, the murals feature local flora, Lenape beadwork patterns, and depictions of children on the riverbank where passionflowers grow.


Hagopian Arts conducted extensive research into Bartram’s Garden’s historical catalog to honor the Lenape people’s contributions and highlight the cultural significance of the plants. At the unveiling event on September 15th, Melaney Gilchrist, a West Philadelphia herbalist, and mindfulness yoga practitioner Nakesha Moore of Breathe Moore led workshops for community families. These sessions explored the medicinal properties of the plants while fostering connections between art, history, and wellness practices.


Through its murals and programming, Hagopian Arts creates vibrant spaces for education, inspiration, and dialogue. The Eco Mural Project bridges art and environmental advocacy, encouraging communities to cherish their local ecosystems and honor the cultural and historical ties that bind them to the natural world.

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Wild Medicine: A Multidimensional Creative Experience

This live event combined public art, botanical installations, body-painted models, and performance art to merge the worlds of creativity and herbal wisdom. Hosted in collaboration with women artists, herbalists, and grassroots organizers, the event invited participants to explore the healing connections between art and nature.

 

Ancient Ancestral Connections

Eco Mural 18: Women’s Wild Medicine celebrates the ancestral bond between women and medicinal plants, featuring women from diverse cultural backgrounds alongside flora from their heritage. Installed at Penn OB/GYN, the mural also serves as a pilot for the Women’s Wild Medicine Initiative, a community-driven effort that highlights the healing power of native plants and their historical ties to women.

 

Wild Medicine Coloring Journal and Foraging Guide

In collaboration with educator and illustrator Katie Lillard, Hagopian Arts produced the Wild Medicine Journal and Coloring Illustration Booklet, inspired by the two murals created for Wild Medicine Eco Mural 15: Mugwort, Mullein, and Mallow. The booklet features twenty medicinal plants rendered in Hagopian Arts’ signature style, blending pattern, naturalism, and realism.

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Hagopian Arts distributed the journal and accompanying foraging guides to schools and community organizations to introduce youth aged 3-18 to ecological awareness in both traditional and nontraditional learning settings. These resources were also shared during a mural unveiling, empowering community members to safely connect with wild plants and explore their uses in daily life.

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Highlighting Interconnectivity: Eco Mural 20
As part of the Wild Medicine Eco Mural Project, Hagopian Arts created Eco Mural 20: Artelo to celebrate the interdependent relationships between plants, pollinators, and human communities. This mural was a collaborative effort with Square Roots Collective and 14 other public artists contributing uniquely to the Artelo hotel project. While each artist brought a distinct vision to the hotel’s art-filled rooms, Hagopian Arts focused on the ecological and cultural themes central to the Wild Medicine Eco Mural Project.


To expand its reach, Hagopian Arts hosted interactive workshops that engaged community members in the creative process: At Hyacinth Montessori School in West Philadelphia, children aged 6–12 participated in a painting workshop, learning about local flora and pollinators while contributing sections to the mural. This activity incorporated yoga and mindfulness practices led by Breathe Moore, blending creativity and well-being.


At John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, community members painted portions of the mural while learning about the featured species and their roles in local ecosystems.


In September 2024, Hagopian Arts partnered with the Kennett Trails Alliance and Artelo for a public mural painting event during the Hispanic Heritage Festival in Kennett Square. Using a paint-by-number system and hand-mixed colors, participants painted sections inspired by the flora, fauna, and geometric patterns of Eco Mural 20. The mural, once finalized by Hagopian Arts, will be installed in Kennett Square in 2025, further expanding its impact and reach.

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