Isaiah Zagar, the mosaic artist who created Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, died Feb. 19 at age 86 from complications of heart failure and Parkinson’s disease.
Zagar served three years in the Peace Corps in Peru, where he drew inspiration from local folk art traditions. In 1968, he and his wife Julia moved to South Street in Philadelphia to open the Eye's Gallery, a shop specializing in folk art. He soon began covering building walls with mosaics using mirrors, tiles, and glass bottles.
He completed more than 200 public mosaics throughout the city, including The Skin of the Bride, a project that took nine years to cover the exterior of the Painted Bride Art Center. His largest work, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, grew into a massive mixed-media environment that spans several lots on South Street. The site eventually became a non-profit museum that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
His life and history of mental health struggles were documented in the 2008 film In a Dream, which was directed by his son, Jeremiah Zagar. In his later years, Zagar used his creative practice to manage the effects of Parkinson's disease. Emily Smith, executive director of the Magic Gardens, said Zagar used his art as a tool to survive his health challenges. His work transformed dozens of city blocks into a public gallery of kaleidoscopic patterns.