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Shebani Rao

@shebanimal

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Philly comic artist and writer and occasional food person!
Please credit @shebanimal if you share images.

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

*insert picture of that white lady yall post every autumn*

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The 𝒮𝑒𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇 edition of the Mehfil Newsletter is out! It’s jam packed with so much, you don’t want to miss it.

We land in your inbox every month ✨✨✨

P.S there’s a Mehfil event unloading this month, find out more in the newsletter!

In there you’ll also find so many beautiful contributions from the community. This month there’s a gorgeous photo essay, a lovely comic and a warm poem.

The newsletter is a digital space we’re building for you. We hope that as you read it, you feel seen 🧡✨

If you’re tagged in this post, it means there’s a mention of you in the newsletter 🤗

[community, diaspora, south asian]

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Banner Artist Spotlight: Shebani Rao

Shebani Rao is an illustrator, writer, and visual artist. Her work has been featured in The New York Historical, Tiger Strikes Asteroid, and Vox Populi, and by publications like McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and Lit Hub. She also teaches cooking classes in Philly.

When asked about the inspiration behind her banner design, Shebani said, “My banner is a celebration of the cultural foods of South Street, from gyros to arepas to jerk chicken. South Street and its restaurants, both past and present, are a testament to the beauty of melding flavors and cultures when the very idea of diversity is under threat. This piece brings together my passions for illustration and cooking in a visual love letter to South Street’s diverse cuisines.”

The South Street Banner Art Project is a public art initiative led by the South Street Headhouse District that transforms the corridor into a more vibrant, welcoming, and visually engaging destination.

Featuring original artwork by local Philadelphia artists, these banners amplify the incredible talent of the city’s creative community while also enhancing the streetscape and honoring South Street’s longstanding history as a place for artists, creatives, and countercultures.

This beautification project aims to foster a stronger sense of place, strengthen community pride, and create a more memorable experience for residents and visitors alike.

In the coming weeks, we’ll spotlight each featured artist and the story behind their design.
(6/20)

#southstreetbannerart #southstreetphilly #meetmeonsouthstreet

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Semiannual wellness retreat to Philly

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#reposts from mostly @switttch who if ur not following what r u doing 😂

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This is why we don’t care about living in tiny spaces with our 🐀 kin.

Because W(TF)YM Knicks Game 5 🏀 + Brazil ⚽️ 🇧🇷& Morocco ⚽️ 🇲🇦 World Cup game + 🇵🇷 Day Parade + Ellie’s 🐘 🏀 🌈 Birthday are all in the same weekend

LFG 🤲🏽🫶🏽

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A special day showcasing my new piece in Philly this week. Philly holds a special place in my heart, it’s where I became a mom during COVID. It’s where I first got to actively engage in my passion for protest and advocacy. It’s where I discovered so many new versions of myself. It was so fun returning back as an art activist 🤭

Thank you @collidezinephilly @lindseygillart for organizing such a powerful event and giving me the opportunity to participate alongside community!

Special shout out to my day1 support sisters for always being there and cheering me on! 🫶🏽 @99silkbb @shikhadarji

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FUCK ice!!!!!!🖕🏼🖕🏼🖕🏼🖕🏼
proud of you delz, keep spreading the message.

go over to @delactivist to grab your own melt ice buttons + more

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Some pieces you can BID ON TONIGHT upstairs at @tmoms to support our FUCK ICE fundraiser! 🔥🔥🔥

Special thanks to all the artists that donated work.

All pieces start at $25 minimum bid—pick up your wins at 9PM!

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We’re gonna be tabling at the First Friday market this week with @percystreetproject and @nicethingsphila !

Stop by for a zine, a chance to learn more about ways to get involved with Collide, a meet and greet with editors @katiedempseygraphics and @lindseygillart, and a raffle for a free Collide shirt! ❤️🧡💛💚💜

FREE TO ATTEND

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“Find out what the stars and unregulated tech billionaires have in store for you!” By @shebanimal

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thank you so much @roxanegaybooks so excited to read these titles!

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