Mosaic Master Isaiah Zagar of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens Turns 75

Mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar in his studio at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

By A.D. AMOROSI

Isaiah Zagar is an art world legend, one of the innovators of the mosaic mural form whose works have been included in the permanent collections of several East Coast museums as well as the 2008 documentary, In a Dream. Isaiah and Julia Zagar’s Magic Gardens at 1020 South Street in Philadelphia is made up almost entirely of Isaiah’s mosaics and is a sight-seeing landmark. Last Sunday at the Magic Gardens, Zagar celebrated his 75th birthday with an open studio tour.

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens Hosts Philly Fringe Show and "Magic Beyond the Gardens" Gala

Facade of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens on South Street

By GLAMOROSI

Artistic power-couple Isaiah and Julia Zagar have been the King and Queen of Philadelphia's South Street community for over forty years. While Mrs. Zagar created a market for Mexican folk art and design in the late 60s at Eyes Gallery (402 South Street), her husband’s mosaic murals can be found throughout the region adorning businesses and private homes, and in exhibits including works in the permanent collections at The Philadelphia Museum of Art,  the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C.