Was it a king’s gambit or a roll of the dice? Here at Thomas Paine Plaza, we ponder that question in the shadow of what was once “Your Move”. This quirky public art installation graced this very spot from 1996 until its removal in 2023. It was a playful yet poignant reflection of our life’s journey, symbolized by larger-than-life game pieces. “Your Move” was the brainchild of artists Daniel Martinez, Renee Petropoulis, and Roger White. Commissioned under the city’s Percent for Art Program, the installation featured pieces from chess, Sorry, Parcheesi, Monopoly, Bingo, Dominoes, and Checkers. Originally, 45 brightly colored fiberglass, steel, and concrete game pieces dotted the plaza, each a whimsical reminder of childhood games and adult decisions. The artists envisioned it as a symbol of human interaction, a playful nod to the games we play throughout life. Sadly, the elements and enthusiastic public interaction took their toll. The artwork’s condition deteriorated, requiring constant and costly maintenance. With a heavy heart, the city made the tough decision to deaccession “Your Move” in May 2023, coinciding with planned renovations to Thomas Paine Plaza. The remaining 34 pieces were removed, leaving a noticeable void in the city’s public art landscape. While the giant game pieces are gone, the memory of “Your Move” lingers. The plaza itself, once a typical concrete expanse, will be transformed into a greener, more inviting space. But the spirit of play and the reflection on life’s journey, sparked by those oversized game pieces, will remain a part of Thomas Paine Plaza’s story.
Zion Baptist Church
Founded in 1882 Zion Baptist Church stands proudly in Philadelphia. It’s a testament to faith resilience and community. This wasn’t