ABOUT | One Art

Our HISTORY

The sacred space that is now known as One Art was founded in 2001 by Benjamin Dyett Reid, it was then called Wall Street International. He had the vision of creating a positive space for the community to enjoy (In Joy) in both unity and peace!

In 2005 Benjamin’s life was taken… his dream lives on as the seed he planted had taken root in a cracked sidewalk of our concrete jungle. That seed has been watered and nurtured by SunLight and Love. It has grown and grown to blossom what has become One Art Community Center.

the one art vision

We believe that the elevation of our community is a result of us doing the work to educate, heal, and reconnect with our Selves. At One Art, we want to continue to uplift our people through providing programs, workshops, ceremonies, and other events that stimulate the elevation of mind, body, and spirit for our members.

Become a Member

the businesses at one art

A huge part of the magic here at One Art is the ecosystem we've built with businesses who align with our mission. Together, we're serving our community from multiple angles and truly offering holistic wellness.

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the one art family

The people who push the mission forward for our people to be seen, heard, and felt.

Ewan Gilpin

Co-Founder and

Co-Directer

Ewan is a Master builder and visionary. He is a construction artist with advanced skills in carpentry, masonry, plumbing and electrical. His passion is building sustainably with recycled materials. He teaches these skills to communities locally and internationally. He has been focused on building tiny houses and his latest tiny home was built using 95% recycled materials. He finds great joy in building community space that is used to bring people together.

Co-Founder and

Co-Directer

Malaika has her Masters in Multicultural Education. She was apart of the founding staff of Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School and was the director of the Arts department at that school. She taught for 16 years with an emphasis on environmental education as well as the Arts . She is an active member of the community and has gotten several awards for her community work, most recently receiving a citation of honor from the City of Philadelphia. She finds great joy in creating a space where people, groups, ideas and intersecting circles can physically connect and grow together.

malaika Gilpin

Communications Manager

She has worked with her family at One Art Community Center since she was young, fostering her love of graphic design and art, into becoming their social media and marketing manager. She also works at NESAWG (Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group) as a conference assistant where she helps with registration and conference outreach. She has studied at Hampshire College in Massachusetts where she developed her passion for theater production, urban sustainability, and design. She plans to go back to school soon.

hoshea rogovin

laquan williams

Social Media Manager

LaQuan is an Artist, Reiki Master and Founder of Superior Life Energy. He's spent the past 11 years creating and selling metaphysical healing tools such as Orgonite, crystals, crystal jewelry as well as hosting local events such as crystal wrapping workshops, Reiki Classes and retreats.

He's also the Founder of L. Williams Media, a digital marketing agency focused on helping small business owners and entrepreneurs scale online through social media marketing and content creation.

Victoria Mendoza

Programs & Events Manager

Victoria is social entrepreneur dedicated to serve and honor the need for collective healing through cultivating intentional art, products, and experiences. Victoria is passionate about stimulating a deeper connection to self, the Earth (including her inhabitants), and God.

Victoria works with other community leaders in Philly to bring intentional and valuable experiences, workshops and programs to the One Art Community Center.

carley simone

Member Experiences Manager

Carley Simone is a multidisciplinary wellness practitioner, local artisan, and community entrepreneur working at the intersections of social justice, creativity and spirituality. Her dharma is to serve the people and add to the revolution.

While at One Art she’ll be working closely with our members to create experiences and opportunities for their continued expression and exploration of our space and community.