We’ve always been a little confused by Lancaster Ave. in West Philly. Close to Drexel and Upenn and possessing countless outstanding buildings, Lancaster Ave. is pretty well maintained for its first four blocks, but turns blighted and largely vacant on the 3800 and 3900 blocks. West of 40th St., Lancaster Ave. becomes vibrant again, with numerous stores and restaurants. Look! on Lancaster is attempting to bring new life to vacant storefronts on Lancaster Ave., and is using temporary art installations to provide the spark.

This public art project will run until the end of November, and features art exhibitions on or in the windows of vacant buildings, art shows in galleries on Lancaster Ave., and performance pieces during the weeks to come. Look! is the result of a partnership between Drexel University, University City District, People’s Emergency Center, and Powelton-Mantua community arts groups, and will hopefully draw attention to a corridor that would benefit tremendously from new residential and commercial development.

And if nothing else, it will be a little more pleasant to walk up Lancaster Ave. for the next couple of months.

Look below for some photos of several of the window art displays, and look here for information about each piece, the artists, and upcoming events.