Meg Saligman re-imagined the mural (the previous two artists Bill Friedman & Sam Donovan were unavailable) @ Broad & Vine Streets incorporating LED lights that will morph the painting into a multimedia art installation that is one of a kind in the world.  The three panels tell a story about nursing from personal care to record-keeping-to technological expertise in the dreamy style Saligman has developed in her many beautiful walls through the city but this one lights up – Cool!.  The Mural Arts Program has twenty-two separate events throughout October, Jane Golden said there are thousands of sites seeking murals.  The mural @ Broad and Vine is dedicated to Florence Nightingale and all nurses everywhere.

Many local nurses are portrayed in the enormous painting; DoN has always relied on the kindness of nurses, his favorite Aunt Fran is a nurse, still helping even in retirement.  Meg Saligman made sure to invite all the participating artists and models to take the stage with her, the platform was crowded with volunteers and artists alike, a testament to Meg’s ability to make people team up and the crowd cheered their achievement.

Jane Golden introduced Mayor Nutter to the crowd attending the dedication of the mural; Philadelphia’s Mayor addressed the crowd to celebrate the mural and it’s importance to the city, he praised Jane Golden and her team of artists at the Mural Arts Program and the value of nurses and medicine to Philadelphia.  DoN really likes Mayor Nutter and his support for the arts in Philly but in a surreal twist, the mayor’s speech was cut short by protesters from ADAPT, a very organized group of demonstrators of disabled people trying to close nursing homes and encourage group home living instead.

This mural @ 13th & Ludlow Streets is a handmade woven mural, master-minded by Super-Artist Kathryn Pannepacker in association with the Mural Arts Program, using mats made by homeless and disaffected people living in shelters.  When people start weaving they start to heal and learn a skill, find self satisfaction and hope.  The piece was created as part of the Finding Home Project gaining Katheryn and the project kudos on NPR’s Dr. Dan Gottleib, Volunteers of America website and American Craft Magazine.  You can help by shopping at the handmade by the homeless Gallery on South Street and talking to your representatives about rights for people who can’t help themselves.

detail of the woven mural @ 13th & Ludlow Streets, Philadelphia.

Photos by DoN.