Category Archives: Murals

Murals and muralists in and around Philadelphia.

Jon Laidacker Mural Dedication @ The Church of Philadelphia, 17th & Snyder Ave.

Alden Cole and DoN attended the dedication ceremony to the new mural at 17th and Snyder in South Philly. As soon as the choir began to sing DoN‘s eyes filled with tears – the mural was eight years in the making and the joy the congregation expressed at having such a beautiful artwork depicting parishioners, clergy and symbolic members of formerly incarcerated people being re-introduced and welcomed into society was beatific. Designed by artist Jonathan Laidacker, the work was painted by a rotating team of Philadelphia prison system detainees. The Mural Arts Program works with five different prisons housing more than ten thousand prisoners; the art provides a sence of purpose and helps with reintroduction into the community. Father D was so eloquent and thankful for the final installation of the work based on Raphael’s School of Athens.

The choir of the Church of Philadelphia performing before the new mural @17th and Snyder.

Father D speaking before his own likeness in the mural by Jon Laidacker.

Mural detail (these two are in the choir, Jon truly captured them in the mural).

Jane Golden of Mural Arts Program speaking at the dedication.

Jonathan Laidacker speaking at the dedication ceremony for the mural he designed for Yhe Church of Philadelphia @ 17th and Snyder Ave in South Philly. Yo!!!

Jon included an excellent self-portrait in the mural – handsome!

Muralist Jon Laidacker @ 915 Spring Garden

David Guinn Mural Dedication @ 47th & Baltimore Ave.

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Muralist, David Guinn recently completed dual murals at 47th and Baltimore Ave. in West Philly. The twin tableau’s depict a vibrant, emerging neighborhood populated with hard-working Philadelphians, charming craftsman style architecture, diverse business’ and warm family life. Quinn captures the vibe of the ‘hood including many of the personalities with strong mark-making, assured coloration and thoughtful consideration of the context of his assignment. Quinn’s mural does not ghetto-ize the empty lot, formally a movie theater, it brings real art with references to Breugel, Hockney, and Rockwell to the street accomplishing a daunting task of satisfying many opinions and staying true to his art. DoN videotaped the ceremony and hopes to have a clip online soon.

David Quinn‘s mural @ 47th & Baltimore.

Detail of mural by David Guinn.

David Guinn @ the dedication to his dual murals. All David Quinn mural photos by Alden Cole.

K. Pannepacker Homework/Research @ Smile Gallery

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Friday night, Shoshana, Alden and DoN attended the opening of Homework/Research at Smile Gallery. Kathryn Pannepacker has already completed one enormous mural at the intersection of Belmont and Girard Avenues but it “only” represents the carpets and rugs of 43 countries. So, Jane Golden of the Mural Arts Program has found her another site at Broad and Lehigh to add to her collection of world textile design; Pannepacker will begin production of the mural in early September, her show at Smile Gallery on 22nd Street represents the research into styles and textures to be incorporated into the painting. Kathryn is primarily known as a weaver and fiber artist, who better to develop an educational mural commemorating the ethnic styles of such commonplace yet essential household art? The texture paintings, wax and felt medallions and design examples represent research Pannepacker has gleaned in her world travels, filling the space with color, light, imagination and history. A tour de force!