“Wall of Heroes” Mural Statement:
Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) is announcing a new mural in collaboration with Mural Arts Philadelphia (MAP) to celebrate the women of Grupo Motivos, who created the NSNP gardens. Their legacy and cultural traditions have inspired many.
This new mural will be painted by artist Celso Gonzalez from Loíza, Puerto Rico, replacing the current mural “Wall of Heroes,” painted in 1989 by Jane Golden and Dietrich Adonis. After thirty-three years, the current wall and mural require significant repair. Beginning last spring, the conversation and deliberation took many months; NSNP’s Board of Directors made the critical decision to amplify the work of Grupo Motivos in the neighborhood and for the gardens. As part of honoring the history of the garden, MAP has committed to memorializing the current mural.
On March 16th, NSNP and MAP will begin a series of conversations for community members to give their input and stay updated on the process. This first meeting will take place at 4:00 pm at Las Parcelas (2248 N Palethorp Street); it is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. In case of rain, the location will be moved to NSNP’s main building (2141 N Howard Street.) NSNP encourages all to read Jane Golden’s statement sharing her perspective on the coming transformation.
