Mural Arts Program Unveils New Center City Mural to Highlight the History of the Philadelphia Phillies

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Center City skyline is about to get a major league makeover.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110915/PH69287 )

Earlier today, The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program joined the Phillies in unveiling the design of a brand new Center City mural celebrating the history of the Philadelphia Phillies – the oldest, continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional sports.

Set to be completed in the summer of 2012, The Phillies Mural will tower eight stories high and face the Schuylkill River and I-76 Schuylkill Expressway. Located on a 24th & Walnut Street building, the 3,750 square-foot mural will feature more than 30 prominent players depicting historical moments from the team's record-long history – including the 1980 and 2008 World Series championships.

"The Phillies Mural is sure to become one of the most popular murals in the city," said Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter. "There is nothing we enjoy more in Philadelphia than our sports teams, and this mural will share our love for the Phillies with everyone who visits. I would like to thank the Mural Arts Program and the Phillies for coming together to create this new attraction."

The images featured in The Phillies Mural include (listed in order of appearance, from top left to right): Brad Lidge, Charlie Manuel, Mitch Williams, Cole Hamels, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Larry Bowa, Darren Daulton, Dallas Green, Tug McGraw, Ed Delahanty, Mike Schmidt, Ryan Howard, Chuck Klein, Tony Taylor, Dick Allen, Shibe Park, Jim Bunning, Veterans Stadium, Roy Halladay, Citizens Bank Park, Robin Roberts, Harry Kalas, Richie Ashburn, Steve Carlton, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and the Phillie Phanatic.

In addition, The Phillies Mural includes space for one more player – to be chosen by fans via online voting on phillies.com. Details on the final player vote will be forthcoming in the upcoming weeks.

The Phillies Mural will take about one year to complete and include numerous community paint days, giving fans of all ages the chance to make their mark on the mural. The first public paint day will be on Sunday, September 18, at Citizens Bank Park, for fans attending that night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals.  

The Phillies Mural is being created by award-winning Mural Arts Program artist and lifetime Phillies fan, David McShane, who also created baseball-themed murals Tribute to Jackie Robinson in North Philadelphia, and Philadelphia Stars: A Tribute to Negro League Baseball in West Philadelphia.

Said Muralist David McShane, "I am grateful for the opportunity to create this mural that the Phillies and the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program have given to me.  As an experienced muralist whose favorite subject matter is baseball and whose favorite team is the Phillies, I can think of no other more ideal project for me than this.  My hope is that all the Phillies fans out there enjoy the design and the mural that will soon be created."

Jane Golden, Director of the Mural Arts Program said, "With over 3,500 murals to date that the Mural Arts Program has created, there are few that will stir the passion of such a wide variety of Philadelphians.  Hopefully this project will turn sports fans into art fans as David McShane brings the history of Philadelphia's baseball to life in Center City."

"We are honored that the Mural Arts Program and David McShane will dedicate a mural to the game of baseball, the Phillies and the many legends who have played for us in our great city," said Phillies President David Montgomery.  "This mural will serve as a lasting tribute to our passionate and supportive fans."

For more details, including future painting opportunities and photos of the mural's progress and design unveiling, please visit muralarts.org or phillies.com/mural.

The Mural Arts Program is the nation's largest mural program.  Since 1984, the Mural Arts Program has created over 3,500 murals and works of public art, earning Philadelphia international recognition as the "City of Murals."  The Mural Arts Program engages over 100 communities each year in the transformation of neighborhoods through the mural-making process, while award-winning, free art education programs serve nearly 1,500 youth at sites throughout the city and at-risk teens through education outreach programs.  The Mural Arts Program also serves adult offenders in local prisons and rehabilitation centers, using the restorative power of art to break the cycle of crime and violence in our communities.  Each year, nearly 10,000 residents and visitors tour the Mural Arts Program's outdoor art gallery, which has become part of Philadelphia's civic landscape and a source of pride and inspiration.  For further information, call (215) 685-0750 or visit www.muralarts.org.

SOURCE Philadelphia Phillies