Pride and Progress

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Pride and Progress

1315 Spruce, Philadelphia, PA
COMPLETED: May 16, 2003
ARTIST: Ann Northrup
This mural was designed and created by artist, Ann Northrup, and her team of 15 assistants. The artwork occupies the entire west wall of the William Way Center, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community center in Philadelphia. The 55’x165′ mural depicts a gay pride festival in the midst of nearby landmarks, including the Drake Hotel. On the far left side of the mural is a man pasting up a poster depicting the gay civil rights march held in 1966. This section gives a historic and political context to the piece. The rest of the mural reveals a sunny plaza with a crowd of celebrants. Ann says that one of the wonderful things about working on the mural was the people who came by daily to give their appreciation and support. Ann is excited about the opportunity to state publicly, with this mural, the feelings about the good in people and the importance that people are accepted and that their love is accepted and celebrated. She hopes this mural is a catalyst for increased tolerance of the real diversity among people.