Timed for Women’s History Month (March 1 to 31, 2020), Philadelphia, the City of Sisterly Love, welcomes the #SisterlyLove Project, featuring new, original street art that celebrates history-making Philadelphia women at outdoor locations throughout the city.
Here’s a look at the 10 Philadelphia artists, their 20 subjects and the locations where the works appear. The exhibit is curated by Ginger Rudolph and streetsdept.com, presented by Live Nation Philadelphia and supported by VISIT PHILADELPHIA®.
1. Artist: Marian Bailey is a self-taught visual artist who specializes in acrylic and digital portraiture. Marian currently creates a variety of bold, colorful illustrations, primarily focusing on highlighting the beauty of Blackness and hyper-focusing on dark-skinned women. Her goal is to offset anti-Black narratives permeating society. marianbaileyart.com, @_mcbailey
- Subject #1: Judith Jamison (b. 1943), dancer, choreographer, artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Artist Statement: “One of my most joyous childhood memories involves going to see The Nutcracker with my parents. After that performance, I claimed I wanted to be a ballerina. It never panned out, but I have a feeling that if I saw someone who looked like me dancing, twirling and jumping across the stage, I might have been able to convince my parents that I, too, could become a professional dancer. I chose Judith Jamison because she’s an iconic dancer and choreographer who has done so much to shine light on Black dancers.”
Location: Frankford Avenue & Belgrade Street (Fishtown) - Subject #2: Lily Yeh (b. 1941), founder of The Village of Arts and Humanities and Barefoot Artists.
Artist Statement: “Lily and I have a lot in common, the main thing being, wanting to provide community through art. She founded The Village of Arts and Humanities, which is such a cool organization that puts art where it belongs — in the community. She is who I aspire to be.”
Location: 1124 Spring Garden Street (Spring Arts)
2. Artist: Manuela Guillén is a freelance painter, muralist and digital illustrator who lives and teaches Spanish art in North Philadelphia. Born in Miami to Cuban and Salvadorian immigrant parents, Manuela is inspired by plants, tropical colors and her cultural upbringing. Her work aims to bring awareness to art education and sociopolitical and environmental issues. manuelaguillen.com, @lazy.beam
- Subject #1: Nijmie Dzurinko (b. 1976), Black and indigenous organizer, agitator, strategist and healer.
Artist Statement: “As an activist for young people, Nijmie is challenging the negative perceptions of our youth. I teach students in North Philadelphia. Nijmie’s work in that part of Philadelphia resonates with me because I’m also fighting to change the attitudes people have about my young students. There’s a lot of power in taking up that struggle.”
Location: Temple University, N. 12th Street and Polett Walk (North Philadelphia) - Subject #2: Dr. Anandibai Joshee/Anandi Gopal Joshi (1865–1887), first Indian female physician, graduate of Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania
Artist Statement: “I’m part of an immigrant community: My parents came to this country to provide a better life for their children. Anandibai came to this country to study to be a doctor and took that knowledge back home to help the people in her community. She spent her life in service of others, giving back, advocating for others. Her immigration story is one you want to share with the world.”
Location: Onion Building (formerly Arts and Crafts Building), 10th & Buttonwood streets (Spring Arts)
3. Artist: Hope Hummingbird is a ceramicist and street artist. In late 2016, in an effort to spread hope, she started hanging blue-and-white porcelain hummingbirds throughout the city. Hope now displays portraits of women who have shown strength and resilience in their lifetime. Her goal is to both honor these women and to illustrate their relevance and power in order to inspire action today. @hope_hummingbird
- Subject #1: Gloria Casarez (1971–2014), activist for civil rights and marginalized communities, City of Philadelphia’s first Director of LGBT Affairs, executive director of Galalei (queer Latinx social justice organization), co-founder of Philadelphia Dyke March
Artist Statement: “A relentless advocate for the LGBTQ rights and marginalized communities, Gloria continued her work even as she fought cancer. Gloria is such an inspiration to me because she was dedicated to her cause and her community as she faced her own personal battle.”
Location: One Shot Coffee, 217 W. George Street (Northern Liberties) - Subject #2: Mae Reeves (1912–2016), milliner and one of the first African Americans to open a shop in downtown Philadelphia at 1630 South Street
Artist Statement: “Mae Reeves’ Millinery Shop was not only one of the first businesses in Philadelphia to be owned by a Black woman, but it became a Philadelphia institution. Mae Reeves made such an impact on the city with her artistry and civic engagement that it has been immortalized at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. I find Mae Reeves to be such an inspiration because her success story is the result of her embracing her passion, values and beliefs.”
Location: Paradigm Gallery, 746 S. 4th Street (Queen Village)
4. Artist: Nicole Krecicki/Taped Off TV is a stencil artist and co-owner of the South Street Art Mart, a retail consignment store featuring work from more than 100 local, independent artists and makers. Formerly known as Rainbow Alternative, Nicole has spent the last decade-plus mixing politics with pop culture and pushing her big, queer, feminist agenda. tapedofftv.com, @tapedofftv
- Subject #1: Gail Ann Dorsey (b. 1962), session musician (mainly bass guitar), vocalist and songwriter, known for residency in David Bowie’s band, 1995–2016
Artist Statement: “Growing up as a pop-culture-loving mixed girl in the 80s and 90s, I didn’t see many people, let alone women, who looked like me represented in the media. I loved music and took up playing the bass guitar as a teenager, looking up to the (mostly) white men I saw on TV doing the same. It wasn’t until I was in my early 30s that I learned about and became a fan of Gail Ann Dorsey, and that is unacceptable to me. She is a rock star.”
Location: 1010 Spring Garden Street (Spring Arts)
- Subject #2: Tara Lessard (1972–2019), cancer activist and photographer of LGBTQ events
Artist Statement: “Like so many of us here in Philly and beyond can say, Tara Lessard was my friend. She was truly the kindest, strongest, most supportive person I have ever met. Camera always in hand, she captured and painstakingly documented over a decade of our community’s history. Tara passed very recently. I miss her more than I can say. Working on this piece has been difficult for me, but I know she would be giving me just the encouragement I’d need to push through. She was a light for so many of us.”
Location: William Way LGBT Center, 1315 Spruce Street (Washington Square West)
5. Artist: Nilé Livingston is an award-winning visual artist and graphic designer whose repertoire spans more than 20 murals in Philadelphia. Her work has been exhibited in the African American Museum of Philadelphia and recognized by both Rad Girls, an organization that celebrates women’s accomplishments, and The Colored Girls Museum, the only U.S. institution dedicated exclusively to the history of Black girls in America. nilelivingston.com, @nilelivingston
- Subject #1: Jane Golden (b.1953), founder, Mural Arts Philadelphia
Artist Statement: “Jane Golden’s investment in Philly is reflected in her commitment to expand the everyday person’s relationship to art. The impact resulting from her organization is incredible and far-reaching. I aspire to be similarly effective as an artist.”
Location: East Market, 1100 Ludlow Street (Center City East) - Subject #2: Patti LaBelle (b. 1944), godmother of soul, entrepreneur of pies
Artist Statement: “As a native Philadelphian whose roots go back three generations, I appreciate the centrality of Pattie LaBelle’s upbringing to her life’s work. Philly’s grit is apparent in her music and business acumen, which is why I admire her style so much.”
Location: East Market, 1100 Ludlow Street (Center City East)
6. Artist: Nicole Nikolich/Lace In The Moon is a queer, self-taught crochet street artist and installation artist. The yarnbomber’s work highlights equality for women, mental health awareness, LGBTQ rights and pop culture. She was nominated for the Rad Girl 2019 Artist of the Year Award, has created an installation for the Philadelphia International Airport and has participated in National Yarn Bombing Day in Trivento, Italy. laceinthemoon.com, @lace_in_the_moon
- Subject #1: Tara Lipinski (b. 1982), former competitive figure skater, youngest Gold Medalist in Olympic Winter Games history, current actor and sports commentator
Artist Statement: I live for the Olympics. My love for the games started when I was little, and my mom would let me stay up past midnight on school nights to watch the different sports and watch Tara Lipinski become the youngest Olympian to win a gold medal in figure skating. It was nothing short of incredible. Tara’s accomplishments allowed me to believe that young girls can do absolutely anything. To this day, she continues to be a leading role model and mentor, inspiring younger generations of girls to follow their dreams.”
Location: Starr Garden Playground, 7th & Lombard streets (Washington Square West) - Subject #2: Tina Fey (b. 1970), actor, comedian, author, playwright and producer known for her work in Saturday Night Live, Mean Girls, 30 Rock and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Artist Statement: “When I think of Tina Fey, I think about being a young girl in the 2000s. Fey was constantly on my television screen, whether it was alongside Amy Poehler on Weekend Update, as the cool mom in Mean Girls or as Liz Lemon in 30 Rock. Tina Fey helped demolish these dated ideas that women are less funny than men and proved that powerful women in comedy and in the arts are forces to be reckoned with. From becoming the first female head writer at SNL, to winning multiple Emmy’s and Golden Globes, to being dubbed the best comedian of the 21st century, Fey is the definition of a powerhouse. I am inspired and in awe of Fey’s boldness, passion and commitment to working tirelessly at her craft and breaking barriers for women in the arts.”
Location: Writer’s Block Rehab, 1342 Cypress Street (Washington Square West)
7. Artist: Monica O is an independent web designer, illustrator and wood burner fueled by Italian hoagies in South Philly. A graduate of Tyler School of Art with a BFA in Graphic & Interactive Design, Monica has worked on web, print and event design for a client list that includes Coca Cola, Klarna and Virgin Group. monicaodesign.com, @o_monica
- Subject #1: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (1825–1911), abolitionist, suffragist, poet, teacher, public speaker, writer, agent on the Underground Railroad, mother of African American journalism
Location: No. 128 Elfreth’s Alley (Old City)
- Subject #2: Lucretia Mott (1793–1880), Quaker, abolitionist, women’s rights activist, social reformer
Location: Behind Tattooed Mom, Kater & Fairhill streets (South Street)
Combined Artist Statement: “I chose to honor Frances Ellen Watkins Harper and Lucretia Mott because these fearless women went out of their way to stick up for people of color and equal rights for women in a time when it was easier to stay quiet and be afraid. They were both leaders who educated others through their voice and writing. How lucky are we that these two got to grace our city with their presence that later led to overturning slavery and women’s right to vote?”
8. Artist: Old Broads is a street art initiative that utilizes humorous depictions of elderly women to challenge the marginalization and stereotypes about aging women. Founded in 2014 as a series of stickers, Old Broads has expanded to wheat pastes, murals and paintings. oldbraods.bigcartel.com, @old_broads
- Subject #1: Marian Anderson (1897–1993), internationally famed contralto, singer of classical music and spirituals, best known for 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial
Artist Statement: “Marian Anderson is an inspiration because she did not allow prejudice to keep her from sharing her musical artistry with the world. Her perseverance through adversity taught me to do what I love no matter what.”
Location: The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad Street (North Broad) - Subject #2: Graceanna Lewis (1821–1912), naturalist, illustrator and social reformer, pioneering scientist known for work in botany and ornithology, activist in anti-slavery, temperance and women’s suffrage movements
Artist Statement: “Graceanna Lewis knew slavery was wrong and risked her freedom to help others. She chose to incorporate scientific theories into her religious beliefs. I learned from her to keep an open mind and stand up for others at all costs.”
Location: 1025 Hamilton Street (Spring Arts)
8. Artist: Symone Salib is a Cuban-Egyptian portrait painter and street artist who uses acrylic paint and illustration to highlight the lives of people, with an emphasis on people of color and a goal of vibrantly sharing stories that connect and resonate with people of different backgrounds. Symone strives to create a space where people are not only seen but also heard. @symonesalibstudio
- Subject #1: Cristina Martínez (b. 1970), chef, restaurateur (South Philly Barbacoa, Casa Mexico), James Beard Foundation Award semi-finalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, activist for immigrants’ rights
Artist Statement: “I am so inspired by Cristina Martínez because of her strength. As a Latinx woman, I am constantly inspired by other Latinx women and the lengths they will go to unconditionally love and provide for the people in their lives. Also let’s be real: Her food is some of the best in all of Philadelphia.”
Location: PIZZA Shackamaxon, 115 E. Girard Avenue (Fishtown) - Subject #2: Santigold (b. 1976), singer, songwriter, record producer, innovator
Artist Statement: “Santigold is truly an innovator and visionary in the music scene. She has been making experimental music that broke all the rules in all the right ways for over a decade. I saw her at the Afropunk Festival last summer and felt like I had to pick my jaw up off the ground after her performance.”
Location: The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen Street (Fishtown)
10. Artist: Marisa Velázquez-Rivas was born in Puerto Rico, raised in Venezuela and weathered in the U.S., where she’s recently found comfort and safety in illustrating and wheat pasting street art messages about social and political issues. By day, she works as a design director at Universal Music Group, where her clients include Eminem, Ice Cube, Blink 182 and Lady Gaga. @marisa.vr
- Subject #1: Barbara Gittings (1932–2007), activist for LGBTQ equality, co-founder of the Annual Reminders, editor of lesbian publication, The Ladder
Location: Martha, 2113 E. York Street (Kensington) - Subject #2: Nizah Morris (1955–2002), transgender entertainer, honored posthumously by the Morris Home for Trans and Gender-Variant People
Location: Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room, 324 S. 12th Street (Washington Square West)
Combined Artist Statement: “Barbara and Nizah are queer trailblazers and activists in their own inspiring ways. Barbara was in the first picket lines demanding equal employment for gay people years before the Stonewall Riots happened. Nizah was taking the stage in our wonderful Bob and Barbara’s, coaching and mentoring young trans women before her life was cut short suspiciously — which, in turn, woke the local trans community into a revolution. When I think of becoming silent, I think of these women and become louder. I imagine them saying ‘Live your truth.’ I’m illustrating them with as much emphasis on their power, ambition and commitment to living their truth.”
About VISIT PHILADELPHIA:
VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.
On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.
About Live Nation Entertainment:
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit livenationentertainment.com.
