Inspired by an 11-year-old's vision, the Sixers have new art to showcase
The brand new mural at Broad and Federal Streets, left, and Alex Ronnan of the Sixers Dunk Squad waves a flag before the official unveiling of the mural, Thursday, April 13, 2017.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
by Thom Carroll PhillyVoice Contributor
Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Philadelphia 76ers were excited to unveil a new mural on the southeast corner of Broad and Federal Streets on Thursday. The mural was inspired by a submitted drawing to the Sixers Mural Arts Contest by Brendan Dougherty, an 11-year-old at the time.
Muralist Ernel Martinez and a team of artists spent 1,270 hours to paint and install the mural, which required 127 gallons of paint. Many Sixers legends from throughout the years are featured in the mural, including Allen Iverson, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius "Dr. J' Erving, Charles Barkley, Hal Greer and Bobby Jones.
At the unveiling Thursday morning, Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, emphasized the importance of art throughout all of Philadelphia's communities.
Below are a series of photos from the unveiling.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceThe Philadelphia 76ers unveiled a new wall mural, Thursday, April 13, 2017, near the corner of Broad and Federal Streets in South Philadelphia.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceMural Arts Philadelphia, along with muralist Ernel Martinez, and a team of artists are responsible for producing the mural on the north-facing wall near Broad and Federal Streets.Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceThe mural was inspired by 12-year old Brendan Dougherty, who submitted the winning entry in the Sixers Mural Arts Contest.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceTo paint and install the mural it took over 127 gallons of paint and over 1,270 hours.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceAlex Ronnan and a few other members of the Sixers Dunk Squad perform before the unveiling of the mural, Thursday, April 13, 2017.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceMural Arts Philadelphia Executive Director Jane Golden spoke at the unveiling, emphasizing the importance of art in the communities throughout Philadelphia.