Doorway to Success

Doorway to Success by artist John Laidacker is located at University of the Sciences (USciences) Wilson Hall in West Philadelphia. Located at the rear of the Living and Learning Commons (46th Street and Saybrook Avenue), Laidacker’s goal was to successfully create an updated version of the mural previously located here. That mural, Doorway to Achievement, was also created by Laidacker in 2007 and lost in 2017 when the Alexander Wilson Elementary School was torn down. As Laidacker explains: “It is very rare that an artist gets an opportunity to recreate any removed mural, let alone one that meant so much to them. In recreating the original artwork, we needed to keep an eye toward building [the new mural’s] own identity as well. What we ended up with was an evolved reimagining of the first painting. The painting from 13 years ago was created with the help of students at Alexander Wilson Elementary School. The updated version payed homage to that heritage while simultaneously incorporating USciences into the theme. Miss Lucile (a former block captain who lives across the street) played a prominent role in the original mural. When it was torn down the demo crew saved her portrait for her. She has since regained her position in the new painting.”

The mural depicts two large, gilded copper doors baring the image of the Greek goddess Athena. The doors slowly open to reveal the stairs leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The palatte is purposely subtle so that the mural blends into its surrounding environment. To the left flow photographs of the past mural. To the right are images from USciences.

The mural was rescaled to fit the dimensions of the new wall. The figures are updated images (with the exception of Miss Lucille). Over 200 volunteers assisted with painting during public painting events at USciences.