In-Progress

Real Life Rockys: Honoring Philadelphia’s Champions of Resilience

artist Ash Ryan

Overview 

The Real Life Rockys project is a celebration of Philadelphia’s spirit of resilience, grit, and determination. Inspired by the iconic underdog story of Rocky Balboa, this initiative honors real-life Philadelphians whose remarkable journeys embody the perseverance and heart that define our city.

As part of Rocky™Fest 2024, Mural Arts and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation present four incredible honorees whose stories inspire us to overcome obstacles and uplift our communities. These murals, created by renowned Philadelphia artist Ash Ryan, will be unveiled near the Rocky statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, offering visitors a new way to connect with the heart and soul of Philadelphia.

Meet the 2024 Honorees 

Chantay Love – Founder of EMIR (Every Murder Is Real)
Raised in Germantown, Chantay transformed personal tragedy into a mission of hope. After the devastating loss of her brother, she founded EMIR, providing vital support to families impacted by gun violence. Her story is one of empathy, strength, and relentless advocacy for community healing.

Michelle Konkoly – Paralympic Champion and Philadelphia Resident Physician
After a life-changing spinal cord injury, Michelle’s journey of resilience took her to the highest podiums of Paralympic swimming. A two-time gold medalist, she now dedicates her life to pediatric rehabilitation at Jefferson, inspiring others through her dual passion for medicine and athletics.

The Late Jimmy Young – Legendary Heavyweight Boxer
North Philadelphia’s own Jimmy Young rose from humble beginnings to face boxing legends like Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Known for his skill and perseverance, Jimmy’s story is a testament to the enduring power of determination and a legacy that continues to inspire.

Joshua Santiago – Advocate for Equality and Founder of Empowering Cuts
Growing up in North Philadelphia, Joshua faced his share of challenges. Today, through his nonprofit, Empowering Cuts, he travels the country providing free haircuts to individuals experiencing homelessness, spreading dignity and compassion wherever he goes.

 

About the Murals 

The Real Life Rockys murals will be located near the iconic Rocky statue and are designed to inspire millions of visitors with stories of real-life resilience. Each 8’ x 8’ mural features:

  • A stunning portrait by artist Ash Ryan.
  • Biographical details highlighting the honorees’ journeys and contributions.

These vibrant murals will serve as powerful symbols of hope and determination, encouraging all of us to embrace our inner champion.

Meet the Artist: Ash Ryan 

Ash Ryan, a Philadelphia-based street artist and muralist, is known for her mastery of diverse mediums, including acrylic, oil, graphite, embroidery, printmaking, tattooing, and floral design. A Bachelor of Arts graduate, she specializes in creating strikingly realistic works characterized by saturated colors, seamless blends, and vivid imagery. Her portfolio demonstrates remarkable versatility, ranging from portraits and hands to depictions of flora, fauna, and intricate fabrics.

Ash’s talent has attracted prominent clients such as Ticketmaster, Target, the National Association of Realtors, Kids Against Hunger, and Grocery Outlet, for whom she has painted stunning murals. Passionate about her craft, she enjoys traveling to bring large-scale walls to life with her art. Her work has earned widespread recognition, with features in Variety Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, Fox News, and numerous other publications worldwide.

In The News 

Learn More 

Visit the Rocky™Fest 2024 event page for the full schedule of events.