To the Polls (2024)
LIBERTY & DEMOCRACY by Alloyius Mcilwaine (@culturesclothing)
Artist Statement: “The right to vote hasn’t always been a given for everyone in America. People had to fight for equality through the Women’s Suffrage Movement, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and more. People fought and bled and died for these rights, and that’s why I think it’s important to honor those sacrifices by getting to the polls and voting. To get this idea across visually, I created a colorful mural featuring one of our most recognizable American symbols, Lady Liberty, encouraging us to do our duty and vote. The mural is also filled with a visual language that I created called ‘Kudoglyphs,’ which are positive affirmations in symbol form, and other encouraging words, symbols, and imagery.”
Philly Will Decide by Hawk Krall (@hkrall)
Artist Statement:
“With Pennsylvania (and Philadelphia specifically) being so crucial to this election, I wanted to do something that captures the spirit of the Philadelphia streets during these crazy times, harkening back a bit to 2020 when people were dancing in front of City Hall and The Convention Center during the final vote counts. It looks highly possible for history to repeat itself, as far as the final counts coming down to the wire here in our awesome historical city. I’m also striving to keep this mural–and its depiction of Philadelphia–POSITIVE AND FUN to provide some relief to the often combative, dark tone of modern politics. And, most importantly, hopefully encourage people to COME OUT AND VOTE!”
Vote? Vote! by Isabella Akhtarshenas (@isa_akh)
Artist Statement:
“This piece illustrates the journey from doubt to conviction, where the question mark that once punctuated “Vote?” transforms into an exclamation: “Vote!” The work encapsulates this shift in my perspective, from questioning whether voting in an imperfect system could ever align with my values, to realizing the power of hope and civic engagement in influencing the future I want to see. Through vibrant imagery and bold symbolism, this mural seeks to convey not just the internal conflict but the possibility of bridging gaps between idealism and action. Central to this piece is the visual merging of two powerful symbols: the American flag and the watermelon. The watermelon, historically associated with Palestinian resistance, is interwoven with the flag to represent the intersection of personal convictions with national identity. This fusion of imagery reflects the tension between national participation and global solidarity, highlighting the ways in which these seemingly divergent identities can coexist and inform one another. Ultimately, “Vote? Vote!” represents a reclamation of voice and power—acknowledging the imperfections of our system while emphasizing the importance of showing up, speaking out, and voting with intention and purpose.”
Our Shared Future by Jeffry Thomas (@cuttink.studio)
Artist Statement:
“There is immense power in a vote. The choices a voter makes ripple far beyond their own individual life. Children and immigrants are two groups that have no say in decisions that deeply affect their lives. It falls upon each voter to craft not only their own destiny, but to guide the course of our collective futures.”
A Drag Queen Goes To Vote And It Is No Big Deal by Lace In The Moon, aka Nicole Nikolich (@lace_in_the_moon)
Artist Statement:
“Did you know there isn’t a single picture of a drag queen going to vote in a presidential election on the internet? Like really, go look. By using inspiration images from 1950s voting booths, AI, and my own artistic hand, I created my own version of what I wish to see become reality in the future.”
RISE UP by MsPassionArt, aka Serena Saunders (@mspassionart)
Artist Statement:
“What do we do when our backs are against the wall, and our progress on the line? Our children, present and future, are targeted, literally and figuratively. What have we shown all through history when in the path of discrimination and division, where the decision to defend ourselves, communities and families is made the only option… We reject oppression and embrace our responsibility in fighting for what is right. We rise up and take hold of the next and the new. My mural, RISE UP, serves as a sort of call to action as well as a moment of encouragement. It’s saying in bold letters and bold colors… we did it before, and we will do it again.”
Location Note: Murals no longer on view at this location (temporary project).