In Memory of Willis “Nomo” Humphrey

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of noted Philadelphia artist and beloved Mural Arts employee Willis “Nomo” Humphrey.

If you would like to honor Willis’ memory with a donation, a fund has been set up to support the education of his three children.

“Willis Humphrey was one of our city’s finest muralists,” says Jane Golden, Mural Arts’ executive director. “He was a wonderful painter whose style was completely unique and was always timely and relevant. He was a role model, a collaborator, the consummate public artist, always giving and sharing and creating. His passing leaves a huge void in our city.”

Willis has been an integral part of the Mural Arts family for more than a decade, and an inspiration to many. He will be remembered for his warmth and kindness, his ability to listen and engage. His vibrant, complex murals have become cultural touchstones across Philadelphia.

Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, Willis graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta and trained as a graphic designer. He was first introduced to Mural Arts through the Muralist Training Program, and later joined the organization as a full-time staff artist. He was a founding member of Amber Art and Design Collective, an organization that uses art as an inclusive platform to initiate critical conversations and harness the resources of art for community empowerment and public service.

His deep body of work spans the city from playgrounds to senior centers, schools, and recreation centers. He worked with veterans and young people and was a treasured collaborator with communities and partners in every neighborhood. Through our Restorative Justice program, he taught mural production skills to members of the Guild, our apprenticeship program for justice-involved individuals.