ACLAMO celebrates its new mural
Residents, community leaders, politicians and even a celebrity were on hand for the ribbon cutting
Local residents, volunteers, community leaders and politicians gathered at ACLAMO on Friday to attend the ribbon cutting for the organization's new mural. There was even a celebrity on hand – former Eagles General Manager and Ronald McDonald House co-founder Jim Murray.
The 4-month project to design and paint the mural was directed by Amy Grebe, executive director of the ACPPA Community Art Center, and funded in partnership with Bryn Mawr College’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.
The 14 panels depict a lush landscape – a green mountain vista, bright tropical foliage and children dancing in a small-town street.
“I have always wanted this entrance to have a welcoming feeling,” said Juan Guerra, executive director of ACLAMO.
“While the bank has a lot of character, including a vintage vault, it can appear cold and uninviting,” Guerra said. “These colorful murals will give a warmth and color to the space, reminding many of our clients of the lush homeland they left behind.”
Families and students from Bryn Mawr, the ACPPA and ACLAMO all contributed to the project which culminated on a Saturday in October, when about 75 people gathered at the ACPPA to paint.
“This project celebrates the power of community art as well as the ongoing partnership between Bryn Mawr College and the Norristown community,” Grebe said.
Darlyne Bailey, dean of Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research and special assistant to the president for Community Partnerships, describes the project as "a perfect partnership... a sharing of talents and other resources, that led to a wonderful and tangible result. And this is just the beginning!"
The mural project was sponsored and supported by the school as part of its 95th anniversary celebration.
This is the first permanent mural installation by the ACPPA, which has been creating art at Norristown community events for the past few years.
"The artists at ACPPA are eager to get started on the next mural project,” said Grebe. “We want to literally paint the town."
