Philly Neighborhoods Get Liberty Bell Tributes, Created by Local Artists
In celebration of America's 250th birthday, the city has unveiled 22 fiberglass replicas of the iconic Liberty Bell, designed by local artists and commissioned to pay tribute to various Philly neighborhoods. The project, part of the Bells Across PA initiative, aims to showcase the unique character and history of each neighborhood through these artistic interpretations.
Germantown's 'Who's Your North Star?' Bell Explores Abolitionist History
In Germantown, artist Emily Birdie Busch drew inspiration from the neighborhood's abolitionist history. Her bell features a North Star quilt pattern that symbolizes clarity in chaos and represents the struggles faced by escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad. The design also includes tributes to the Wyck House and musician Sun Ra.
Meanwhile, Hunting Park's 'United Hunting Park' Bell Honors Community Spirit
Andrew Daniels, aka Penthouse Art, created a bell for his neighborhood that incorporates community spots like the local swimming pool alongside personal touches such as a depiction of his grandmother's house. His design features an image of hands holding seeds, symbolizing the growth and connection within the community.
Other Neighborhoods' Bell Designs Revealed
Designs from other neighborhoods include Sean Martorana's geometric shapes inspired by architecture and bridges for Fox Chase and 30th Street bells, with symbols like trains and prayer sticks from the Lenape tribe. Abigail Reeth's 'Stories Tolled' bell for Wynnefield features a bell tower, veterans memorial, Route 44 bus on City Avenue, and Samuel Gompers Elementary School, showcasing community activities like jazz nights at Triangle Park and lilac blossoms in the neighborhood garden.
Community Diversity Shines Through Art
Reeth's design aims to represent the diversity that community leaders emphasized as essential to Wynnefield. The bell features a statue and door of a mosque, representing three religions important to the area, highlighting cultural diversity, age diversity, and the idea of life.
As for the installation timeline, city officials could not provide a specific date, but residents can expect to find these artistic tributes in various neighborhoods across Philly, including popular spots like Independence Hall, City Hall, and Bartram's Garden.
In celebration of America's 250th birthday, the city has unveiled 22 fiberglass replicas of the iconic Liberty Bell, designed by local artists and commissioned to pay tribute to various Philly neighborhoods. The project, part of the Bells Across PA initiative, aims to showcase the unique character and history of each neighborhood through these artistic interpretations.
Germantown's 'Who's Your North Star?' Bell Explores Abolitionist History
In Germantown, artist Emily Birdie Busch drew inspiration from the neighborhood's abolitionist history. Her bell features a North Star quilt pattern that symbolizes clarity in chaos and represents the struggles faced by escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad. The design also includes tributes to the Wyck House and musician Sun Ra.
Meanwhile, Hunting Park's 'United Hunting Park' Bell Honors Community Spirit
Andrew Daniels, aka Penthouse Art, created a bell for his neighborhood that incorporates community spots like the local swimming pool alongside personal touches such as a depiction of his grandmother's house. His design features an image of hands holding seeds, symbolizing the growth and connection within the community.
Other Neighborhoods' Bell Designs Revealed
Designs from other neighborhoods include Sean Martorana's geometric shapes inspired by architecture and bridges for Fox Chase and 30th Street bells, with symbols like trains and prayer sticks from the Lenape tribe. Abigail Reeth's 'Stories Tolled' bell for Wynnefield features a bell tower, veterans memorial, Route 44 bus on City Avenue, and Samuel Gompers Elementary School, showcasing community activities like jazz nights at Triangle Park and lilac blossoms in the neighborhood garden.
Community Diversity Shines Through Art
Reeth's design aims to represent the diversity that community leaders emphasized as essential to Wynnefield. The bell features a statue and door of a mosque, representing three religions important to the area, highlighting cultural diversity, age diversity, and the idea of life.
As for the installation timeline, city officials could not provide a specific date, but residents can expect to find these artistic tributes in various neighborhoods across Philly, including popular spots like Independence Hall, City Hall, and Bartram's Garden.
! As someone who lives in Philly, it's amazing to see how each neighborhood has its own unique design that represents their history and culture. I personally love Germantown's 'Who's Your North Star?' bell - it's so powerful and meaningful. I've always been fascinated by the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement here, and Emily Birdie Busch really captured that spirit in her art 
. And Hunting Park's 'United Hunting Park' bell is super cute - who wouldn't want a giant bell with their grandmother's house on it?! 
I'm excited to see all the different designs throughout the city and experience the diversity and community spirit that each neighborhood has to offer 
! It's so cool that local artists are getting a chance to showcase their talents and give each neighborhood its own unique vibe. But let me just correct you - it's not just about community spirit, it's also about cultural diversity and representation 
. I mean, Abigail Reeth's design for Wynnefield is actually really well thought out, featuring symbols from three religions and highlighting age diversity. The idea of life is something we should all be striving for, you know? Anyway, can't wait to see these bells pop up around the city! 
I mean, what's up with these bells? They're just replicas of the Liberty Bell, right? I'm not complaining though 
, it's actually pretty cool to see all these different neighborhoods getting their own unique tribute. But can we talk about how this whole Bells Across PA initiative is just a Band-Aid on the real issue here? Like, shouldn't they be working on some actual solutions to community problems instead of just slapping up some art and calling it a day? 
Like, what does Hunting Park's "United Hunting Park" bell even mean? Is it supposed to be some profound message about community spirit or something? I need a snack, this whole thing is giving me a headache 
! Its so cool that local artists got to put their own spin on the Liberty Bell tribute... I mean, who wouldn't want a mini North Star quilt pattern with Sun Ra in Germantown? 
These new Liberty Bell tributes are more than just pretty art, they're a reminder that our cities are made up of so many unique stories and experiences. I think it's cool how each neighborhood has its own special design, but what's even cooler is the community spirit behind them 
. And Germantown's North Star bell? That's like, super powerful 
. It makes me think about how we can all be our own guiding light in tough times 
.
. I mean, 22 fiberglass bells is a lot of... stuff 
. But hey, at least it's not like they're just gonna leave them sitting there collecting dust 
? These local artists are doin' more than just creatin' art – they're celebratin' the very fabric of their neighborhoods. That's what I call beautiful 
.
.
.
. Can't wait to see these in person when they're installed across Philly!
.
. The fact that each bell is inspired by local history, architecture, or cultural symbols really makes me appreciate the diversity of Philly neighborhoods even more 
. I'm especially loving Abigail Reeth's 'Stories Tolled' bell for Wynnefield - it's like a mini-tour through the neighborhood! Can't wait to see all these bells in person and take some sick pics 
they're showcasing all the unique vibes of each neighborhood in philly through art & history, it's so dope 
with those geometric shapes inspired by architecture & bridges. and can we talk about abigail reeth's wynnefield bell for sec?? it's like a visual representation of diversity & community spirit 
. It's awesome that local artists got to be involved and put their own spin on the iconic bell, showcasing the unique character of each neighborhood. I mean, who wouldn't want to see a North Star quilt pattern or an image of hands holding seeds? 
.
The fact that the Wyck House is getting some love too is super cool - it's crazy how these artistic tributes are showing us the history & diversity of Philly!