Murals Transform Liguori Academy
Philadelphia, PA, June 26, 2025 – In 2022, we embarked on a transformative environmental design project aimed at revitalizing the historic halls of our 1854 building. In collaboration with three artists, Hawk Krall, Peter Donnelly, and Natalie Flor Negron, we envisioned a mural series that would be both meaningful and unique to the Liguori community. The project set a clear goal: complete one floor of murals each year, turning aging corridors into vibrant, purposeful spaces that reflect past, present, and future students’ lives and the heart of Philadelphia, particularly Kensington and the surrounding neighborhoods of which Liguori Academy resides. Developed with input from both students and staff, the murals incorporate school colors, elements tied to Liguori’s core values, and nods to the school’s namesake, Alphonsus Liguori. Together, these elements capture the essence of a Liguorian education, one rooted in Boundless love, empowerment, and community.
The murals begin on the first floor with the theme “Journey for Life,” one of the many guiding mottos upheld by Liguori Academy. This mural was created by Hawk Krall, a Philadelphia-based illustrator known for his vibrant depictions of food and eclectic street scenes. Krall, who recently completed a mural at Pepsi Plaza at Lincoln Financial Field, brings the same energy to Liguori’s walls. His nine-panel piece with graffiti-style elements traces the path Liguori students take through Philadelphia, starting in the Kensington neighborhood and weaving through the city's landmarks and experiences, from stopping for a cheesesteak to taking the subway from school to Walnut Street or the stadiums in South Philly. Liguori Academy holds the saying “Journey for Life” closely, as it is deeply connected to how the school hopes their students learn and live starting with Liguori Academy.
On the second floor, a “Journey Through Liguori” unfolds in a mural crafted by Peter Donnelly, an Irish illustrator known for his eccentric compositions inspired by folk art, mid-century design, and vintage print. Liguori Academy had the unique opportunity to collaborate with Donnelly overseas with the help of John Brewster, an artist representative who also assisted with the murals completed by Hawk Krall, making the creation process a memorable experience. This core value-focused mural illustrates the student journey through Liguori Academy’s career and college ready programming, from their first day to graduation. It incorporates the school’s career cohorts, Liguori Academy’s founder, Mike Marrone, welcoming students into school, athletics and student activities, social and emotional health, mindfulness, essential skills, and workforce development, highlighting the full scope of what Liguori offers its students. The mural portrays core values such as individuality, community, resilience, ambition, curiosity, integrity, all tied together with boundless love.
“Journey of a Day” is the theme of the newly completed third-floor mural by Natalie Flor Negrón, a Philadelphia mixed-media artist known for her bold, bright work across various forms. From sunrise to sunset, the mural captures a day in the life of a Liguori Academy student. It begins with students waking up to start their day, possibly stopping at the Memphis Market for breakfast before catching the bus or train. The mural then follows them through the school day, into internships or after-school activities such as chess club, flag football, or robotics club, and finally home, completing a full, productive day as a Liguori student.
The murals that line the halls of Liguori Academy are just one of the many projects the school has planned to continue its environmental design initiatives and rehabilitation and modernization of its recently acquired buildings. It is not only important for Liguori to make a safe, positive learning space for their students, but also to pay tribute to the beautiful city in which the school resides. Projects such as this greatly align with Liguori Academy’s vision of creating a transformative learning experience for their students, based on individuality and integrity and bound with love.
To learn more about Liguori Academy’s environmental design initiatives, please reach out to advancement@liguoriacademy.org.
Can you or your student imagine themself walking through these halls? Please reach out to advancement@liguoriacademy.org to schedule a tour for prospective students.
