South Philly Warehouse Transformed into Sports Mural Gallery
Local artist Joey Dougherty showcases his talent by painting larger-than-life portraits of Philadelphia sports stars on the walls of his family’s electrical warehouse.
In the heart of South Philadelphia, a once nondescript warehouse has been transformed into a vibrant gallery of sports greatness. Joey Dougherty, a talented artist and native of the area, has taken it upon himself to paint larger-than-life murals of Philadelphia sports stars on the exterior walls of his family’s electrical warehouse. From Joel Embiid to Bryce Harper, Jalen Hurts, and most recently, Jason Kelce, Dougherty’s artwork celebrates the city’s rich sports culture and captures the essence of these beloved athletes.
A Passion for Art and Sports
Joey Dougherty, a 22-year-old artist and recent graduate of La Salle University, has always had a passion for both art and sports. Growing up in South Philly, he honed his artistic skills by experimenting with graffiti-style artwork on the walls of his childhood home and various university buildings. However, it was his love for Philadelphia sports that truly inspired him to combine his two passions and create these stunning murals.
From Embiid to Harper
Dougherty’s mural series began with a tribute to Joel Embiid, the charismatic center for the Philadelphia 76ers. The mural, featuring an oversize profile of Embiid against the Sixers logo, was a nod to his MVP campaign during the 2020-2021 NBA season. The success of this first mural encouraged Dougherty to continue his project, capturing other iconic moments in Philly sports history. He painted Bryce Harper after the Phillies’ NLCS victory in 2022, and Jalen Hurts just before the Eagles’ appearance in Super Bowl LVII in February.
Kelce Completes the Collection
The latest addition to Dougherty’s mural collection is a towering portrait of Jason Kelce, the legendary Eagles center. Painted in kelly green, Kelce’s mural stands between Hurts and Embiid, symbolizing the unity and pride of Philadelphia’s sports community. The timing of the mural couldn’t have been more perfect, as Kelce recently broke the record for most consecutive starts with the Eagles and was ranked the highest center on the NFL’s Top 100 list.
A Family Affair
Dougherty’s family has been instrumental in inspiring and supporting his artistic endeavors. His father, Donald, and younger brother, Christian, are diehard Eagles fans who often provide ideas and suggestions for his murals. Donald suggested painting Kelce in kelly green, while Christian came up with the idea to depict Harper wearing the iconic Phanatic headband. The family’s unwavering support has allowed Dougherty to pursue his passion and turn his family’s warehouse into an artistic landmark.
Capturing the Essence
Creating these larger-than-life murals is no small feat. Each mural takes several days to complete, with Dougherty often battling the elements, such as rain, to bring his vision to life. He meticulously sketches the portraits on his iPad before transferring them to the warehouse walls. The attention to detail and the ability to capture the essence of each athlete is what sets Dougherty’s artwork apart. His murals have become a magnet for sports fans and tourists alike, with visitors from all over the world stopping by to admire and take photos with the stunning artwork.
A Growing Legacy
Dougherty’s mural project is far from over. He plans to continue covering the walls of his family’s warehouse with more portraits as long as Philadelphia’s teams keep winning. The next addition to his collection will be a tribute to the fictional heavyweight champion, Rocky Balboa, immortalized by Sylvester Stallone in the iconic “Rocky” film series. Through his art, Dougherty is not only celebrating the achievements of Philadelphia’s sports stars but also preserving the city’s rich sports legacy for future generations to admire and appreciate.
Conclusion: Joey Dougherty’s mural project has breathed new life into a South Philly warehouse, transforming it into a vibrant gallery that pays homage to the city’s sports heroes. With his incredible talent and unwavering passion, Dougherty has captured the hearts of sports fans and art enthusiasts alike. As he continues to add to his collection, the warehouse serves as a testament to the power of art and the enduring spirit of Philadelphia’s sports culture.