Matt Halm

This project was commissioned by Philadelphia Mural Arts Project and is located on Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Adjacent to the Wayne Junction Septa Station, these mural pieces are a gateway between the Germantown and Nicetown neighborhoods. These works celebrate the history, diversity, and goals of these communities through the framework of transportation. Completed in 2020. Photos by Steve Weinik.

Location: 33 North 9th Street. Allentown, Pennsylvania

Completed: 2019

This 40’ x 40’ sq. ft. mural was commissioned by the Cultural Coalition of Allentown (now the Lehigh Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance) as part of their City Artist-in-Residence program. The initial upper section was completed in July 2018, and the final space was completed in 2019.

The mural is a loving ode to the "Queen City" and its rich history and exciting future. The composition is a take on a playing card design, and utilizes vintage imagery of downtown Allentown as the background. The main figure of the Queen (as representing the history of the city) is painted in a collage style, mixing pattern and textile design with vintage advertising. The child figure utilizes this same style and represents the bright future of the city.

"Southbound" by Matt Halm

Location: 3rd and New Streets, Bethlehem, PA

Completed: 6/18

This 15' x 25' exterior mural was commissioned by Artsquest, as part of the 2018 South Side Arts Fest. This work is inspired by the creative spirit and imagination of the growing art community on Bethlehem’s South Side.

"Bird on a Wire" by Matt Halm 

Location: 446 N. 7th Street.  Allentown, PA.

Completed: 2017

This 20'x20' "parachute cloth" mural was commissioned by the Community Action Network of Allentown as part of the Main Street Program and was funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation.

"The Aspiration of Renewal" by Matt Halm 

Location: 449-499 Turner Street.  Allentown, PA.

Completed: 2017

This mural was commissioned by Pennrose Properties, in association with Sacred Heart Hospital of Allentown and is located at the Sacred Heart Residences.  This 20'x7' outdoor mural was inspired by the dreams and hopes of youth, as well as urban revitilization.   

"Building 21" by Matt Halm 

Location: Building 21 High School in Allentown, Pennsylvania

Completed: 2015

This indoor mural was created with the ideas and assistance of the inaugural class of Building 21 High School.  Over 100 ninth-grade students and their families brainstormed with the artist, and from their many ideas and concepts this mural was conceived.  Students and volunteers also participated in a school paint day.  A testament to collaboration, this dynamic mural is on display in the lobby of Building 21 High School.    

I am a painter, muralist, and teacher.  Stirring an original, graphic style with conceptual questions and social commentary, I want to push the limits of public art. My work is bold and vital, and concentrates on the relationship between the image and the environment, as well as the viewer and the theme. My unique style seeks to meld symbolism and storytelling, creating original compositions with provocative thematic propositions. I revel in adapting my sensibility and philosophy to the varied challenges of a specific piece. By mashing influences with ideals, I seek to derive and synthesize, realizing complex themes through beautiful simplicity.

"Tierra Pacifica" by Matt Halm

Location: 619 Chew Street as part of Citizen's Park.

Completed: 2015

Client: Wells Fargo Bank, Community Action Network Allentown

These two large murals are incorporated into a beautiful pocket park at 619 Chew Street. Sandwiched between two homes, the park is surrounded by colorful landscape murals on the walls of the adjacent homes. Along with the murals, new trees, benches, grass, and plants were added so neighborhood residents would have a lovely spot to visit and relax. 

The property was donated to Sacred Heart Hospital in 2013 by Pat and Jack Pressman, longtime Allentown residents and employees of Sacred Heart.  Sacred Heart in turn offered the lot to the community and the vision for the park was developed by the residents of the Jordan Heights neighborhood. Volunteers and neighborhood residents donated their time to clean-up and plant the park and participate in a community paint day.  Additional partners included Community Action Development Corp of Allentown, City of Allentown, United Youth Party, Housing Authority Development Corp, Brown Design, Rodale Institute, State Rep. Peter Schweyer and Upside Allentown.

"Orpheus & Eurydice, 1945" by Matt Halm,

Original painting: 24" by 7",  acrylic on board.

Reproduction:  48' by 14', printed on exterior vinyl.

Location: This work was displayed at several locations throughout the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. 

This original artwork was reproduced as a large-scale outdoor canvas through the Art-Pop Billboard Contest.  Art- Pop (in association with Adams Outdoor Advertising) gives winning artists an opportunity to display their work on large billboards.  This work was the People's Choice Winner for 2015.  The piece is a retelling of a tragic Greek myth of Orpheus and his lover Eurydice, through the lens of 40's dustbowl America.   

"Old Allentown" by Matt Halm

Location: 10th and Turner Streets, Allentown, Pennsylvania

Completed: 2010

This mural was made in conjunction with the Old Allentown Preservation Association, and uses local landmarks, architecture, and historical elements.  The theme of the piece is "Preserving the past to brighten the future."  

"Colgate Sports" by Matt Halm

Location: Huntington Gymnasium on the campus of Colgate University, Hamilton, NY

Completed: 2014

This project consists of five total mural panels depicting various intramural sports at Colgate University.  Housed in Hunting Gymnasium, the murals celebrate diversity in athletics. This project was created with the help of Colgate Athletic Department, the Colgate University Department of Physical Education, and the ALANA Cultural Center.

"Rebirth", "Youth" and "Togetherness" by Matt Halm

Location:  Resurrected Life Children's Academy as part of the Resurrected Life Community Church, 144 N 9th St, Allentown, PA

Completed: 2012

This three-panel community mural was created in association with the Resurrected Life Community Development Corporation and was created using themes by artist and the congregation of the RLCC.  Inspired by stained glass art, these murals depict countless themes and symbols related to the congregation, school, and neighborhood.  

"Freehold" by Matt Halm

Location: East Main and Spring Streets, Freehold Borough, New Jersey

Completed: 2010

This giant heritage mural was painted in association with the Freehold Borough Arts Council and featured historical landmarks and figures, promoted the arts, and recognized local organizations.  The piece was a gateway into Freehold Borough and a true community project.  Youth groups including the Boys and Girls Club and Girls Scouts, and many local residents all had an opportunity to paint on the work.  This mural was painted over and destroyed one month after it's completion.

"We Can" by Matt Halm

Location: 5th and Gordon Streets, Allentown, Pennsylvania

Completed: 2009

This bold and iconic piece is inspired by pre-Colombian art and modern poster design.  The unifying theme is a testament of the struggle for progression and the power of positive action.  This work was made possible by the Hispanic American League of Artists, the Lehigh Valley Community Mural Project and the local community.  This mural was destroyed in 2015. 

When a mural project involves the citizens of a neighborhood in its creation process, it can have a powerfully positive effect. In my past experience with community murals, it is important to reach out to the residents and seek their input. By encouraging the public to participate in the thematic development of the project, the people feel included and empowered. A community paint day is another great tool to connect the art to the public. This collaborative environment also promotes a feeling of community ownership over the mural. When the neighborhood has pride in their mural, they feel protective of the work and, hopefully, of the surrounding area. As a result, littering, vandalism, and crime are deterred while vigilance is strengthened. Murals can also stimulate the businesses near them, and have been proven to raise the property values in the neighborhoods that host them.

The most obvious benefit of an outdoor mural is the beauty of the art. People enjoy looking at interesting art where a blank wall once was. A mural creates an air of excitement and anticipation as it is produced. Most folks have never seen the process of large-scale painting, and the interaction between the artists and public is inspiring. When the piece contains a strong, positive message, a progressive dialog ensues. Also, by including distinguishing characteristics and historical elements, the image paints the story of the town.

When public art is done right, the piece becomes a physical and cultural landmark. Murals can galvanize a community, and bring culture and history to an empty space.

This collection is meant to show the beauty and wonder of mural painting,  From ugly walls to works of art, murals have the power to transform a space and a neighborhood. 

Collected design projects by Matt Halm.   

"Little Big Rock" by Matt Halm

Location: Little Big Rock Farms

Completed: 2010

Commissioned by The Love God Company as an ode to music and family.  With two vintage poster-style panels and soaring hawk pediment, this piece was painted on re-purposed bard wood.