ABC, Mural Arts Philadelphia and The City of Philadelphia announced today that Emmy Award-winning ‘Abbott Elementary’ showrunner, executive producer, writer and actress Quinta Brunson will headline a special event dedicating an original mural to Andrew Hamilton School, the elementary school she attended which inspired her hit ABC/Warner Bros. Television/20th Television comedy series. Brunson will also receive Philadelphia’s Key to the City from Mayor Cherelle L. Parker as part of the celebration taking place on Wednesday, May 28.
The mural, titled “Blooming Futures,” was designed by local artist Athena Scott, who will speak at the dedication along with Hamilton teachers and students, and representatives from Mural Arts, the Philadelphia City Council and the School District of Philadelphia. In partnership with Mural Arts and the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, the event is being co-produced by the award-winning Office of the City Representative and Special Events, led by City Representative Jazelle Jones.
Spearheaded by Brunson, Scott’s “Blooming Futures” was created with input from Hamilton school students and staff whom she met with for inspiration. The new mural highlights the allegory of the school as a garden, with the tenacious educators serving as stewards of a fertile and growing student population. Mural Arts – an esteemed organization based in Philadelphia dedicated to arts education and uniting creatives with their communities – was featured in an episode of the second season of ‘Abbott Elementary.’
Commented Brunson: “I am so grateful to be receiving the key to my hometown, Philly. This city shaped me—and now I get to give back with a mural that celebrates all it gave me. I am truly honored.”
“Art has the power to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future,” said Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia. “‘Blooming Futures’ beautifully captures the spirit of ‘Abbott Elementary’ and the enduring impact of dedicated educators like those at Andrew Hamilton School, whose influence shapes generations. Quinta Brunson’s work is a powerful love letter to the city of Philadelphia, and we are deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment to inspiring young people, uplifting our city, and supporting Mural Arts Philadelphia.”
“The City of Philadelphia is beyond grateful to have someone as inspiring and compassionate as Quinta Brunson,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “She doesn’t just represent the spirit of Philadelphia on television, she brings her success home and shares it with the city that loves her back. It goes without saying that education and representation matter. As our young people look for role models, may they find inspiration in dream chasers and change makers like Quinta Brunson. And let us never forget the impact of a great teacher, who shows up every day to uplift, encourage, and fight for the future of our youth.”
“I am overwhelmed with appreciation for this opportunity from Mural Arts Philadelphia and Quinta Brunson,” says Scott. “It’s been a very rewarding experience working with Hamilton. I wanted the mural to encapsulate the spirit and the care I witnessed walking through the halls of the school, between the students and teachers. I also wanted this mural to be something inspiring not only to them, but something that can encourage continued growth in the school and in the surrounding community as well.”
ABC’s ‘Abbott Elementary,’ which just completed its fourth season, has won four Primetime Emmy Awards and been nominated for 24. The comedy series stars Emmy Award winner Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues, Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, Janelle James as Ava Coleman, Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill, Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti, William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson and Emmy Award winner Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard. Brunson created the series and serves as executive producer alongside Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker of Delicious Non-Sequitur Productions, Randall Einhorn and Brian Rubenstein. The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television and 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.