Artists Michael Rice and Brian Wentworth transform downtown landmark with monumental public artwork honoring Allentown’s silk industry, women’s labor and the city’s evolving future
ALLENTOWN, PA − August 19, 2026 − Allentown Mural Arts and the Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance (LVACA), in partnership with the Allentown Parking Authority, State Senator Nick Miller, Community Action Development Allentown, Allentown Economic Development Corporation, DLP Capital and the Allentown Arts Commission, are pleased to announce the completion of a monumental new public mural on the south façade of Allentown’s iconic Spiral Deck parking garage at 8th and Linden Streets.
Rising 135 feet above downtown, “Penelope’s Echo—Threads of Tomorrow” is the tallest mural in the Lehigh Valley, transforming one of Allentown’s most recognizable structures into a powerful new landmark celebrating the city’s history, creativity and future.
The project was made possible through grants and support secured by Senator Nick Miller’s office, Community Action Development Allentown, the Allentown Arts Commission and private funding from DLP Capital. The Renaissance Allentown Hotel and City Center Group also supported the project.
Selected through a competitive Request for Qualifications process, nationally renowned artists Michael Rice and Brian Wentworth created the original mural to reflect the history, innovation and creativity shaping Allentown’s rapidly evolving Downtown West neighborhood. Installation began April 17 and was completed in two phases, culminating in August.
Built in 1969, the eight-story Spiral Deck is a defining architectural feature of downtown Allentown. A façade that once faced a quiet alley now overlooks a vibrant corridor transformed by major new destinations, including the Da Vinci Science Center, new residential developments, Moxy Downtown Allentown and Archer Music Hall. The mural creates a highly visible cultural landmark within this emerging neighborhood and reflects the energy of Allentown’s ongoing revitalization.
Rice’s design, “Penelope’s Echo—Threads of Tomorrow,” draws inspiration from Allentown’s rich industrial past, particularly its silk and textile industry and the thousands of women whose labor powered it. The mural features Penelope, the mythological figure associated with weaving, patience and perseverance, alongside imagery inspired by a loom and flowing threads. Together, these elements connect the city’s industrial heritage with themes of creativity, resilience and innovation.
“I was inspired while researching the history of Allentown’s silk industry when I learned that women historically made up the majority of the workforce in the mills and how they played a prominent role in pushing women’s rights into the national conversation,” said Michael Rice.
At its height, Allentown was one of the nation’s most important silk manufacturing centers. By bringing the largely untold story of its women workers into the contemporary cityscape, the mural honors generations of women whose skill, labor and perseverance helped shape Allentown while creating a visual connection between the city’s past and its future.
“The installation of this new mural on Allentown’s Spiral Deck represents a significant transformation, adding vibrancy to an underutilized space that will add to the experience of visitors in downtown Allentown,” said State Senator Nick Miller. “Public art in other areas of the city has turned ordinary spaces into thriving art destinations, showcasing our region’s rich history and culture. This mural will showcase our region’s deep industrial history, spotlighting the perseverance of silk and garment workers. I’m proud to have secured part of the funding to bring this vision to life and to invest in public art that supports local creativity and strengthens our shared spaces.”
Pennsylvania’s third-largest city, Allentown has experienced significant growth and transformation over the past two decades, including more than $1 billion in downtown investment and approximately two million square feet of new commercial and residential development. Public art has become an important part of that transformation, bringing history, culture and creativity into the public realm while strengthening neighborhood identity and creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors.
The Spiral Deck mural is part of Allentown’s broader, multi-year public art initiative to integrate art into everyday life, celebrate the city’s diverse history and culture, foster neighborhood pride and create welcoming and inspiring public spaces.
With the completion of “Penelope’s Echo—Threads of Tomorrow,” an infrastructure landmark that has defined Allentown’s skyline for more than half a century begins a new chapter—as the canvas for the tallest mural in the Lehigh Valley and a monumental tribute to the women whose threads helped weave the story of the city.
A dedication to the City of Allentown was held Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
About The Partners
Allentown Mural Arts (AMA) is a collaborative public art program that engages artists and communities to create impactful, place-based artwork.
Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance (LVACA) is a nonprofit arts advocacy and service organization supporting artists and cultural organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Allentown Parking Authority (APA) operates and maintains safe, accessible parking facilities throughout the City of Allentown.
DLP Capital is a private real estate investment firm with a purpose of transforming lives through building thriving communities.
Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) works to grow a prosperous, sustainable, and diverse regional economy.
Community Action Development Allentown empowers residents and strengthens neighborhoods through inclusive revitalization, economic development, and improved quality of life.
Allentown Arts Commission champions public art programs, promotes equitable arts participation, and advises Allentown on cultural development and community engagement.
Photo Library can be found here.
Media Contacts
Gail Vivar, gail.vivar@pasenate.com, 201-870-2378
Jane Heft, info@AllMuralArts.org, 610-762-8099
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