NEW HOPE, PA. — Community members, local officials, business owners, and supporters
gathered on Thursday to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of New Hope’s newest public art
installation, a vibrant Progress Pride street mural on West Mechanic Street honoring the
borough’s rich LGBTQ+ history and its enduring commitment to inclusion.
The project, led by New Hope Celebrates (NHC), was made possible through the Visit Bucks
County Tourism Grant Program and represents five years of planning, collaboration, and
community support.
The installation transforms West Mechanic Street into a permanent symbol of visibility,
acceptance, and pride, welcoming visitors from around the world while recognizing New Hope’s
place as one of the nation’s most celebrated LGBTQ+ destinations.
“This project has truly been a labor of love”; said Melissa Patterson, President of New Hope
Celebrates. “For more than five years, we’ve worked alongside community partners to bring
this vision to life. This installation is more than colorful artwork; it is a statement that everyone
belongs here. We are incredibly grateful to Visit Bucks County for recognizing the importance of
this landmark, to New Hope Borough Council and Borough staff for their partnership, and to the
businesses and community members who believed in this project from the very beginning.”
During the ceremony, Lisa Paglaiccetti, a representative from Visit Bucks County highlighted the
important role that Pride plays in the county’s tourism economy. Bucks County welcomes more
than 8.4 million visitors annually, with many making New Hope a destination because of its arts,
culture, history and dining and the welcoming environment that New Hope is known for. Pride
celebrations throughout Bucks County generate an estimated $2 million in visitor spending,
underscoring the value of investing in projects and events that celebrate diversity while
supporting local businesses and the regional economy.
Designed by Paul Kokesh, local resident and former NHC Board Member, the mural reflects the
colors of the Progress Pride Flag, honoring the diversity, resilience, and history of the LGBTQ+
community while creating a lasting landmark at one of New Hope’s gateways. Kokesh reflected
on the emotional impact of seeing the completed installation. He shared that while admiring
the mural, a local resident remarked, “It’s like it has always been here.” For Kokesh, the
comment perfectly captured the spirit of the project – that the artwork feels not only beautiful
but rooted in the identity and history of New Hope.
The ceremony also featured a moving reading by local resident Ed Kimble, who debuted his
original poem, Painted in Hope. The poem celebrated the mural as more than paint on
pavement, describing it as “love, made permanent” and a promise that every LGBTQ+ person
who comes to New Hope will know they are seen, valued, and belong. Kimble concluded with a
powerful reminder: “When you pass this corner, look down. See the whole spectrum of who
we are—who we have always been. And know that in New Hope, the colors don’t wash away.”
Following the ribbon cutting, guests gathered for a community reception hosted by Karla's
Restaurant. New Hope Celebrates extends its heartfelt appreciation to Karla’s staff and owner
Alexis Zanias, whose unwavering support throughout the five-year journey helped make the
project possible.
New Hope Celebrates extends its sincere appreciation to Visit Bucks County, New Hope
Borough Council, Borough staff, the many volunteers and donors who supported the project,
local businesses along West Mechanic Street and throughout New Hope, and every community
member who helped transform this vision into reality.
The Progress Pride street installation now stands as a permanent reminder that New Hope is a
place where diversity is celebrated and everyone is welcome.
