In 1996, Diane Burko was selected from a group of 50 artists who proposed public art projects to be installed in the lobby of the soon-to-be constructed Marriott Hotel at 1201 Market St in Philadelphia, PA. Over the course of three years, after moving her studio to a massive factory space, she created an oil painting (overall measuring around 32.5 x 182 ft) of the locally beloved Wissahickon Creek in Philly, titled “Wissahickon Reflections.”

The project was commissioned by the Marriott through the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority’s Percent for Art program, and was completely installed by the end of 1998.

Below, you can find some snapshots of the process, a documentary about the project by Carol Rosenbaum, and some words fabout the project rom Diane.

Diane on the 30th Anniversary: “Time flies far too fast! How did it get to be 2026 already? This will be the 30th anniversary of my first and only public art project, sponsored by the Association for Public Art & Percent for Art Program (thru the Philly Redevelopment Authority), awarded in connection to the construction of the Marriott Hotel on Market Street, adjacent to the Reading Terminal Market.

This opportunity would not have happened without the public art consultant, Marsha Moss, suggesting I enter the competition, and the subsequent guidance of the Program’s Director Susan Davis. The prospect of creating a 11.5' x 32' painting as well as two friezes (7' x 97' & 7' x 85'), encircling the lobby ceiling was too attractive to not consider!

As project manager, I oversaw the $200,000 budget, which covered the 1500/mo rental of a 7500 sq ft space, the purchase of materials, along with the lighting for the hotel installation, sourcing scaffolding thanks to Jane Golden, the

rental of a lift to transport the rolled canvas out the 5th floor window for delivery to the hotel, and the hiring of paper-hangers for the installation. I also deeply appreciated filmmaker, Carol Rosenbaum working on a documentary, titled “Wissahickon, Natural Wonders” about the whole project, as well!

Lastly, there’s no way I could’ve managed this without the collaboration of my husband Richard Ryan, who built the scale model of the installation to present to the jurors, erected walls in the studio to make the paintings, devised a slide projector ladder system, and of course, all the moral support along the way!

By the end of three arduous years focused on the project, it was the experience and joy of seeing this project through to completion that was so rewarding. Thank you to everyone who made it possible! ”

- Diane

More about the project on the Association for Public Art’s Website: https://www.associationforpublicart.org/artwork/wissahickon-reflections/

The Process in Photos: