On Monday, July 25th, Los Angeles artist Corie Mattie (known as L.A. Hope Dealer) revealed the mural, “The Impossible CAN Happen” in partnership with the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease. The mural is located at 3150 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, the site of Bill’s Liquor in Atwater Village.
Attending the mural unveiling as a representative of the Gibson Family was Kirk’s son Cam Gibson, the Foundation’s COO Michelle Newman, LA Hope Dealer’s creative producer Jay Jones, and artist Corie Mattie. Mike Khalil, the owner of Bill’s Liquor, generously donated the wall space, and he and his daughter, Crystal, were also on hand.
“We are thrilled to support KGF on this impactful project,” said Corie Mattie. “All of my murals have a QR code that creates direct access to donate. With this intersecting Kirk’s Foundation and baseball in the city I love, it’s just too perfect.“
“I am determined to bring awareness to the Parkinson’s community and hope this mural encourages everyone to keep up the momentum in this fight,” said Kirk Gibson, President of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s and former LA Dodger.
Michelle Newman, added, “As we reach the 35th anniversary of this iconic moment in baseball, all of us here at the Foundation are excited to share Kirk’s vision in such a creative way.”
With vibrant shades of Dodger’s red, white, and blue, Corie’s artistic vision captures the essence of Gibson’s triumphant homerun hit and his enduring baseball legacy. Gibson wore jersey #23, which is the inspiration for the formation of “Team23” within KGF. Team23 is the grassroots fundraising and volunteer team for the Foundation, which will be highlighted within the mural.
The mission of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s is to improve the quality of life of those living with Parkinson’s through the development and delivery of activity-based programs. This is all made possible through donations, fundraising, and awareness efforts like this mural collaboration with the LA Hope Dealer.