Collage honoring Porky’s and automotive influence unveiled

The Terrace at Iris Park, 502 E. Lynnhurst Ave., hosted a public unveiling Apr. 30 of a photographic collage commissioned to honor the legacy of Porky’s Drive-In Restaurant. Porky’s stood at the corner of University and Lynnhurst avenues. The project was supported by the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota (PAM).The public art concept involves a 45-foot-long photographic mural with historical images of automotive history and related businesses on University Ave. Sidewalk paving, in Porky’s signature checkerboard pattern of maroon and peach, compliment the original Porky’s Drive-In menu box re-installed on site. Dedication remarks were made by Episcopal Homes President/CEO Marvin Plakut and collage artist Giesla Hoelscher. For decades, Porky’s was a landmark in the Midway area of St. Paul. The legendary neon pig sign beckoned people of all ages to this popular hang-out that was a cruising destination for street rod lovers near and far. In 2011, Porky’s was moved to the Little Log House Pioneer Village, and the Porky’s site has been developed into a new senior housing complex for Episcopal Homes. Porky’s may be gone, but it is definitely not forgotten. The Preservation Alliance and Episcopal Homes worked together to design the photographic mural that pays tribute to the drive-in and the car culture that shaped the look and feel of University Ave. for most of the twentieth century. (Photo submitted)

Below, two of the collage panels by artist Giesla Hoelscher that are part of the project. (Photos by Giesla Hoelscher)