The Ministry of Awe is expecting a creative expansion, and Philadelphians have been asked to help name the new works of art.

As a release notes, the venue recently announced that one of its most recognizable residents, The Pig Lady, is expecting three piglets, marking the first recorded birth in the institution’s history. The expectant mother, a mixed-media sculpture created by South Philadelphia artist Madison Polidoro, has been residing at the Ministry of Awe’s ground-floor Asset Liquidation gallery, and Ministry staff first suspected a pregnancy several weeks ago after “observing subtle changes in The Pig Lady’s silhouette.”

“This is an extraordinary moment for our institution,” says MoA founder Meg Saligman. “While births are relatively common at zoos, aquariums, and farms, they are exceedingly rare among sculptures. We believe this may be the first documented litter born to a life-sized Pig Lady in Philadelphia, and possibly the world.”

The Ministry recently hosted a baby shower during its monthly co-creation night, inviting the public to suggest names for the piglets. With an estimated due date of June 23, Ministry staff are preparing for the arrival of the creations and plan to provide updates as the pregnancy progresses. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and see the process for themselves. The venue notes though not to “tap on the artwork, offer unsolicited parenting advice, or ask intrusive questions regarding sculpture reproduction.”

“This is a reminder that miracles can happen anywhere,” Saligman adds. “Sometimes they happen in nature. Sometimes they happen in art. And sometimes they happen to a pregnant pig woman in Old City Philadelphia.”

Ministry of Awe (MoA) opened its Philly headquarters this past March. The showcase is a result of a collaboration with Saligman and over 100 artists, makers, spirits, and shadows. Saligman has a career with three decades worth of public art installations located around the world. Locals will recognize ‘Passing Through’ (2004), her work seen by 100,000 motorists each day on Interstate 76, ‘Common Threads’ made for Mural Arts Philadelphia at Broad and Spring Garden streets, and many other showcases of her work peppered around the city.

The MoA’s experience is officially described as one that unravels into art, mystery, imagination, and playful exploration. Throughout the multi-level experience, visitors can expect performance artists, towering installations, interactive sculptures, live art, and immersive soundscapes.

To witness the historic “birth” and everything else this venue has to offer, locals can head to moaphilly.org

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