We the People is Dr. Bob Heironimous’s most recent moving mural. Originally painted in 2006, and restored in 2008 We the People uses portraits and symbols to share the message of unity in the United States. In addition to many of the nation’s widely recognized Founding Fathers featured on the car, it also highlights the League of the Iroquois Indians and their oft-hidden influence on the nation’s government.

Origins: Founding Fathers

We the People originated as the Founding Fathers, a hand-painted mural with a 1983 Mercedes Sedan as a canvas. Founding Fathers was a visual expression of Dr. Herionimous’s book entitled “Founding Fathers, Secret Societies.”[LINK] Debuting in 2006, Founding Fathers was Dr. Herionimous’s first painted car in over 20 years and was completed in 3 months. It debuted at the acclaimed outsider art museum in Baltimore, the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) that Spring. In November, it became the first and only biodiesel art car thanks to the help of volunteers at the Baltimore Biodiesel Co-op. 

The symbology featured on Founding Fathers showcases the lesser-known influences on our founders as read through our nation’s symbols of flags and great seals. Particularly highlighted are the hidden influences of the League of the Iroquois Indians on our nation’s form of government. Hieronimus detailed this in Founding Fathers, Secret Societies and the same theme can be seen in the We the People mural on St Paul St. in Baltimore.

Restoration: We the People Today

Dr. Bob painting symbols of our Native American founding fathers.

In the summer of 2008, Founding Fathers experienced a great deal of damage due to a rear-end accident. Over two-thirds of the car had to be redesigned making it a completely new art piece. Due to a collaborative effort, the restoration and redesign were completed in only three weeks. The spirit of artists coming together to complete the task helped to inspire the new theme and name; We the People.

The new design explains the definition of E Pluribus Unum, or “Out of many, one,” and how the American people can achieve success through unity and collaboration. Some of the updated imagery includes a depiction of Benjamin Bannker on the passenger side door, the Statue of Liberty looking over Dr. Herionimous’s famous Light bus, and a large eagle holding the message of E Pluribus Unum on the roof.

Learn more about the We the People Art Car

To invite We the People to be part of your parade or festival, email radio@21stcenturyradio.com.

You can also find We the People merchandise (including the mini standee pictured right) in the H&Co Store.

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