Adam Hammer
From Adam’s mother, Sofia Fleming: My son Adam was an old soul. He loved Music Sports Especially football. He wanted to be like Vince Papale and walk on Oklahoma State University and play football. He never wore a mask if he like you he loved you and if he didn’t you knew it He loved Animals elders and the less fortunate. Adam would do anything to make you laugh He would Rap your name in a rhyme. He was a jokester and very funny. Adam was very intelligent and knew what he wanted in life but it was cut short one week before his 18th birthday. Adam was my son, the baby of two brothers Michael and Dan. Uncle Grandson and Nephew and friend to many but the title that meant the most to him was Godfather to his Brother Michael’s daughter Lilly. His is sadly missed by many and he will never be forgotten.
From Ann Price Hartzell, the artist: Adam Hammer - “Animal” Adam’s portrait came about due to a small world scenario of which no one would want to be a part. I met Sophia Fleming in 2017 when I was doing another portrait of an unsolved murder victim. It made me painfully aware of the abysmal number of unsolved murders in our city. The experience made me an activist against gun violence and I frequently walk with the mothers, sisters, and brothers of unsolved murder victims when they post wanted flyers seeking justice. Adam’s mother, Sophia had offered the stone wall of her Germantown home for James memorial. Only to discover the ties that bind so many in our city when she then invited Yullio inside to see the memorial she's kept for her own son who was murdered in 2004. 17-year-old son, Adam Hammer, was shot and killed just a few blocks away. Sophia Fleming is a legend. Everyone in the neighborhood remembers how she fought (and still fights today) to find her son's murderer. It’s been far too many years and she still walks the streets with other mothers searching for justice. Sophia’s speaks with hope and promise of all of Adam’s achievements. The joy and love he shared with his family is apparent with his trophies and photos displayed everywhere. Adam loved football, baseball, and basketball. He broke the Wissahickon Braves' single-season touchdown record and wanted to play pro-football.
From the curator: The stark contrasts in the main image of Adam, Animal, and his direct stare and almost challenging posture are cradled in the warm background which is filled with Animal’s writings and drawings revealing a young man with dreams, heart, and a sense of humor ( and beautiful penmanship!) I have watched as many viewers pause in front of this portrait to read all of his words and delight in his drawings from childhood.
Animal Portrait of Adam Hammer by Ann Price Hartzell acrylic on wood panel with reverse photo 24” x 18” 2019