By Amy Debach
While Bellefonte remains preserved in historical and Victorian charm, it has evolved into a chic, hip, and bustling downtown. Today, the culturally immersive downtown is improving even more with a new mural project.A
Although one can learn about statues in the sculpture garden at Talleyrand, visit the Bellefonte Art Museum, or sit on the painted book bench outside the library, something seems amiss from this otherwise culturally immersive area.
Those who enjoy urban travel may notice that larger cities and small towns alike, boast vibrant and immersive public art, more specifically, murals. For instance, Williamsport and its wall of famous locals, Millheim and its artistic homage to local lifestyle, and State College and its more recent focus to create public-created art and murals, such as the hand print wall.A A
Sooner than later, that will change for Bellefonte, as there is an initiative for Bellefonte’s first mural project to take place by the end of this summer!
“Bellefonte is a community full of character with something for everyone, from the historical preservationist to the outdoor enthusiast, cultural devotee, shopping fanatic or culinary connoisseur…Its rich heritage as an arts, historical, and recreational destination helps current and new businesses thrive”
– Alexandra Hall
Several years ago, while living in the historic district of Bellefonte, I noticed a very large and very tan building that loomed over the area. This big, blank, boring wall inspired a plan. Combining historic charm with more modern public art could be really interesting around town. I created a PowerPoint presentation of everything that could possibly be included in making a public mural happen here in Bellefonte.A
While serving on the board of Downtown Bellefonte Inc. (DBI), the mural idea was able to be proposed to the necessary organizations for review in the downtown area including DBI; The Bellefonte Borough,A Bellefonte Intervalley Chamber of Commerce, and the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB). Soon, a mural ordinance was put into place.A
Local industrial designer Nancy Perkins made the suggestion of using a mural consultant to guide the projecta s many legal and technical aspects. She named Alexandra Hall of A H Public Spaces Consulting, LLC, out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, as a leader who has helped many other communities bring their public art visions to reality.
In late 2022, a mural committee was formed. Alexandra Hall was able to visit Bellefonte and meet the committee in person, measure the prospective wall surfaces, and experience Bellefontea s hospitality, businesses, and dining.
Local Historiaa s Matt Maris helped with a creative brief that included historical aspects, local flora and fauna, famous people, industry, agriculture, and events. (See Results).A
Hall, from A H Public Spaces Consulting, LLC, said, “The purpose of the mural installation is to highlight community assets, tell your villagea s story, educate visitors about your community, unify the county, encourage economic growth, and improve the overall quality of place.a
a Bellefonte is a community full of character with something for everyone, from the historical preservationist to the outdoor enthusiast, cultural devotee, shopping fanatic or culinary connoisseur,a she added. a Its rich heritage as an arts, historical, and recreational destination helps current and new businesses thrive. A vibrant downtown is one that embraces community assets and is symbolic of good economic health and a high quality of life. This vitality is strengthened by the coordinated efforts of; business-friendly organizations, established business owners, community volunteers, progressive political leadership and responsible property owners.”A
A recent public art survey was released, allowing locals and people with ties to Bellefonte to provide feedback for the type of public art they’d like to see in Bellefonte. An overwhelming amount said that murals were their top choice and more specifically, art that demonstrated our local flora and fauna. (Included LINKED).
“The purpose of the mural installation is to highlight community assets, tell your villagea s story, educate visitors about your community, unify the county, encourage economic growth, and improve the overall quality of place.a
– Alexandra Hall
The next step was choosing where this mural installation would be displayed. This process began by taking ten carefully chosen and identified surface suggestions around town. These were then photographed, analyzed, and discussed until a main surface and two backup locations were identified.A
The proposed mural site that was ultimately chosen was the back of Victorian House Antiques near the municipal lot on Cherry Lane and Spring Street (See photo). Close-up photographs of each surface were then submitted to the consultant for review. Considerations included location, as public art should be located where people can easily access it, the physicality of the building, and prior surface paint, windows, and condition.
With the location chosen, the next step is choosing an artist.A (Artists, here’s how to apply!)A Once an artist is selected, they will develop proposed designs for this project based on our creative brief. A jury, composed of artists and members appointed by the mural committee, will review the proposed mural designs and the selected design will be shown to the property owner before the project will be fully initiated.
The mural is tentatively scheduled to start in August or September, with wall preparation starting prior to installation. It typically takes one to three weeks for an artist to complete a mural, depending on the weather. During the project, the artist will enjoy a welcome packet with meal coupons and local itineraries to enjoy the area while they are on location.A
This project is made possible by grant monies allocated for a revitalization project provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission associated with the PA Wilds/Wilds Are Working program, through Downtown Bellefonte Inc.
