Somehow Warren County was not included on the PA250 website. This caused Card to reach out to organizers to which she found out that it was an oversight. Refusing to ignore this mistake, Card decided to proceed with the revealing of the bell that LeeAnn Waterhouse, Warren High School graduate and artist, put her talent, time and effort into. The omission is now being corrected and Warren County has been assured that the county will be on the website as well as any publications.

An artist for over 40 years, Waterhouse shared that the Allegheny River has been a constant presence in her life from her childhood and passed onto her children. Her design reflects the history and future path of Warren County with an emphasis on stewardship, resilience and continuity across generations. Marlo Nowacki, daughter of Waterhouse, shared that her mother chose the Allegheny River as one of the areas of focus on the bell because she views it as the heart of Warren County. She honors the river as a natural landmark but also as a living presence that carries the stories, spirit and identity of the community it serves.

Kim Slocum, grant writer and owner of Creekside Art Studios, served as the coordinator for the project. She managed the application process for the grant and also facilitated the partnership with the Warren County Career Center.

Student involvement and participation was made possible with the support of Principal James. Evers, principal, and instructor John Mack.

Artist LeeAnn Waterhouse is pictured with Kim Slocum, a fellow artist and coordinator for the county’s PA250 project. The bell that will officially be unveiled Sunday is pictured in the background.

“One of the things I care most about through Creekside Art Studios is helping artists in our community reach their goals, especially when projects involve tight timelines, public partners, and a lot of moving parts,” Slocum wrote on her Facebook page on Friday. “Recently, Creekside assisted an artist with navigating a grant process, coordinating community partnerships, and connecting with local students and institutions to bring a public art project to completion. Seeing artists supported, students engaged, and community spaces activated is always the goal.”

This kind of behind-the-scenes work doesn’t always show up in headlines, but it’s how creative communities stay strong. Grateful to play that role and to continue supporting artists as they grow and take on new opportunities.

Donations are still needed for the bell. Those interested in donation are encouraged to visit the website: America250pa.org. All donors will be named on a plaque.

Bells Across PA celebrates this collaboration as a meaningful reflection of Pennsylvania’s cultural heritage, recognizing the power of art to connect place, history, and people. LeeAnn Waterhouse’s contribution stands as a tribute to the enduring relationship between the land and those who call it home.

Photos submitted from Facebook as well as Marlo Nowacki Pictured is Warren County Visitor’s Bureau where the grand reveal of the county’s PA250 bell will be this Sunday. Local artist LeeAnn Waterhouse considers it an honor to be commissioned to this project. Her work is defined by a profound devotion to artistic expression, an enduring commitment to her community, and a deep reverence for the Allegheny River.