Mural dedication brings ‘community’ downtown
Photos by Jessica N. Rex Artist Sara Aiello celebrates with the community during the ribbon cutting dedication ceremony.
The Warren Heritage Mural plaque is proudly posted at the bottom left corner of the mural.
Photos by Jessica N. Rex Artist Sara Aiello celebrates with the community during the ribbon cutting dedication ceremony.
The Warren Heritage Mural plaque is proudly posted at the bottom left corner of the mural.
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The community came together on Thursday to dedicate the vibrant new art mural, a turning point in the downtown's ongoing revitalization.
Kicking off the ceremony was the Warren County Youth Orchestra from the Music Conservatory who played several pieces including the "Star Spangled Banner."
Warren City Council member Jared Villella congratulated the community with its philanthropic legacy for a project made possible by both public and private support. The mural captures the heritage, history and natural beauty of the region.
As a pathway to new projects and an investment for future endeavors, Villella pointed out that it was an effort made possible by many people. One of the goals of the project which was met, included its completion in time for America's 250th celebration. America 250 Representative Joe McClellan played a large role in planning the project along with the city of Warren employees Joe Reinke, Kassie Damcott, and Mike Holtz.
Donors included Elaine Bailey, the owner of WestPA.net building where the mural is painted, the
Community Foundation of Warren County, The DeFrees Family Memorial Fund, Richard T. Betts Family Foundation, Conarro Family Fund, United Refining Co, The Whirley Foundation, LeMeur Family Foundation, Willard Foley from PlaidSky Advisors, and Troy and Jessica Rex from Oneida Lumber/ACE Hardware.
During the ceremony, donors had the opportunity to speak. Troy Rex was glad to have the opportunity to be involved in the project by donating many of the materials including all of the paint. Whirley DrinkWorks produced memorabilia cups of the mural and its donors for the occasion with Lincoln Sokolski noting that he'd like to see the revitalization of downtown Warren continue.
Aiello emphasized the positive community engagement saying that the 2,000-square-foot mural is a snapshot of what makes Warren special. Her hope is that it's the beginning of many more.
"It belongs to the community because it was built by the community," said Aiello.
Taking the time to recognize several other supporters of the project, from kind words, waves and beeps, Aiello was thankful to places like Mountain Laurel Credit Union, Lowe's, Oil Valley Drone Services, Tom Zaffino, Arbor Coffee House, Bent Run Brewery, Little Caesar's, Dairy Delite, Dock 9, and Cliff Brazie from United Refinery. A special thanks went out to Michelle Gray from the Warren County Historical Society for providing the history behind the images used. Aiello thanked her friend and graphic designer Paul Haggerty, her husband Jody by her side every step of the way, and her mother for caring for their newborn.
Joe Reinke concluded by saying that the mural is a lasting reminder of historical highlights of the city and of the county, hoping that it inspires people to get outside to enjoy the beauty of the region more often. Commenting to the public that their presence meant they were an advocate for positive growth, Reinke pointed out how the entire community came together.