Wings Across Westmoreland art project lands in Smithton
Jun. 22—Smithton is spreading its wings, so it's appropriate the town will be the next site for a Wings Across Westmoreland community art installation.
Framed in the shape of a pair of wings, the art piece incorporating images of the town's present and past will be unveiled at 1:30 p.m. Saturday on the borough building, at 615 Center St.
"As Smithton goes through its revitalization, this project represents our goal to tie our rich history with our community's hope for the future," said Smithton Mayor Christine Tutena.
In an initiative of the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, a series of differently designed wings for individual towns was created by local father-and-daughter artists Patrick and Riley Mahoney. The project grew from an initial pair of wings gracing an alley adjacent to Greensburg's Palace Theatre.
Art-adorned wings also appear at Ligonier Town Hall, Sobel's Obscure Brewery in Jeannette, the Five Star Trail in Youngwood and the Overly's Country Christmas attraction at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds.
Additional wings will be installed in Mount Pleasant in July and in Vandergrift in August.
"Wings Across Westmoreland unifies our county through art and celebrates each town's uniqueness," said April Kopas, Westmoreland Cultural Trust CEO. "Each set of wings chronicles the local community assets, while inspiring the creation of new traditions."
Funded by the borough, Smithton's wings depict icons from local history, such as the Jones Brewing Company building and a preserved 19th century school bell. The art piece also captures facets of Smithton's revitalization efforts, including a pollinator and wildlife habitat and opportunities for hiking, biking and kayaking.
Stoney's Beer was produced by Jones Brewing from 1907 to 2002. Located off First Street, a pollinator garden was planted with nectar-rich wildflowers and other native plants.
As for more active outdoor pursuits, hikers and bicyclists can access the Great Allegheny Passage trail at Smithton. There also is the recently developed Float Smithton access point, at 453 Route 981, where kayaks and canoes may be launched onto the Youghiogheny River.
Playground fundraiser set
Before the wings unveiling, baked goods and lemonade will be sold at 1 p.m. in the borough building to raise money for Play Smithton, a project aimed at developing a community playground and park.
According to the borough Facebook page, the project committee has gathered more than $32,000 so far, including a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County and a $500 donation from the Belle Vernon Rotary Club. Nearly as much remains to be raised for proposed groundbreaking in 2022.
Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff at 724-836-6622, jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .
