Portage students paint new public art mural slated for display in town
Mar. 28—PORTAGE, Pa. — Portage Area Historical Society President Irene Huschak said when the September 11 National Memorial Trail makes its way through town she wants to beautify the area for hikers, bicyclists and all travelers.
That's why the local organization held a mural design competition and got Portage Area School District involved to help paint the future installation.
"We're sharing our history," Huschak said.
About 10 high school students worked carefully Wednesday on the future mural that depicts travelers of days gone by ascending a set of steps as if they were about to board a train.
Huschak said the historical group loved the design public art consultant Michael Allison created and is looking forward to it paying homage to the area's past.
She noted the mural will be displayed on the underpass near the Portage Station Museum at 400 Lee St., which used to serve as a railroad station.
Huschak said travelers would buy tickets at the building then walk up a flight of steps in the underpass to a waiting area, and that's to what the mural harks back.
Ashley Semanchik, a Portage senior working on the painting, said she loved the idea of a historical mural and was glad to lend a hand.
She often talks to her grandfather about the area's history and has developed an interest in that subject, so this project was a great opportunity for her, the student said.
"It's going to be really cool to drive through Portage and say 'I did that,' " Semanchik added.
In total, the students painted four panels that will measure more than 19 feet tall and several feet wide.
Allison said the work was to be completed Wednesday, with the exception of touch-ups and border pieces, and that he was excited to be part of the project.
This is one of many public art installations the Blair County resident has assisted with.
In recent years, Allison has helped paint and install the two Steve Ditko murals in downtown Johnstown featuring the comics legend's work, as well as the book-themed exhibits on the Cambria County Library.
Helping residents improve an area with art is something he's passionate about.
"Public painting is an opportunity for people to take ownership of what goes on in their community," Allison said.
He was also a fan of having the school district get involved, as was Portage high school art teacher Tara Williams.
She said any opportunity for students to get real-life experience with art is a good project, and she's honored to have her learners involved in the historical mural.
