Emporium Crosswalk Mural Project: A celebration of community and art
- by Guest Contributor
- September 30, 2024
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By Mickayla Poland
Originally published on the PA Great Outdoors blog at VisitPAGO.com
The Emporium Crosswalk Mural Project is a vibrant community art initiative that is set to transform the heart of downtown Emporium. This project is a collaborative effort between the Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA), The Emporium Borough, artist Mickayla Poland from PA Made, and various local organizations, all united by the common goal of celebrating Emporium’s rich community through art.
Supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the Emporium Crosswalk Mural Project falls under the Arts in Education program, which focuses on artist-driven residencies in community spaces across Pennsylvania. This program is designed to ignite creativity, provide educational insights into the artist’s craft, and offer hands-on
experiences in art creation. It’s a program that welcomes everyone, regardless of age or ability, to learn new skills or elevate existing talents.
The Emporium Crosswalk Mural Project is set to collaborate with 5-6 different groups to create 10-12 captivating crosswalk murals spanning six intersections in downtown Emporium’s commercial district. The designs of these murals are deeply rooted in the themes that make Emporium such a special place. Each participating group has come together to contribute their thoughts and knowledge, resulting in six distinct themes that reflect the diverse essence of the community.
Here are the groups and their corresponding themes:
● Cameron County Chamber of Commerce – Business & artisans
● Sylvan Heritage Council – Cameron County history & heritage
● Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities – Outdoors, nature, and outdoor recreation
● Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Public Library – Library, reading, and library resources
● Emporium Borough – Emporium: “Heart of the PA Wilds”
● Cameron County School District – School academics and sports
So far, the Cameron County School District has completed its two murals at Chestnut Street, while the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Public Library has finished its murals at Maple Street and Wood Street. These beautiful artworks not only add color and vibrancy to the streets but also serve as a tribute to the history, culture, and spirit of Emporium.
Each mural is painted with high-quality floor paint and sealed with a concrete sealer that includes grit for a non-slip surface, with the hope that these murals can be enjoyed for years to come.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Artist Mickayla Poland shared her excitement, stating, “Passersby are commenting on how much they are enjoying the artwork while we are working on them. People in cars driving by are giving ‘thumbs up’ and honking. We’ve had young kids stop and be excited to see the beautiful artwork. And I’ve seen so many positive comments on social media.”
She added, “The Emporium Borough planned this project FOR the community, and I’m glad to see they are enjoying it.”
The Emporium Crosswalk Mural Project is more than just an art initiative; it’s a testament to the power of community collaboration and the impact of public art. We invite everyone to visit downtown Emporium, explore the murals, and experience what makes the community so special through its people and downtown businesses. This project is a true celebration of Emporium, and we are excited to see how it continues to inspire residents and visitors alike for years to come.
Stay tuned as we continue to update you on the progress of this incredible project and celebrate the completion of all the crosswalk murals!
About the author, Mickayla Poland:
Mickayla Poland at PA Made has a knack for bringing the outdoors inside. Her artwork is inspired by wildlife, culture and the people of Elk County. The painter and graphic designer calls herself “West Coast born and PA raised.” In addition to her graphic design and painting, Mickayla operates PA Made & Clothing Co., a storefront that features her unique outdoors-inspired designs on a variety of apparel and merchandise in Weedville, Elk County, along Bennetts Valley Highway. She also sells her products in the PA Wilds Conservation Shops and on the PA Wilds Marketplace online at ShopThePAWilds.com. In 2021, Mickayla received the PA Wilds Champion Award for Great Design which honors an individual, business or organization that has done outstanding work to preserve, protect or enhance an area’s rural community character. She is a true advocate for the PA Wilds and the Wilds Cooperative of PA.
About the PA Great Outdoor Visitors Bureau:
Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors region consists of Cameron, Elk, and Forest Counties. It is home to the state’s wild elk herd, Cook Forest State Park, two nationally designated Wild & Scenic rivers and rolling mountains filled with hiking trails. Each season brings new beautiful landscapes and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Learn more at www.visitpago.com or call 814-849-5197.
