BELLEFONTE — On Friday, Aug. 2, the Bellefonte Waffle Shop will get a facelift — a new mural, painted by State College native Mike Pilato.
Pilato will start painting the mural on Friday, Aug. 2, during the first day of the annual Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair, which runs through Saturday, Aug. 3. The mural is meant to celebrate different aspects of Bellefonte, specifically to call out Bellefonte’s connection to history, art and the community.
Pilato’s deep connection to the Centre County community made him the top choice for the piece. Before attending the University of the Arts, Pilato attended State College Area High School. He has previously noted that he uses inspiration from Centre County to create his murals.
Centre County residents may recognize some of his notable murals local to his area, including “Inspiration,” a mural State College; and “Inspiration: Lycoming County,” a mural in Williamsport — “both being destination pieces for visitors to the area,” Pilato’s website noted.
Pilato also created the mural on Hiester Street in downtown State College, which depicts different aspects of the community. He also created this mural as a 9/11 memorial.
This was not Pilato’s first 9/11 memorial. Every year he spends 48 hours straight painting a 9/11 memorial.
“Every year around September 11th, I paint for 48 hours straight. It is my personal way of honoring and thanking those we lost on September 11, 2001,” Pilato said.
Earlier this year Bellefonte unveiled its first mural. The mural marked the culmination of a two-year project aimed at celebrating a significant part of Bellefonte’s history — how the town was a stop along the National Air Mail Route.
“We are excited to finally unveil this beautiful piece of public art in Bellefonte,” said Kathleen Ammon, community and programming manager of Downtown Bellefonte Inc., in a press release when the mural was announced in May. “Public art plays a vital role in cultivating community involvement, encouraging economic development and boosting tourism. Our hope is that this mural will represent the distinctive essence of our town and inspire visitors to explore the many attractions that Bellefonte has to offer.”
Now, Bellefonte will continue to expand its collection of public art with the addition of Pilato’s latest piece. Be sure to check out the progress while visiting the Bellefonte Arts and Crafts Fair.
