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The Allentown Arts Commission, City of Allentown, Materials Conservation and PPL Electric Utilities Partner Together for Gateway to Downtown Public Art Mural
ALLENTOWN, PA | July 30, 2020 The City of Allentown in conjunction with the Allentown Arts Commission, Materials Conservation and PPL Electric Utilities invites the community to a dedication ceremony for a new Gateway Mural titled “Welcome to Allentown”. The Ceremony will take place on Monday, August 3, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at 120 South 8th Street. This exciting new mural on the PPL substation wall showcases the essence of the City, using historical structures, vibrant colors, well known City buildings and City pride to create a breathtaking piece that speaks to any Allentown native or visitor. The Gateway Mural represents an important first-year project in the implementation of the Allentown Vision 2030 Plan. The Vision 2030 principle of creating an Allentown for All, where “Allentonians feel most comfortable or welcome in arts and cultural spaces” is reflected in the new gateway mural, showcasing the city’s diversity as a strength and the revitalization of a new tomorrow for the City, while recognizing the past. Mayor Ray O’Connell said, “Art speaks to the viewer. Allentown is a great place to live, work, play and invest. The welcome mural conveys that message to our residents and visitors.”
The “Welcome to Allentown” mural project was created by award- winning artist Mila Sketch, based in Austin, Tx. Sketch was chosen through a national call to artists, where the Allentown Arts Commission, City staff and PPL Electrics Utilities worked collaboratively to select the artist. Sketch offers a set of symbols and colors appealing to the viewer. Her art holds observers’ attention for hours with hidden stories and profound messages. Sketch has an array of murals all over the country including California, Texas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Sketch is best known for her very detailed and intricate murals that often tell a story within a story. This mural is just one of the many public art installations coming to Allentown in the year 2020. The goal of these projects is to enhance the aesthetics of the City, encourage connectivity through our diversity, and “strengthen our community” as stated by Allentown DCED Director Leonard Lightner. Please join The City of Allentown, The Allentown Arts Commission, Materials Conservation and PPL Electric Utilities on August 3, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. for the “Welcome to Allentown” Mural Dedication Ceremony. The Allentown Arts Commission will also livestream the event on Facebook: Facebook.com/AllentownArt for those who cannot attend the event in person.
Information provided to TVL on behalf of the Allentown Arts Commission by:
Mike Moore
Communications Manager
Mayor’s Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
http://www.AllentownPA.gov
