New Michael Pilato Mural to Be Installed in Downtown Bellefonte

A new mural by artist and Centre County native Michael Pilato will soon adorn the exterior of the Waffle Shop in downtown Bellefonte.

Pilato will install the mural celebrating several aspects of the borough's history beginning Aug. 2 during the Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair, according to an announcement from the Waffle Shop . It will be located near the new "Air Mail" mural installed in May on Perry Lane by artists Key Detail.

It will be the latest in the series of "Inspiration" murals created by Pilato and his longtime artistic partner Yuriy Karabash, which includes "Inspiration State College" on Hiester Street in Pilato's hometown.

The Bellefonte mural was "inspired by the rich history shared" with Pilato by Waffle Shop owner Duane Reese and Local Historia's Matt Maris, according to a presentation to the borough's Historical and Architectural Review Board.

"Inspiration Bellefonte" will feature several notable figures from the borough's history, as explained by Maris in the July issue of Town&Gown . Among them is the famed Mills Brothers vocal quartet, as well as their grandfather William H. Mills, who owned a Bellefonte barbershop from 1871 to 1931 and chronicled the history of the Underground Railroad in the borough, which is also featured. Mills is depicted cutting the hair of Frederick Douglass during his visit to Bellefonte on a national speaking tour in 1872, according to Local Historia .

Also included is Amelia Earhart, who according to Local Historia flew into Bellefonte multiple times between 1928 and 1930 and stayed at the Bush House on one occasion.

Outside of State College, Pilato's art can be found around the country and the world. His Inspiration murals can be found in Williamsport and Pittston, as well as Orlando, Florida, where "Inspiration Orlando United" pays tribute to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting. His "World Mural" project aims to connect communities in a chain of artwork, and every year he paints for 48 consecutive hours to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.

In the presentation to the HARB, Pilato said he and Karabash are especially proud of the new Bellefonte mural.

"Yuriy and I have poured our hearts into this mural over the past four months, considering it our finest work to date," Pilato wrote. "I am genuinely excited about the installation of this mural and the opportunity to bring our vision to fruition, contributing a meaningful piece to The Waffle Shop and Downtown Bellefonte's storied ambiance."

The post New Michael Pilato Mural to Be Installed in Downtown Bellefonte appeared first on StateCollege.com .