PA Route 6 Alliance Announces Public Art & Mural Trail

The PA Route 6 Alliance is thrilled to announce the launch of the PA Route 6 Public Art & Mural Trail. Nestled among the stunning landscapes of the PA Route 6 corridor lies a treasure trove of creativity and artistic expression. This newly established trail brings to light the hidden and often camouflaged murals and public art pieces scattered across the region, making it easier for visitors to discover and appreciate these beautiful works.

Discover Over 50 Stops Along the Trail

The Public Art & Mural Trail features more than 50 stops throughout the 11-county PA Route 6 corridor. Each stop is accessible via an interactive map on the PA Route 6 website. Visitors can click on each pin to view photos and read brief descriptions of the artworks they will encounter along the trail. This interactive experience allows art enthusiasts and casual explorers alike to embark on a visual journey through the rich cultural landscape of Pennsylvania.

Bringing the Trail to Life

Erin Morey, the Artisan Trail Coordinator for PA Route 6 Alliance, played a pivotal role in bringing the Public Art & Mural Trail to fruition. “Before starting this project, I was completely unaware of the many murals that decorate our towns and cities,” Morey shares. “I have come to appreciate the process and dedication of the artists and communities involved in making each of these public displays of art possible. My hope is that others who view this trail will feel that same appreciation.”

Morey spent months researching the murals and art pieces featured on the trail, discovering the unique stories and historical contexts behind each one. “You can learn a lot just by looking closely at a mural or art piece,” Morey explains. “They each have a story or meaning, and more times than not they are wrapped up in the history of the towns they are located in.”

Celebrating Artistic Heritage

Patterned after initiatives like the Mural Arts of Erie County and Valley in Motion’s Lackawanna Mural Trail, the PA Route 6 Public Art & Mural Trail stands out for its extensive reach across multiple regions, showcasing the diverse talents and histories of artists along PA Route 6.

Murals have been a medium for storytelling since ancient times, with some of the earliest examples being cave drawings from over 40,000 years ago. These murals depicted important events, traditions, religious ceremonies, and daily life. Today’s murals, whether found on building exteriors, bridge overpasses, or interior walls, continue this tradition of storytelling, celebrating heritage and commemorating significant events.

Highlights of the Trail

Two notable examples of murals on the trail are found in the Heritage Communities of Carbondale and Union City. In Carbondale, a mural uniquely combines imagery of railroads with UFOs, hinting at fascinating local stories. In Union City, a mural on South Main Street showcases the various influences that have shaped the town’s history.

The PA Route 6 Public Art & Mural Trail offers an immersive experience, allowing viewers to appreciate these works both individually and collectively. It celebrates the artists who transformed their visions into impressive public art for future generations to enjoy. These murals and art pieces tell the stories of our heritage, our communities, and our collective past and future.

Learn More and Explore

To learn more about the PA Route 6 Public Art & Mural Trail and plan your visit, explore the interactive map at PA Route 6 Public Art & Mural Trail.

The PA Route 6 Alliance, a 501(c3) corporation, was established in 2003 to manage the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor. The Alliance implements branding and marketing plans, community development programs, and other planning efforts along the corridor. It includes representatives from all 11 counties, convention and visitor bureaus, heritage areas, local development districts, business owners, Chambers of Commerce, and other interested parties along the corridor.

The PA Route 6 Heritage Communities program is funded by the PA Heritage Area Program under the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.