HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS
Yuriy Karabash is pictured adding details to a dog in the mural.

From the Lock Haven Express

BELLEFONTE — Bellefonte has become the latest canvas for acclaimed muralists Michael Pilato and Yuriy Karabash. Their newest creation, Inspiration Bellefonte, is the latest addition to the World Mural project, a series of murals designed to connect diverse communities around the globe.

The 30-foot mural, located on the side of The Waffle Shop in Bellefonte facing Perry Lane, was unveiled Friday at the Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair. It introduces both visitors and residents to the town’s rich history and the influential figures who have shaped it.

Building on Pilato’s first major mural projects in State College and Williamsport, works in the World Mural project feature detailed portraits of prominent individuals, including historical personalities, political leaders, literary figures, entertainers and other key community members.

“My favorite mural is always the mural we just did. And so, this is the best work Yuriy and I have ever done,” said Pilato, who attended the Bellefonte Arts and Crafts over the weekend to introduce the public to the project.

Inspiration Bellefonte celebrates the community’s Black history, showcasing figures such as The Mills Brothers, a groundbreaking African American jazz and pop vocal quartet; local barber William H. Mills, who once cut abolitionist Frederick Douglass’s hair; “Mama King,” a pastor, historian and lecturer in African American Studies at Penn State; and slaves using the Underground Railroad.

“It’s about highlighting an amazing story that needs to be told in Bellefonte. I wanted to start with the African Americans because they’ve always been second,” he said of the choice to center black stories in the artwork.

Michael says he feels like the time to tell their story has arrived, as the community has progressed so much since he remembers it growing up in the 1970s

The project began when Pilato ran into his friend Duane Reese, owner of the Bellefonte and College Avenue Waffle Shop locations, at Chumley’s in State College.

During their chance meeting, the two discussed Michael’s desire to start up a new project in Bellefonte, close to his family who are native to State College.

Delighted by the idea, Reese offered up the side of his Bellefonte restaurant, in a part of town now becoming known as Mural Alley. New York City based artist duo KEY DETAIL’s Bellefonte airmail themed mural was installed on the same street a month ago.

“The patron, Duane Reese, who owns the Waffle Shop, treated us with such respect as artists. He’s a true benefactor to the arts and the community,” said Pilato, who says that he sees Bellefonte entering a “golden age.”

“Bellefonte is going through a renaissance,” he said.

“And when you’re going through a Renaissance, you need a de’ Medici,” said Pilato, comparing Reese to the prolific patron of the arts in Renaissance-era Florence, Italy.

Pilato describes his and his partner Yuriy’s work as “living murals” because they evolve and expand over time, reflecting ongoing community stories.

Community members will have the opportunity to decide which stories are represented as the mural evolves in future updates.

“Matt the Historian, here in Bellefonte, helped us a lot with getting the information, like Frederick Douglas getting his haircut by Mr. Mills, and Amelia Earhart visiting the town and loving the Bush House and reiterating about Donna King and the Underground Railroad,” said Pilato.

Seated on the far left of the painting, Grandfather William H. Mills is one of the standout subjects of the installation. Mills, grandfather to the Mills Brothers, a group who defied all odds for being black and against the racial barriers became the most successful musicians in the country, owned and operated a barber shop in Bellefonte from 1871 to 1931.

In March 1872, Mills had the opportunity to cut abolitionist Frederick Douglas’s hair while on a nationwide speaking tour, a historical vignette represented in the mural.

Mills was pivotal in the desegregation of Bellefonte’s schools in 1885 and fought in the Sixth U.S. “Colored” regiment during the Civil War.

The pair of painters are excited to be part of the Bellefonte community.

“We’re just happy to be a tiny little part of this renaissance,” said Pilato. “I just love what’s going on, you know, look at the arts festivals that’s happening. Look at all the new establishments, the breweries, the historic work they’re doing, the new murals, they’re doing the home. It’s just pretty awesome, I love Bellefonte.”