Panther Valley native plans Lansford mural

Artist Ryan Hnat has left a mark on his adopted home of Scranton with numerous murals through his company, Northeast Art Project.

But he has never painted one in his native Panther Valley.

Now, thanks to a collaboration with Lansford Alive, the Marian Catholic graduate hopes to paint a mural which beautifies Lansford and celebrates its history.

“They’re a great simple way to capture the history of the community in a large way that makes an impact,” Hnat said.

An online fundraiser got underway last week for a mural which will wrap around the back of the Thankful Thrift Store. They are seeking $3,500 to help cover the cost of artists, paint, and wall prep work for the project.

The fundraiser is available at http://kck.st/2Icu74K.

When the design is completed the mural will depict the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company’s No. 6 breaker, which once towered over the east side of the town, and the face of Asa Lansford Foster, a 19th century coal mine owner and newspaper publisher who was the town’s namesake.

Lansford Alive President Christopher Ondrus said the design has been shared dozens of times since it was posted last week.

“A lot of people are commenting, they think it’s a fabulous way to protect our heritage,” he said.

The site was chosen because it provides a large canvas in a prominent location. The building is located along the busy Route 209 corridor, right across the street from the town’s post office.

In a little over a year, the West Patterson Street/Route 209 area has seen a big increase in development. The Coal Miner Bar and Grill, Friendly Food Mart, and most recently St. Luke’s Lansford Medical Center have all invested in Lansford’s Route 209 corridor.

PennDOT also recently repaved the road and installed all new crossing devices, and the American Legion celebrated local veterans with hometown hero banners.

“That’s a key location coming into town,” Ondrus said.

Hnat came up with the idea for a mural which would be bright and celebrate the town’s history.

His murals in Scranton have received a lot of positive feedback, and some people have even asked if there is a tour available.

His hope is that this first mural will lead to more opportunities to do work in Lansford.

He is interested in the relationship between art and economic development — the idea that murals can possibly attract business to an area.

Ondrus said he’s excited by the fact that an artist who grew up in the Panther Valley is looking to utilize his talents to make the area better.

“It’s great to see somebody local want to get involved with this and make this come to fruition,” Ondrus said.

The kickstarter campaign has rewards for donors based on the amount they contribute. The highest level, $1,000, includes a dinner with the artists. For a donation of $50, donors can get a print of the mural and an invite to the mural’s debut party.

Painting is expected to get underway this summer, possibly even before the kickstarter is complete. Lansford Alive also received a $1,000 grant from the Main Street Lehigh Valley program which will go toward the project.

Hnat says his hope is that the community will embrace it, leading to more opportunities to paint murals around town. Eventually he hopes to attract attention from artists who want to paint a mural in Lansford just for the exposure.

“I would really like to do something in my home area to leave a mark, an impression on the area,” he said.

For more information about the mural, visit the online fundraiser at http://kck.st/2Icu74K or https://www.facebook.com/LansfordAlive.