Students paint 12 Days of Christmas in Lehighton storefronts

A burst of color has been added to various storefront windows in downtown Lehighton, thanks to the talents of a group of Lehighton Area High School National Art Honor Society students.

The students have used the theme the “12 Days of Christmas” to brighten the storefronts at Jenny’s Sweets & More, Diggity Dog, Styling Zone, H&R Block, Jokers Are Wild Game Cafe, Snyder Tire Co., Lehighton Outdoor Center, Zimmerman’s Dairy, Ateira’s on First, Mallard Market, Blended Bakery and Carbon County Music & More.

Autumn Abelovsky, secretary of the Lehighton Parks and Recreation Committee, said the concept for the project came up during a committee meeting in which a member asked what happened to the guy who used to paint windows.

“That’s what sparked this,” Abelovsky said. “So, I presented it to the teachers and the National Art Honor Society.”

The guy who painted windows was Richard Herlihy, whose painted Christmas murals have adorned businesses along First Street for decades.

Herlihy’s daughter, Shalmar, said her father is extremely proud of the students for their work on the project.

“He thinks this is wonderful; it brings tears to his eyes,” Shalmar said. “He’s just so happy to see that it brings joy to the people.”

High school juniors Cierra Kunkle and Rebecca Serfass painted H & R Block at 122 N. Second St.

“Our art teachers have given us a lot of techniques we were able to use to do it,” Rebecca said.

“We all learned different techniques from all of our teachers, and to apply them to different businesses’ windows,” Cierra added.

High school art teacher Diane Micheletti said between a dozen to 15 students from the school’s National Art Honor Society have worked on the project.

Micheletti said the students were eager to take on the project and are proud of their work.

“That’s what this club’s about,” Micheletti said. “It’s important for the girls to have that connection to the community, and giving back.”

Jenny Solt-Cerato, owner of Jenny’s Sweets & More at 114 S. First St., said the project has only added to the look of the downtown.

“You look outside, and you see the warmth and spirit of our town so alive right now,” Solt-Cerato said. “To me, it’s so eye-opening to see everything added year by year, adding to the warmth of our town.”

Abelovsky said the borough has experienced a rebirth of sorts since its sesquicentennial celebration held in 2016.

“Since the 150th, Lehighton has seen an influx in community activism,” she said. “It was all part of getting the younger generation involved and excited.”