Here's to another 150, Sharpsville; borough birthday bash continues

David L. Dye, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.
·1 min read
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Jun. 20—SHARPSVILLE — As artists Adam Darby and Christian Kuharik pulled down the tarp, the crowd was greeted with a painting of Sharpsville's history — from the old Pierce Mansion to the Sharpsville Santas and the steel industry.

The mural, which included multiple painted panels and the title "Sharpsville" in blue letters, was unveiled during a public ceremony June 14 at the Sharpsville Volunteer Fire Department.

Ralph Mehler, a board member of the Sharpsville Area Historical Society, spoke on the mural's development and the historical scenes depicted in the mural.

Fundraising for the mural began shortly before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and involved the sale of bricks through the historical society's Buy-a-Brick program, as well as financial contributions from multiple sponsors.

Kuharik, ceramics program director with the Hope Center of Arts and Technology, and Darby, an art teacher at Hickory High School, created the mural using information and photos from the historical society.

Mehler said the unveiling of the mural last week was the first unveiling in Sharpsville in about 90 years.

The last such ceremony took place in 1930, when the large monument recognizing those who served in the armed forces was unveiled in Mahaney Park.

The new mural's unveiling preceded the borough's 150th anniversary celebrations, which will are currently underway through Saturday. The festivities, centered around the parking lot and recreational park near Sharpsville Plaza, feature music, rides, vendors and other entertainment.

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