Westmoreland will install 2nd Liberty Bell replica in Murrysville as part of semisesquicentennial

When the United States marks its 250th anniversary in 2026, replicas of the iconic Liberty Bell will be installed all across Pennsylvania, each with a different theme created by local artists.

And while the goal was to place at least one in each county, Westmoreland County already has two in the works.

In addition to a bell that will be unveiled Aug. 10, during an 11 a.m. ceremony at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg, a second bell sponsored by FirstEnergy will be placed at the Roberts Trailhead along the Westmoreland Heritage Trail in Murrysville.

It will be decorated by Mt. Pleasant artist Stacey Pydynkowski, who was among a group of artists invited by the Go Laurel Highlands tourism group to submit a proposal.

In keeping with its sponsor, Pydynkowski’s design will focus on the county’s energy assets and Murrysville’s history as the home of the country’s first commercial natural gas well.

As she awaited delivery of her bell-shaped canvas, Pydynkowski, 33, spoke recently with TribLive about being chosen to help commemorate America’s anniversary.

This interview has been edited for length.

Q: How did you go about designing the elements that will be part of the Murrysville bell?

A: The bell is sponsored by FirstEnergy with the theme “MORE Energy in Westmoreland: Powering our Past, Energizing the Future.” My design is a love letter to the scenic, rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands and features geographical elements of our landscape as well as landmarks of our local history. My design is sort of a patchwork of the past, present and future. It depicts our history (in energy production) and also illustrates the promise of future, sustainable innovations that support our communities throughout Westmoreland County and our commonwealth.

The motifs and themes (will) include Murrysville’s historic Haymaker gas well and the many forms of energy produced in our region from then, now and beyond — coal, power lines, railroads, hydroelectric, wind and solar power; a cozy, illuminated Western Pennsylvania community; a thriving pollinator garden; and bikers enjoying the trails of the Laurel Highlands. All of this will be incorporated into a cohesive scene.

Q: Have you ever worked on this type of three-dimensional canvas before, and does it present any unexpected challenges?

A: Yes. I had the opportunity to participate in You Are Here Gallery’s public art initiative in Jeannette — first as a participating artist and later as lead artist. Owners of You are Here 406, Jen Costello and Mary Briggs, built community benches from reclaimed wood, and I had the opportunity to collaborate with the gallery, local small businesses and artists to design and paint murals on these benches that were ultimately placed in publicly accessible locations around Jeannette, providing a place to sit and also a surprise encounter with art.

I also got to paint a section of the Art Maze at the Westmoreland Museum earlier this summer. Like the benches, and the bell, the viewer does not see the entire design at once; it is revealed as they walk around and observe how it wraps around this three-dimensional form. It creates an interactive dynamic beyond art presented in two dimensions.

Q: What is the most artistically exciting aspect of this project for you?

A: I’ve always been drawn to the magic that happens when art extends beyond gallery walls and becomes a backdrop of living. Art is a conversation, and public art gives anyone who happens to walk by a chance to engage in and participate in this conversation.

I teach painting workshops and primarily display artwork in traditional settings like galleries, etc., but will always have a soft spot for public art. It’s so special when art moves beyond traditional presentations into other forms that are accessible, interactive, that foster curiosity.

As an artist, if I can help facilitate that experience — helping others finding comfort, strength, belongingness or solace in visual imagery — it feels like I’ve done my job.