The Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) is excited to announce a significant public art installation honoring our region’s rich musical history. A large mural featuring the likenesses of local music legends Sam Bill, Vinnie Colaiuta, Scott Elias, John Gresh, Cheryl Hardwick, Jeff Lashway, Danny Leoni, Jerry Leoni, Mark Smith, and Van Ross Redding will be painted on the side of the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center (MVAA South), located at 119 Brownsville Avenue. This exciting project is part of Rivers of Steel’s Creative Leadership Program, completed with funding support from The Benedum Foundation, Pennsylvania Council for the Arts’ Creative Communities Project, and an Appalachian Regional Commission POWER grant. Founded on the principles of heritage development, community partnership, and a reverence for the region’s natural and shared resources, Rivers of Steel strengthens the economic and cultural fabric of western Pennsylvania by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences. The Creative Leadership Program is a three-year intensive community development incubator for communities through the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.
The mural will celebrate these influential figures whose contributions have shaped the region’s music scene. The unveiling ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at MVAA South. It will feature live performances from MVAA’s talented student performance groups, including members from VoiceZ on Fire and the Regimental Fife & Drum Unit.
This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, live music, and an opportunity to celebrate the cultural legacy of our region’s extraordinary musicians. The mural is a tribute to their lasting impact on the community and the music world.
Annette Buffer, MVAA President, shared her enthusiasm for the event:
“We are excited to work with Rivers of Steel to honor these Brownsville legends. This mural will preserve their legacy and inspire future generations of musicians. I encourage everyone in the community to join us for this special unveiling and celebrate the talent from our town.”
MVAA is grateful to Rivers of Steel for their dedication to the arts and for making this project possible. Their support reflects a commitment to promoting and preserving the Mon Valley’s cultural heritage.
For more information, please contact Annette Buffer at 724-561-5616 or info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org.
About Mon Valley Academy for the Arts
Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers affordable, high-quality music instruction for all ages. MVAA provides various performance opportunities and hosts community events, including the EQT/MVAA Free Summer Concert Series and the Power of Music Free Summer Concert Series.
About Rivers of Steel
Founded on the principles of heritage development, community partnership, and a reverence for the region’s natural and shared resources, Rivers of Steel strengthens the economic and cultural fabric of western Pennsylvania by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences.
Rivers of Steel showcases the artistry and innovation of our region’s industrial and cultural heritage by offering unique experiences via tours, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, and more. Rivers of Steel supports economic revitalization throughout the eight counties of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area by working to deepen community partnerships, promote heritage tourism, and preserve local recreational and cultural resources for future generations.