Downtown Altoona Mural Project: Celebrating Local Artists
The City of Altoona, with the support of ArtsAltoona, the Altoona Mirror, and the Altoona Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD), is proud to celebrate the completion of the Downtown Altoona Mural Project.
The project transformed boarded window spaces on the former Gables Building along 11th Avenue into a vibrant, temporary public art installation featuring the creativity and talent of local artists. The completed artworks have brought new color and visual interest to Downtown Altoona, creating a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to experience art in a public setting.
We extend our sincere thanks to all the artists who participated, as well as the community members who supported the project and voted for their favorite designs.
Award Winners
Following the completion of the installation and community voting, three artists were recognized for their outstanding work:
Judges' Choice: Ava Ventura for Horseshoe View
People's Choice: Elle Dalby for Happy 250th!
Mayor's Choice: Melissa Mulligan for The Work Is Never Done
Congratulations to all three award recipients and to every artist who contributed to making this project a success.
About the Project
Approximately 20 artists were selected to transform individual boarded window panels into mural-style artworks celebrating creativity and adding new energy to Downtown Altoona. Artists were given the freedom to explore their own creative visions, resulting in a diverse collection of designs and artistic styles.
The project provided opportunities for both emerging and established artists to showcase their work, receive a stipend toward materials, gain local media exposure, and share their creativity with thousands of residents and visitors to Downtown Altoona.
The installation also contributed to ongoing efforts to beautify Downtown Altoona and encourage community engagement through public art.
The artwork remains on display as a temporary public art installation. The pieces will continue to add color and character to Downtown Altoona until future redevelopment of the Gables Building requires their removal.
The Downtown Altoona Mural Project demonstrated how collaboration between local organizations, artists, and the community can create meaningful opportunities for artistic expression while helping revitalize shared public spaces.
Thank you to everyone who helped bring this project to life and made Downtown Altoona a little more colorful through art.
In the News:
WTAJ: Altoona Muralists Awarded for Work on Downtown Building
Ownership & Rights: The City of Altoona will retain ownership of the physical mural panels. If future redevelopment allows, select panels may be preserved and relocated for continued public display. Artists will retain full copyright to their original artwork and may continue to reproduce, display, and promote images of their work for professional purposes. Participating artists grant permission to the City of Altoona, ArtsAltoona, the Altoona Mirror, and ABCD to photograph and share images of the artwork for project promotion, marketing, and public relations purposes.