The Unveiling of the Venango County Bell For America 250
- Editor
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
More than 80 people attended the unveiling ceremony of the Venango County bell, part of the Bells Across Pennsylvania program celebrating America 250, Friday, March 13 at 2 p.m. at the Rhoades Center of the Oil Region Venango Campus, 1801 W. First St., Oil City, PA 16301.
Brief remarks were given by representatives of the Oil Region Alliance, sponsor and host location, as well as the artist, Raven Nespor, prior to unveiling the bell and making it available for photos.
“It’s an honor to have been selected as the artist to create this representation of Venango County’s past and present that will celebrate the milestone of America 250 and last long into the future,” said Nespor.
According to the America250PA website, “America250PA accepted design submissions from Pennsylvania artists for the ‘Bells Across PA’ art series to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States in 2026. These fiberglass bells were adorned and magically transformed by local artists and sponsored by businesses or individuals. There is at least one in every Pennsylvania County!”
Bells from across the state are displayed by county at the following website, noting the artist, unveiling location, and sponsors.https://www. america250pa.org//PPE: Bells_Across_PA
“We are proud to host Venango County’s bell at the Oil Region Venango Campus and to have it on display for all to appreciate,” said Dr. Seth Herrick, Executive Director of the Oil Region Venango Campus.
The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future.
America250PA accepted design submissions from Pennsylvania artists for the ‘Bells Across PA’ art series to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States in 2026.
These fiberglass bells were adorned and magically transformed by local artists and sponsored by businesses or individuals. There is at least one in every Pennsylvania County!
‘Bells Across PA’ is open to all Pennsylvania artists and groups from the acclaimed to the amateur. Painters, sculptors, craftsmen, multi-media artists, and other wildly creative people are all encouraged to apply. Each commissioned bell will receive one honorarium regardless of group size.
