Cranberry Township showcases The Butler Bell
CRANBERRY TWP — Tom Panei said he felt the pressure of designing an artifact that would live on throughout history in recognition of the country’s 250th birthday.
The Butler artist was one of dozens across the commonwealth who were chosen to design a fiberglass bell as part of America250PA’s “Bells Across PA” art series to commemorate the anniversary of the independence of the United States.
Panei joined Cranberry Township and county officials Thursday evening, Feb. 26, at the municipal center to present his creation, known as The Butler Bell.
“I feel really honored to be chosen for it,” Panei said. “I wanted it to be representative of Butler County and all of its cultural aspects. Once I got into it, it was fun.”
The bell, set to remain on display at the municipal center throughout the year, weaves together images of the Butler County Courthouse, a vintage American flag, a paint palette, musical notes and bursts of brightly colored flowers — all blended in a sweeping, abstract design.
“I wanted to do something with art and music, but I wanted to get Butler County involved heavily as well,” Panei said. “I just kind of wanted it to flow around the bell because you want to be able to walk around it. I knew I wanted to put a flag in and the courthouse, and from there, I just kind of went with it.”
As part of “Bells Across PA,” the commission made sure one bell was painted and put on display in all 67 counties across the state. The Butler Bell was sponsored by FirstEnergy.
Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel credited the former and current governors, along with the rest of the state’s staff, for incorporating the bells as just one part of what promises to be a yearlong birthday celebration.
“I think they’re doing a really good job because the politics of it really doesn’t matter,” he said. “This is about community and culture. So when they started this process, I was very excited. As (this celebration) has progressed and grown, I love to see our municipalities in Butler County starting to get more and more involved and starting to talk about what they’re going to be doing as part of their celebrations in their communities.”
Although every county in the state designed at least one bell, some were selected to create more. Butler County was chosen to adorn two.
“It’s great celebrating the history of America, and it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to have two bells in Butler County,” Cranberry Township manager Dan Santoro said. “A lot of folks here can come see this bell whether you’re in southern Butler County or anywhere else in Western Pennsylvania. It’s just a great opportunity to visit history and understand what our area did throughout that history.”
The other bell — known as The Butler County Heritage Bell — was sponsored by Experience Butler County and crafted by Paula Slomer. It showcases nearly a dozen landmarks across the county as stamps, including the Old Stone House, Moraine State Park and the county courthouse.
That bell will remain on display at the Butler County Courthouse throughout the year.
