Erica Shorb, a Hellertown resident and substitute teacher in the Saucon Valley School District, joined the July 20 Hellertown Borough Council meeting to propose two different art projects for the community: one being a series of murals and the other being an outdoor art show/walk, somewhat similar to the Karl Stirner Arts Trail in Easton.

Shorb and her husband have three children in the district, she said, as she praised the kids’ respective art teachers in the district. She described her family as art, parks and nature enthusiasts who received inspiration during their six years recently spent living in France and the ornate, classical sculptures and modern works which adorn public spaces in the country. Her ideas were pitched as being an opportunity for art-interested individuals in the community, particularly children, who may lack opportunities to collaborate on projects at the moment.

She said she initiated a kids’ art show on the evening of March 13 at the Heller-Wagner Grist Mill in which approximately 20 children participated. Unfortunately, that also happened to be the last day of school before the COVID-19-related shutdown. Her idea for the outdoor works centered around a theme she called “COVID Season: Beauty Revealed.” She said the project would hope to depict how families in the community have managed to find joy and hope during the pandemic. Shorb said she has 10 families committed thus far. She described ideal pieces as “large-scale, weatherproof and durable for outdoors.” Her ideas for locations included Saucon Rail Trail locations near Saucon Creek or the Hellertown Historical Society.

Regarding her idea for community murals, she said, “things in our nation have become tense in many areas… as discord grew, my mind started stirring with a way to promote peace and unity.” She said that art speaks to subjects that “are sometimes too difficult for words,” such as racism and other forms of hatred. Although the genesis of her idea was rooted in response to recent racial tensions, she said it could take on a voice to respond to other issues in the community in the future as a means of responding to current events through art. The initial proposal called for a series of three or four murals to start, depicted on movable panels for temporary placement. This setup will allow artists to work on the murals safely, from a distance and to pass them along between each other, Schorb said. Her vision for the project would ask local art students to submit designs and she said that she’s already received commitments from multiple Saucon Valley art teachers to help facilitate.

Mayor David Heintzleman, Council President Thomas J. Rieger and other council members expressed positivity about the idea in general, with a few minor concerns being raised. Council member Gil Stauffer drew upon his experiences in Philadelphia, saying that there were arguments over what the murals depicted, how long they remained on display and general maintenance issues, suggesting that these topics be discussed before approving the proposal. Heintzleman said he loved the idea and suggested that Schorb work in conjunction with Pastor Phil Spohn and the Hellertown Area Ministerium, a consortium of local churches, who are planning to have a meeting about the types of issues which Schorb hopes to address. “What you’re proposing would be a phenomenal backdrop to what they’re trying to do,” Heintzleman said, as he encouraged her to reach out to schedule a meeting with him, other borough officials and interested parties to work out a proposal and bring it to the council.

Jessica O’Donnell of the Hellertown/Lower Saucon Chamber also joined to discuss the success of the July 17 Movie Night at Dimmick Park, saying there were no issues, as people wore masks at snack stands, remained physically distanced and generally seemed to have a good time. She proposing another movie night Aug. 7. Rieger was receptive, noting that the event was family-friendly. Council approved the proposal unanimously. O’Donnell also promoted the Shop Local 86 Initiative, a program taking place from July 6 - Sept. 30 to encourage local businesses to promote themselves and the community to patronize them. More information is found on the initiative’s Facebook page.

Heintzleman also addressed the issue of nighttime patrons using the Rail Trail, saying ,“We cannot have people on the Rail Trail (after hours). We have pictures and license plates of people pulling in the Walnut Street. parking lot at 9 p.m. and going for a bike ride.” He characterized the activity as dangerous and told the council that the borough is going to begin taking a proactive stance on this. He reminded the community to observe trail hours, which are from dawn until dusk all year.