Pennsylvania artist restores, leaving his mark on beloved Punxsutawney Phil statues
Butler artist Tom Panei is bringing new life to the Phantastic Phils with a detailed restoration.
BUTLER, Pa. —
More than 40 six-foot-tall fiberglass statues of Punxsutawney Phil are located at landmarks and businesses around Punxsutawney. Many are being restored and repainted by Butler artist Tom Panei.
“They’re all kind of unique in their own way. Some of them need repaired as well as painted. I’m excited about doing them all,” Panei said.
Panei began working on the statues over the summer and is now finishing the restoration of “Phyllis with Knowledge,” which is displayed at the Punxsutawney Area Community Center. The project required detailed repairs.
“A lot of this was gone. Like it was a big hole right here. So I had to match the paint, and it’s just detail stuff. I’m not a detail person. I’m getting to be a detail person,” Panei said.
Panei is known for his abstract, colorful style. In addition to creating original art, he also restores statues and churches. Despite the scale of the Phantastic Phils commission, Panei said the medium presented the biggest challenge.
“I’m more comfortable with my fingers than I am a paintbrush,” Panei said.
Next on his list is a brand-new Phil statue commissioned by the Punxsutawney Giant Eagle. Panei also has his eye on other prominent Phils, including the one outside of Punxsutawney Phil’s enclosure and another at the local police department.
Panei shared his appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to the community through his work.
“To leave a mark in Butler is cool, but to leave my mark somewhere else and have people commission me for a pretty big project — I’m pretty honored,” Panei said.