PITTSTON, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — A new piece of public art is ringing in America’s 250th birthday right in Luzerne County.
Today, America250PA unveiled a custom-designed bell sculpture at the YMCA Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Education.
The installation is part of Bells Across PA, a statewide public art initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
Each bell is designed by a local artist to reflect Pennsylvania’s role in the nation’s past, present, and future.
The Luzerne County bell was created by West Pittston artist Anna Dowse and sponsored by Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services.
Dowse says the design blends her own personal story with America’s values.
“It depicts my son and a student of mine using blocks, and as the blocks wrap around the bell, they turn more into real-life bricks. Those bricks are different words that I believe are core values of what America is—diversity, equality, history, beauty, and passion,” said Dowse.
The Bells Across PA initiative aims to place commemorative bells in all 67 counties by 2026, using art to engage communities and spark conversations about history, identity, and the next generation.