In 2018, the state legislature and then-Governor Tom Wolf established the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, dubbed America250PA, in “order 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,” according to www.america250pa.org.

As part of that effort, America250PA invited local artists to submit designs for bells to be placed in each of the state’s 67 counties.

“This is a wonderful opportunity,” said Mandi Engel, of Engel’s Arts, who designed the bell after being approached by the city.

Engel is well known around town for her window paintings and mural outside of The Brickyard Restaurant & Ale House.

The "Legacy of Lycoming" Lycoming County PA250 Bell designed by Mandi Engel, of Engel's Arts. MATTHEW COURTER/Sun-Gazette

Aptly named “Legacy of Lycoming,” Engel incorporated many historical aspects of what made Lycoming County what it is today, including locomotives and the logging industry, as well as Geising Hospital, who provided a $10,000 sponsorship for the bell’s creation.

The self-taught Engel called the chance to have her work represented in such a big way, “an honor.”

“I couldn’t be more thankful to have been even considered to do this,” she said.

“There are so many amazing artists in Lycoming County, and to be one of the ones that was picked, it’s incredible,” Engel said.

Williamsport/Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce receptionist Trisha Dauenbaugh created the design that adorns the base of the bell, which includes some of the county’s tourist attractions.

The "Legacy of Lycoming" Lycoming County PA250 Bell designed by Mandi Engel, of Engel's Arts. MATTHEW COURTER/Sun-Gazette

“I’m grateful to have my artwork shown to represent Lycoming County for the celebration,” she said.

“I wanted to incorporate our baseball traditions, our outdoor activities and our outstanding health care system,” Dauenbaugh said, adding that she hopes that viewers of the bell “enjoy the depiction of the great things about Lycoming County.”

Dauenbaugh’s inclusion of baseball also had a personal inspiration, as her son, Gideon, recently began playing for his local Little League team, the budding artist said.

“On Saturday, my abstract art was over at the Lycoming Arts Juried Art Show for the very first time, so it was really exciting getting admitted,” she said, noting that she generally paints in an abstract style.

“You can see a little bit of that, I think, within the paintings here. I wanted to represent the county, but also a little bit of me,” said Dauenbaugh, whose dream is to one day have her own art show.

The "Legacy of Lycoming" Lycoming County PA250 Bell designed by Mandi Engel, of Engel's Arts. MATTHEW COURTER/Sun-Gazette

“I’m able to help businesses during the day, and in my spare time, I love to paint, so this was a great opportunity. I’m really honored to be able to show off some of my art here,” she said.

“Geisinger is proud to sponsor the Lycoming County PA250 Bell, a lasting tribute to the people, places and traditions that make our community special,” said Deb Sawyer, Senior Communications Strategist North-Central Region, in a statement to the Sun-Gazette.

“As a longtime partner in the health and well-being of north central Pennsylvania, we are honored to support projects that celebrate our region’s rich heritage and strong community spirit,” the statement said.

The “Legacy of Lycoming” bell will be on display at the Lycoming County Visitors Center, 102 W. Fourth St., as well as at the America250PA Lycoming County Celebration Concert on Saturday, June 27, at the Brandon Park Bandshell.

The "Legacy of Lycoming" Lycoming County PA250 Bell designed by Mandi Engel, of Engel's Arts. MATTHEW COURTER/Sun-Gazette

MATTHEW COURTER/Sun-Gazette

The base of the bell was designed by Williamsport/Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant Trisha Dauenbaugh. MATTHEW COURTER/Sun-Gazette

The base of the bell was designed by Williamsport/Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant Trisha Dauenbaugh. MATTHEW COURTER/Sun-Gazette

The base of the bell was designed by Williamsport/Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant Trisha Dauenbaugh. MATTHEW COURTER/Sun-Gazette