
America250PA: Call for Washington County Artists
Celebrate Pennsylvania’s Leading Role in America’s 250th Anniversary!
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency has announced it is partnering with the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial’s (America250PA) Bells Across PA campaign to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and celebrate the founding of the nation on its upcoming 250th birthday in 2026. The event featured Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA and welcomed 100 business, elected, and tourism leaders to Washington County Historical Society Education & Research Center in the City of Washington for the announcement.
America250PA was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 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.
In celebrating this monumental anniversary, America250PA has endeavored to place at least one 3'x3' fiberglass replica of the Liberty Bell in each of the commonwealth’s 67 counties. Funded by sponsors in each county, these bells will be adorned and transformed by local artists and placed for public viewing throughout 2026. The Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency is the local sponsor for Washington County and the bell will be on permanent display at the Washington County Historical Society Education & Research Center in the county seat, the City of Washington.
As part of the announcement, the chamber has launched a call for artists to submit their portfolios for consideration in commissioning the project. From those portfolios received, up to five artists will be commissioned and compensated to submit a pencil drawn rendering of their vision for the bell. One artist will then be selected and compensated to compose the final artwork on the bell. Both past and current residents of Washington County are encouraged to submit their artwork, and all forms of art are welcome. See below to submit your portfolio and for full submission details on the commissioning of this project.
ROUND 1
- Artists will submit their portfolio and/or no less than two examples of their work by 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024 using the provided online form below.
ROUND 2
- From Round 1, up to five artists will be selected to submit a pencil drawn or digital rendering of their vision for the bell design and will be paid $500.
ROUND 3
- From Round 2, one artist will be selected for the exhibition and will be provided with a 3 foot by 3 foot, blank, ready-to-paint fiberglass bell and will be paid a $1,250 honorarium.