In 2008, Artist and muralist Jim Gloria was approached to create a mural program in Bangor. As the founder and director of Totts Gap Arts Institute, Jim Gloria designed a program that went beyond the creation of public art by actively involving the children and residents of the community in the process. What developed was a broad-based program that goes beyond art and design classes into a public mural project that is becoming an integral part of the redevelopment strategy of the entire Slate Belt region. Through the success of this first mural, The Heritage Mural Education Program was born, along with a new vision for community revitalization, the Slate Belt Community Partnership.Slate Belt Community Partnership

Design & Painting Members of the local design committee meet with the lead artist over a period of months with the guidance of a curator from the Slate Belt Heritage Center. Art students participate in free mural classes studying mural design, rendering and execution. They research historic architecture and clothing, and discuss traditional painting materials and techniques as a prelude to actively taking part in the mural painting on a daily basis. Students begin by painting priming the building wall. They then proceed to lay out the design utilizing a grid-system of transfer, using practical math and geometry concepts in order to accurately proportion the final image. Painting begins with instruction on mixing paint, color theory, and painting techniques. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate their work, engaging continually in assessment and solutions. "This project encouraged my son with his own decision making and also gave him a sense of pride working in the community.“ Abby Oxford, parent of student artist.

In 2011, the Bangor Trust building at 15 Broadway was selected as the “canvas”. Members of the design committee met with the lead artist, Jim Gloria over a period of 6 months with the guidance of a curator from the Slate Belt Heritage Center. Gradually, a design emerged: The mural would celebrate the centennial of the town homecoming known as “Old Home Week”. Art students participated in free mural classes for 12 days in June of 2012, studying mural design, rendering and execution. They researched historic architecture and clothing of the period, and discussed traditional painting materials and techniques as a prelude to actively taking part in the mural painting. Totts Gap Arts Institute helped produce the independent feature film “My Best Day”. Shot entirely in the Slate Belt over 3 weeks in June and July of that summer, the film garnered rave reviews, and was selected to premier at the Sundance Film Festival.

Our Heritage Murals tell stories; of community, of people, of an era. "The Trolley” mural was created after a series of community brainstorming sessions that gave direction, research and inspiration to artist, Jim Gloria. "The Trolley", located at 525 Front Street, Catasauqua, is set in This slice of life engages the pedestrian on their way to work, making them pause, maybe to ponder how much has changed, and what is eternal. Students from the Heritage Mural Education Program, along with a resident of Front Street, executed the design in June of As with prior Heritage Murals, "The Trolley” was painted on a prepared, hydraulic lime stucco base, creating a breathable, flexible substrate. Water-based mineral colors were chosen for their compatibility, permeability and light-fast qualities. The soft, matte qualities of the paint contribute to the nostalgic and inviting feeling.

Bangor was active in the 1950s, the era of sock hops and visits to the soda fountain. The request went out for photos and stories. With a grant from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, an investment from the building owner, Paul Huggins and community support, the project could begin.

Residents who were teens of the era dusted off yearbooks and opened up shoe boxes to begin to recollect. They were high school sweethearts who would meet at the local soda fountain, and they provided the photos and stories that became the basis of the design. Painted by local students, teens and pre-teens were able to engage with the “teens” of the past while learning elements of mural design and painting. From perspective to paint composition, layout and glazing techniques, students explored practical painting design and technique. A film workshop with independent film maker Adam Benn provided further lessons to the group as they recorded the oral histories of their subjects. Their tales amazed the young artists, while stories of teen romances and mischief let them know that some things never change.

In September 27, 2013, Totts Gap Arts Institute was awarded THE PENNSYLVANIA HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD for special initiatives, services or commitment to preservation values under the heading of Community Involvement. TGAI is now the host organization for The Slate Belt Community Partnership, at the forefront of commerce and conversation in the Slate Belt. To find out more about our Main Street Program, visit SlateBelt.org.SlateBelt.org " As the mural took shape the citizens of the Borough began to share the pride they felt for their community... the mural and the borough were both transformed together... the mural project sets a significant milestone along our revitalization path.“ John Brown, Mayor of Bangor, PA.