Residents and travelers in Blawnox have a new piece of artwork to admire in the borough’s business district. Renowned artist Lee Steadman of McKean recently finished a mural on the side of Rick’s Barber Shop along Freeport Road. The 12-foot-by-25-foot painting was part of a beautification project by Best of Blawnox, a nonprofit dedicated to benefiting and promoting the borough. Painting took a couple of months to complete with planning and preliminary work stretching everything to about half the year. "I enjoy the challenge of the large scale,” Steadman said via email. "The entire team that funded and organized the program were terrific to work with. Kathy (Ulanowicz) at the borough office was instrumental at every phase of the mural. "Rick (Aten) of Rick’s Barber Shop could not have been more friendly, and in fact, the entire town was very welcoming to me. A very enjoyable two months was spent on the ladder. A great town filled with nice people.” A positive experience for the artist and onlookers was just what organizers were hoping for, said Diane Casile, president of Best of Blawnox. "I think it is a beautiful mural that puts a refreshing touch on this corner,” Casile said. "We spoke to some local artists who felt that Lee would be a great asset to this project. He came very recommended. If you do a search, you will find many wonderful examples of his work. "We plan to incorporate art in future projects as well.” The painting is a "framed” portrait of the bend in the Allegheny River. There are various trees with multicolored leaves indicating a fall setting. "I am a landscape artist that celebrates nature and the quiet and calm that it brings to our lives,” Steadman said. "I knew that Blawnox was known for steel and hard work. But before the mills, the beautiful bend of the river with the high cliff overlooking the town was there. I wanted to celebrate the beautiful setting the town is located in. "This friendly town is a beautiful place nestled alongside a river with trees, birds, fish, etc. As the town moves forward, I think it important to remember what a pretty place it is.” The project cost $22,000 and was funded by the community organization. Aten, a retired Marine from Oakmont, has owned his barber shop in Blawnoxfor 17 years. He said many customers have taken photos at the mural and given positive feedback. "They love it,” Aten said. "It will go hand in hand with the Starlite Lounge’s mural (down the street).” He also commended Steadman on his handiwork and professionalism. "He’s a really cool guy,” Aten said. "He’s very well known (and) a really interesting person.” Steadman’s paintings also can be found in private and permanent museum collections, including the New York State Museum, the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History. Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com. Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free. Get Ad-Free > Sign Up for NotificationsStay up-to-date on important news from TribLIVE