In celebration of America’s upcoming 250th celebration, the America250PA Commission launched Bells Across PA, a statewide art series honoring the milestone. The initiative aims to create 67 uniquely designed fiberglass bell sculptures — one for each Pennsylvania county — crafted by local artists and displayed in public spaces across the Commonwealth. To date, 108 bells have been commissioned throughout Pennsylvania.

The Blair County 250 Committee, in partnership with America250PA, issued a call for artists and sponsors to participate in this meaningful project. The DelGrosso Family of Companies stepped forward as the official sponsor of Blair County’s commemorative bell — the only one representing the county.

Following a competitive selection process, McNaul, of Altoona, an art educator in the Bellwood-Antis School District, was chosen to bring the Blair County bell to life. McNaul teaches both middle and high school students.

“Creating a bell for America’s 250th is an incredible opportunity to celebrate our nation and our local heritage. I’m especially excited to share this project with my students — to show them the real-world impact of public art and how art can tell our shared stories,” McNaul said. “It is a big project, but I am having so much fun. My gear toward education is taking risks, taking art risks, taking on hard things. We learn from doing hard things and taking risks. What better way than to pour myself into something that had no guarantees and learn along the way.”

McNaul’s bell design, titled “Blair County — A Part of America’s Story,” will feature iconic imagery celebrating the county’s rich history and cultural landmarks — including Fort Roberdeau, Chimney Rocks, Baker Mansion, the historic DelGrosso’s Park carousel and Peoples Natural Gas Field, home of the Altoona Curve. Courtesy photo

Bellwood-Antis officials are excited to see McNaul selected for the project.

“This recognition not only highlights her dedication and talent, but also brings a sense of pride to our community. Her involvement in such a significant national initiative underscores the impact that passionate educators can have beyond the classroom,” said Richard Schreier, high school principal.

McNaul grew up in DuBois and graduated from DuBois Area High School in 2001.

She then went to the International Academy of Design and Technology in Pittsburgh and received an associate degree in visual communication. She started to work for Horse Trader magazine as a marketing specialist.

“That wasn’t for me. I got the ‘call’ to be an art educator. I didn’t think college was for me, but my mom (Janet Sullivan) was a teacher and learning is my passion. … Now I can’t stop learning,” McNaul said. “I loved art design. Art education pulled on my heart … I could teach kids how powerful art is and have the chance to point that out to them.”

She enrolled at Edinboro University and received a bachelor of arts in art education in 2007. She also has picked up some graduate school credits from the University of Pennsylvania.

She started her teaching career as a substitute at DuBois and the Pittsburgh public schools before coming to Bellwood-Antis in 2008.

“Leah McNaul is a quality teacher who brings creativity and enthusiasm to her classroom each day. She has an ability to make art accessible and enjoyable for all her students, regardless of their skill level. Her teaching style is both engaging and supportive, fostering a positive learning environment where students feel encouraged to express themselves and explore their creativity. Her students often find her classes to be a highlight of their school day; she is not only a mentor but also a source of inspiration,” Schreier said.

McNaul enjoys teaching.

“What I enjoy most is being inspired by my kids, seeing all that they create pushes me to be more creative,” she said. “I have to work on my creativity. Seeing what comes from these minds pushes me to be more creative.”

The bell project is the biggest honor she has received.

“Everything we see, hear, taste and touch is a creation from an artist. Being an artist has allowed me to be a part of a way that impacts the world. More importantly, it has taught me the power that art has. And with that power comes great responsibility to influence the world in a way that brings virtuous gains and preservation,” McNaul said. “An opportunity to create a bell celebrating America’s 250th for my county, Blair County, is a great way for my students to see the impact art has. I love sharing my art with my students and the processes that I go through in the creation of a piece. I am excited, given the opportunity, that this will lead to many discussions and opportunities for learning.”

McNaul’s bell design, titled “Blair County — A Part of America’s Story,” will feature iconic imagery celebrating the county’s rich history and cultural landmarks — including Fort Roberdeau, Chimney Rocks, Baker Mansion, the historic DelGrosso’s Park carousel and Peoples Natural Gas Field, home of the Altoona Curve. The design will also incorporate elements of the Blair County flag.

Overall, the theme will highlight Blair County’s past, present and future.

“I chose Blair County as the bell’s subject to highlight how this county had contributed to Pennsylvania’s impact on America’s past, present and future. Blair County is rich in history, opportunities, entertainment and majestic beauty from the mountain ranges that cradle our communities,” McNaul said.

She said the bell is 33 inches tall, 100 inches around and weighs about 75 pounds.

McNaul said she spent an “incredible” amount of time doing research.

“My husband Mathew McNaul is a history teacher,” she said. “I am fascinated by history and how rich it is, how it shapes things.”

McNaul said she put hours into the research behind the design in an effort to make sure it is accurate. She also enlisted friend Luke Cherry to help with the research.

“Our history is neat, I wish I could put more on the bell,” McNaul said.

After many hours spent prepping, priming and sanding the bell, McNaul said she began painting and will be painting every day up until the June 13 deadline, when the bell will be unveiled at DelGrosso’s Park.

The DelGrosso Family of Companies is excited to be the local sponsor and host to the bell.

“Summer Thunder 2026 (our musical themed fireworks show) will be themed for the Semiquincentennial, so we thought having a bell on display at the park would be a good tie in to the celebrations,” said spokeswoman Amy Mearkle. “The bell will stay on display at the park.”

The McNaul file

Name: Leah McNaul

Age: 42

Occupation: Art educator at Bellwood-Antis High School/Middle School

Education: 2001 graduate of DuBois Area High School; associate degree in visual communication from International Academy of Design and Technology in Pittsburgh; bachelor’s degree in art education from Edinboro University

Family: Husband, Matthew; son, Levi

Quote: “I had to apply. I received an email from Pat Sachse, our music teacher, I looked at it and said why not, this is the year to take risks.”