“It’s a way for people to become aware of the places in our local area and to be exposed to local artists,” said Leah Klevan, administrative director of ArtsAltoona.

When the idea was raised to put together a coloring book as a fundraising effort for ArtsAltoona, Kathy Muller immediately saw the potential.

She began sending invitations to local artists and sponsors, stating the idea came naturally that the book should highlight local landmarks and businesses.

Organizers worked to “have representation from all parts of the county,” she said.

Artist Cory Geishauser displays his art in ArtsAltoona’s new coloring book that highlights Blair County landmarks and local businesses. Mirror Photo by Alicia Chiang

“When you look at the coloring book, the first four pages are actually the northern part of the county. And then it gets into Altoona, and then Hollidaysburg, Duncansville and Roaring Spring,” Muller said.

“I did research on a lot of the pictures, giving some information about either the area or a fact about the particular picture. So it’s educational too,” she added.

Artist Cory Geishauser, Muller’s son, chose baseball for one of his pages. The only montage in the book features legendary baseball players Babe Ruth and Satchel Paige, both of whom once played at Cricket Field in Altoona, he said, noting he is passionate about local history and heritage.

What was once Cricket Field is now a parking lot, with Rite-Aid and Wendy’s in front of UPMC Altoona.

To make sure his drawings were historically accurate, he called former ushers at Cricket Field, many of whom used to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad. They urged him to put a steam engine and railroad into his artwork.

Artist Cory Geishauser's coloring page. Mirror photo by Alicia Chiang

He was proud about the amount of research he put into the painting. However, one place bothers him — the blank on the baseball players’ hats.

“(It) actually bothers me that it’s blank like that because it’s like, negative space, but historically accurate,” Geishauser said.

Artist Denice Rodaniche, who grew up in the once vibrant downtown of Altoona, sees the coloring book as a way to promote the town.

“I think it closely aligns with that idea of promoting this area because it’s going to highlight places of interest. If it gets shared beyond Blair County, it could be a great way to promote this area and get an interest in coming here to visit, if not to reside,” Rodaniche said.

Klevan said she was thrilled with the number of artists taking part in the project.

ArtsAltoona's coloring book features local landmarks and businesses. Mirror photo by Alicia Chiang

“This coloring book really highlights so many local landmarks and local businesses from around our area. So it truly is like a community celebration, which is what we’re all about here (at ArtsAltoona),” Klevan said.

The coloring book will be on sale in all of the ArtsAltoona upcoming events and at the Spring Art market on April 15. It will also be available at the Blair Creator’s Festival on April 29.

For more information or to purchase a book, contact Klevan at lklevan@artsaltoona.org.

Mirror Staff Writer Alicia Chiang is at 814-946-7428.