This 10 by 3 foot terra cotta mosaic was designed and created by Nella Godbey Storm and Selinda Kennedy and can be seen in the new Dunkin Donuts in Muncy Township. It was installed Friday afternoon and rests on one inch of plywood.

MUNCY – Just last Friday afternoon, a new art mosaic was installed at Dunkin Donuts, the new donut shop located at 1380 East Penn Street, Muncy Township. Local artists, Nella Godbey Storm and Selinda Kennedy designed and created the 10 ft. by 3 ft. terra cotta mosaic that depicts a period dating back to the Old Muncy Canal in the 1840’s.

It features two mules pulling a Pennsylvania Canal Boat 502 into Muncy’s Sprout Waldron. According to Storm, all canal boats were assigned numbers led by one or two mules, depending on the size of the canal boat.

“Each hand made tile has five or more layers of colored slip, then coated with a clear glaze,” explained Storm. “Tiles range in size comparable to a silver dollar to about the size of your hand.” The Muncy Historical Society provided photos of early canal days in Port Penn for the artists to work with. “We added a squirrel and a bird to give it more charm,” added Storm who also acknowledged that the animals give it a story book quality appealing to younger audiences.

Storm also said that she and Kennedy were notified in mid December by James Bower, Jr., owner of Dunkin Donuts, to do the mosaic project. Both artists were featured in Muncy’s juried art show last fall through the Muncy Historical Society.

Storm also furnished a 9 by 3 foot mosaic placed in Susquehanna Health’s new ‘Tower building in Williamsport, and Kennedy did one for Muncy Valley Hospital. “Mosaics are good to use for restaurants,” said Storm, because unlike paintings, they are easy to clean and maintain.

Shortly after Storm and Kennedy discussed the project with Bower, they immediately began work in Selinda’s Muncy studio, working long hours each day to complete it in time for the nearly finished building, which was under construction at the time. It was easy for them to come up with the design and the two artists have collaborated previously together on many other art projects. Storm said she has created several mosaics in the past including a 15 foot design located in Philadelphia’s historic Chestnut Hill.

Dunkin Donuts transported the mosaic from Kennedy’s studio and hung it with precision on one inch of plywood. The one of a kind mosaic can be seen upon entering the front door of the restaurant. “They were a joy to work with,” concluded Storm.

Several copies of old photos of historic Muncy have also been added on the walls which were reprinted and framed with permission from the Muncy Historical Society. Visitors will enjoy seeing the Old Normal School and Brelsford Motors, just to name a few.

“This is all a great addition to the store and adds character to the decor,” replied Trish Weaver, store manager. “Customers think it’s pretty and they are amazed how the colors look so vivid,” she added.