Patriotic mural unveiled at 9th and Maple

In celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary this weekend, CubeSmart unveiled a patriotic mural by the intersection of North 9th and Maple streets Thursday.

The mural, painted by local artist Andrew Zidik, depicts the Constitution, George Washington crossing the Delaware River, the Statue of Liberty, Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King, Lewis and Clark with Sacagawea, the Wright Brothers’ flight, the moon landing, and a bald eagle carrying the American flag.

Zidik explained that he was hired to work on the mural mid-May, and in the sketching phase settled on the theme of “From sea to shining sea.”

“I’ve always loved certain images: Dr. Martin Luther King, that is his thinking face, I’ve always wanted to do that thinking face, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington and the eagle with the flag has always been something that I’ve wanted to do here in Lebanon,” said Zidik.

Zidik, who painted around 98% of the mural with spray paint, said he did much of the work behind a fence to keep it hidden. However, he said he is not used to working in such a public location, and he is glad for the visibility of the piece.

“It makes me happy to know that people are going to drive by that might not even be from the city, and they’re going to go, ‘Oh wow, that’s a nice piece of artwork, that’s a lot of color,'” said Zidik. “I just hope it inspires.”

This sentiment was echoed by Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce president Karen Groh, who led Thursday’s ceremony.

“After July 4, we will have pictures and things that have happened and memories, but this will stay,” said Groh. “This will be a constant reminder of our history and how amazing our community is as well, that we have invested in this space with this beautification. … This is something that people will see tens of thousands of times a day, and it will give them that feeling about Lebanon County that we are true Americans, that we are patriotic, and that we love our country.”

Zidik thanked CubeSmart property owner Aaron Camara for giving him creative freedom during the project. During his remarks, Camara spoke about his interest in history and pride in the country, which inspired the mural.

“The idea came to me the very first time we put that flag on that flagpole,” he said. “So as I saw the colors rising up the pole, I just had a deep feeling within me and I could just hear my mom’s words saying to me, ‘Anything is possible in America if you’re willing to work for it.’

“My hope here with this mural is that everyone will be able to reflect on the history and the sacrifice that has gone into creating the greatest country on earth and enjoy these freedoms that we have, but also, equally, understand that our responsibility is for preserving these freedoms for tomorrow.”

Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello praised Zidik as an artist and as a person, saying he left art school during his second year in 2006 to work full-time and support his two younger siblings. Her son, she said, was a football teammate of Zidik’s, and she remembers the community coming together to support the family after his father’s death.

“Lebanon has always been a community that rallies around its neighbors in times of need, and the Zidik family certainly experienced that kindness,” she said. “Andrew’s father was well-known throughout Lebanon for his artistic talent, so it is especially meaningful to see Andrew carrying that legacy forward. His journey reminds us that character is revealed not only through what we create but through the sacrifices we make for those we love.

“When people look at this mural, they will see a tribute to America’s history. I hope they also see the story of perseverance, resilience, family, and hope that stands behind the artist who created it. I have no doubts your parents would be immensely proud, not only of this beautiful work of art, but of the son you were in 2006, and the man you are today.”