Remember the Ice Festival?
Greetings my fellow Local Guides 
If you’ve happened to see my post about ice sculptures (which now feels like an eternity, ago!) then you may have seen me mention stumbling upon some murals. If you haven’t seen the incredible works of ice art, you should definitely take a look by clicking here 
A chance discovery
We had parked our vehicle and began walking through a few streets and small alleys to get to the ice festival. While walking, I noticed what appeared to be a colorful mural. We were excited to view the ice sculptures and attend the festival, so I took a mental note for later and we kept moving.
However, while @MelTG and her daughter were waiting to have their faces painted, I took an impromptu stroll through the streets and alleys of downtown Butler!
*Caption: The Pullman mural, as photographed by @Mikeinthefalls *
My first stop was the one I’d noticed originally, which was located on the side of a parking deck. It’s a bold and bright mural showcasing a Pullman-Standard freight railcar. The company was a long time fixture of the Butler community and is best known for their Pullman Sleeper railcar. My favorite parts of this are the great detail in the train car and the contrast between the golds and blue in the sky.
*Caption: The Gen. Butler mural, as photographed by @Mikeinthefalls *
The next mural I noticed was for General Richard Butler. A distinguished Revolutionary War colonel that served with General George Washington in the Continental Army. He became a prominent landowner after the war and even served as a judge in Pittsburgh, before passing during battle in the Northwest Territory. Nine years later, the new county, township and city of Butler in Pennsylvania were named in his honor. I really enjoy the bright, bold colors in this mural. It does a nice job of celebrating the life of a dutiful public servant. It also highlights the Native Americans that won the battle in which the general lost his life, which I think is a great way to show respect to our native people.
Caption: The Butler Steel mural with the historic County Courthouse, to the left of the frame.
The mural for Butler Steel was on the same block as General Butler’s, making it an easy find! Butler Steel has a long and storied history that you can read about on the link above. At one time, they were part of the largest steel producer in the United States. I appreciate the cool tones that the artist used, gives a feeling of “steel.” This is located in a fairly dark street in Downtown, so the pop of color certainly brightens the area!
*Caption: Two whimsical pieces of street art, as captured by @Mikeinthefalls *
The next pieces I found in my search would be better described as “street art” though I still believe them to be commissioned works. They definitely bring some “life” to some rather boring alleys.
The first painting turns some exterior HVAC into a musician with a saxophone and piano. I think it’s a very creative piece! The second “alley art” piece again utilizes some exterior PVC pipe in a whimsical fashion. The drainage pipe appears to be spilling water onto two umbrellas and the words “No Parking”
*Caption: The Butler Brewing mural, courtesy of @Mikeinthefalls *
I walked another few blocks before discovering the next few murals. The first I came across was The Butler Brewing Company mural, located on the side of their brewery. They’ve been brewing in Butler since 1902! The mural depicts the Old Butler brewery from that time period, as well as the name and some colorful grain.
*Caption: One of my favorites but unnamed, as photographed by @Mikeinthefalls *
The next mural is amongst my favorites in this grouping and I was a little disappointed when I was unable to find more info about it. It’s located an a brick wall of a unmarked building, next to a parking lot, but it transports you to another time and place!
Your eyes settle in to what I might guess so late 1800’s Butler, PA… a young girl in a dress walks her house down a city street of dirt, while a farmer moves a wagon load of grain. It’s then that you look up and notice the building facades break up where the plaster has fallen from the wall, then start back and continue at the top - very clever work by the artist! Further along the dusty depiction of Main Street we see a somber stage coach, that appears to be carrying a casket. There’s so much detail, life and color and that’s what makes this one of my favorites.
Caption: A pretty lady and a yummy looking shake grace the wall of this building
The next mural is second to last on the list and highlights a fun time in America’s history - Diners and Drive-ins 
Pastel colors subtly set themselves apart from the brick building, as lovely waitress Jen serves up a humongous strawberry milkshake! The deep blue sky and classic neon sign make for a delightful backdrop.
*Caption: The Coca Cola mural, as photographed by @Mikeinthefalls *
The final mural (or, two I guess you could say?) were the last that I discovered that day and they are referred to as the Coca Cola mural. I really enjoy the whimsy and creativity of the artist - the left side is a mural of an artist painting A MURAL! 
How awesome is that?? Now, trust me when I say that I absolutely love the bright colors of the Coca Cola mural and that’s a huge part to why this is amongst my favorites. That’s one of their old ads and a slogan they utilized for quite some time. The character really seems to be jumping off the wall and offering you a delicious, refreshing pause 
But, the lady hanging from a scaffold and painting a fresh billboard… So very fun and enjoyable!
Sadly, this concludes my chance discoveries. I was very surprised to stumble upon these and it was honestly pretty exciting to go on my “scavenger hunt” and see what was around the next corner! I hope that translated as you read my post and you felt a little exhilaration and anticipation, while reading.
There are a number of Guides that have shared wonderful posts about murals and I’m eager to see their comments about these. Thanks for taking the time to read!
Michael
Thanks! Butler seems like a great little historically blue collar town and everyone we met were very friendly, the type of place you might get lost in and wind up staying longer than you ever intended.
I’m sure you have some fantastic photos to share with us!
So thank you for sharing!
So creative, they had to be included! I’m very happy that you appreciated them.
October sounds like the perfect time of year to visit that area, so I might just have to book it and hope she joins? 
