How often can you combine an endeavor to teach National Art Honor Society (NAHS) students about murals and an Eagle Scout project? Greensburg Central Catholic senior Patterson Ware took inspiration from his mother’s work to brighten a blighted area next to the Geyer Performing Arts Center in Scottdale.
In 2018, Patterson’s mother, Erin Riggi, Vice President of the Geyer Performing Arts Board, an art teacher, and head of the Visual and Performing Arts Department at
Greensburg Central Catholic–began a project to design and paint a mural. Mrs. Riggi involved GCC’s NAHS students to teach them about the mural painting process and community art. She designed the mural and, with her team of students, completed it earlier this year.
Patterson developed a bigger vision for the space. He’s been involved with the Geyer Performing Arts Center for most of his life and wanted to give back to the organization that has supported him. Patterson also needed an Eagle Scout project for a non-profit organization that required at least 100 volunteer hours. The Eagle Scout candidate acts as project manager, intricately involved in all aspects of the tasks.
Patterson worked to have the site excavated with the help of Tony Mucha Jr. Light Excavating and Brush Cutting of Connellsville. He convinced Shallenburger Construction, also of Connellsville, to donate time and materials to help turf the site. Finally, Patterson constructed an outdoor stage in the space, using financial and material donations to build it.
It was a win-win-win! Erin Riggi provided a real-world learning experience for GCC art students. Patterson Ware earned his Eagle Scout status. And the community of Scottdale obtained a beautiful new space for all to enjoy. Creating, becoming, beautifying—all resulted from Patterson’s giving back.
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