Downtown businesses are glowing with more than lights this year—thanks to the National Art Honor Society Students of Greater Latrobe, who turned storefront windows into festive works of art for the community to enjoy.
For the second year, NAHS members bundle up, gather their brushes, and spend a few hours painting cheerful holiday scenes across Ligonier Street. From gingerbread to festive red bows, every window carries the distinct style of the student who created it.
“Everyone that came was super excited to get out there and paint for the community,” said Nevaeh, a senior who painted a wreath outside Rusty Musket Distilling Co.
Students worked independently or in small groups, sketching their designs days in advance before bringing them to life on the glass. The project gives young artists a chance to share their creativity outside the classroom—and in the public eye.
“We had multiple meetings to prepare for it. We started off with officer meetings to make sure that we got the proper information down for members,” Yingling recalls. Nevaeh is President for this chapter in NAHS. During these meetings, the other officers Katie Miller (Vice President), Alexa Yurko (Secretary), and Maria Fetter (Treasurer) helped to plan and to communicate with business owners to brainstorm design ideas and basic themes for each window.
With the winter season of 2025 being the second year doing window painting, procedures and execution needed polishing.
“In some aspects it went a lot smoother, and other aspects not as much. However, that was simply because the weather definitely kept us from doing it on the planned day,” Nevaeh states regarding the rain storm that had occurred.
“For us only having one day, I think it went incredibly smoothly,” Yingling said.
The NAHS President described the group as being “very prepared” and “hardworking” as students painted for three hours in cold wind, rain, and even some snow.
Regarding the weather, Nevaeh commented, “Trying to have a steady hand while simultaneously painting when it is so cold out was a major challenge.”
“I started off with getting a rough sketch done in a white paint marker. My business wanted a round design to compliment their round logo,” Nevaeh voiced regarding the approach she took to paint her design. She described the colors as going “perfectly together” as “the tones underneath ended up working no matter if you mixed colors or not.”
Painting has always been a form of peace and expression for this young artist as she plans on pursuing her future in art as well. “I think it is very important that we get out into the community. We can supply so much creativity in the building but it is a whole other story when everyone can experience it.”
With Christmas right around the corner, the leaders of the Society wanted to convey a message of joy and spirit for the holiday season. The fresh designs give the town an uplift and “more life than just plain bricks and stone”.
With this winter already bringing plenty of snow and cold weather to keep most citizens in their homes, NAHS used this opportunity to spread happiness and personality to the streets. “I want people to walk by and have a new aspect to look at. I want people to feel joy even while the weather is cold,” Nevaeh claimed.
This event proved to be very successful even with the natural complications. Continuing through their school year, National Art Honor Society plans on continuing to spread art through the community by making holiday cards for the seniors at Brookdale Senior Living.
