The west facade of DeCarlo’s Bar & Grill, 240 Penn Street, has been transformed into a vibrant canvas, thanks to the installation of a new mural spearheaded by local artist Treasure Lopes. The installation, which began in late May under the supervision of Mike Miller and a dedicated team of volunteers, marks the culmination of a project that has engaged over 1,000 community members in its creation.
Treasure Lopes, a proud alumna of the Reading-Muhlenberg Vocational Technical School and Reading High School, drew inspiration from renowned American artist Ernie Barnes for her design.
The mural captures a dynamic couple, a tribute to the patrons of DeCarlo’s, with visual cues inspired by a photograph of two regular visitors. As Lopes worked on the design, she found herself incorporating features reminiscent of her own grandparents, adding a deeply personal touch to the artwork.
The process of bringing this mural to life was as communal as it was creative. From September 2023 to May 2024, the mural was painted both in Lopes’ studio and on location throughout the community, including sessions inside DeCarlo’s itself.
This endeavor saw participation from a diverse cross-section of the Reading community, including TExpL’s Reading and Antietam 6th graders, Albright College art students and alumni, and art students from the Reading/Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center. Members of the Silver Sneakers program also contributed, making the project a true intergenerational effort.
DeCarlo’s new mural stands as a beacon of community spirit and artistic collaboration, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of Reading. The project not only celebrates local talent but also the transformative power of art in creating inclusive and connected communities.