The dynamic duo of Greg Souchik and Rick Minard are at it again, beautifying Bradford one wall at a time. Following the success of their Phlash Phelps mural on the side of Allegheny Mountain Arts at 181 Main St., the pair are focusing their efforts on celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic mural that is sure to wow.

Local artists Greg Souchik and Rick Minard.

Era photo by Savannah Barr

The talented artists will begin work on the new mural Thursday. It will feature a bald eagle superimposed over a billowing American flag. Traditional scrollwork banners will display “1776-2026” and “250th” giving a classic feel to the piece. The mural will be located on the side of a building at Union Square, visible from the CVS drive-thru.

“We wanted to do something to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in a big way,” said Minard. “We hope when people see this they get a smile on their face.”

Souchik and Minard bring years of experience and passion to their public art, brightening local walls with their artwork for many years. They are the creative talent behind the Woodstock mural at 177 Main St. in Bradford, which was finished in 2019. The pair have also painted murals inside the Bradford Vets Club, at City Beers and the American Legion in Mount Jewett. Between public installations and private commissions, their creative works can be found all over the region.

“We’ve done enough murals now that we pretty much have it down to a science,” Souchik said. “We are perfectionists, so one of the biggest things for us is making sure the details are spot-on.”

The goal is to have the 250th anniversary mural pointed in about 10 days, weather permitting. Accuracy and planning are key. Minard first drafts each mural digitally. He then creates a mock-up image, superimposing the mural onto a photograph of the building.

“Doing it that way works out well for us because we can collaborate on placement and proportions,” said Souchik.

With all of their murals, the pair aims to help draw visitors into the area.

“We have seen it with the Phlash Phelps mural where people have driven hundreds of miles just to take a picture with it,” said Souchik. “Once you get people in town they are likely to check out the rest of what Bradford has to offer.”

Phelps, a nationally known SiriusXM morning show radio host, has continued to promote Bradford thanks to the original Woodstock mural and the nearby work that bears his likeness. Phelps himself recently visited the mural and even floated the idea of coming back and doing a live broadcast event.

“I can’t begin to tell you how many times he has promoted (Bradford’s Woodstock mural) throughout the years,” said Sourchik.

This latest mural marks the first project by the newly formed Bradford Region Arts Group (BRAG). The nonprofit is dedicated to promoting traditional 2D and 3D artforms and growing the local arts scene. In addition, BRAG will offer workshops, exhibitions and community events with a focus on making art accessible to all.

“We hope people will want to support this project,” Souchik said. “It is something the whole community can take pride in.”

Supporters contributing at least $100 will receive a signed print of the mural and those who donate $500 will receive a signed, numbered, limited-edition giclee print — “a very nice print that is suitable for framing,” said Souchik.

Donations can be made in person at Allegheny Mountain Arts. The gallery, which Souchik and Minard operate, will serve as BRAG’s headquarters moving forward. Contributions are also accepted via Venmo and Patreon, @BradfordRegionArtsGroup.