HONORING VETERANS — Upton artist completes VFW mural

There’s nothing more patriotic than an American flag.

That was the decision made by artist Bailey Crackel and Veterans of Foreign Wars officials in designing a mural for the VFW Post No. 2516 building in Newcastle, Crackle said.

Post Senior Vice Commander Bryan Taylor said that the post began discussing the idea of having a mural in June after he saw murals during visits to VFW posts in Ohio and Niagara Falls. He brought the idea back to Newcastle’s post, whose building at 2990 W. Main St. is now adorned with the flag design emblazoned upon it.

According to Crackel, VFW board members contacted the artist, and explained that they were seeking a patriotic mural that would both honor veterans and draw the attention of prospective venue renters. Taylor said the hall is rented out to other organizations and anyone who wants to use the space for funerals, graduation parties or fundraisers.

In addition to the f lag, the mural features the six military branch seals and a bald eagle, the national emblem of the United States since 1782. Crackel said she spent about three weeks on the project and finished it around Nov. 22.

“We gave her free rein,” Quartermaster Stan Dixon said. “If we didn’t like what she was coming up with, we would have changed it, but she did an excel- lent job, we feel.”

Taylor said the post selected Crackel because its members wanted to support a young artist who’s also a local business owner.

Crackel owns the Upton- based Crackel Artworks, and said her customers inspire her with their ideas, which he seeks to elevate. For her personal, original projects, she enjoys painting with wildlife and nature themes. Apart from attending “YouTube University,” Crackel’s educa- tion in art comes from her high school studies and independent learning.

“I’m completely self-taught after graduation,” she said.

Six years after starting out of a studio in Upton, mostly painting commissions, Crackel’s now gained about three years of experience in murals too.

“The mural thing kind of took off,” she said.

She also enjoys sign painting and restorations. What she likes most, however, is creating connections with other people, she said. With the VFW project, she enjoyed the opportunity she had to talk with a couple of veterans.

“That was really cool for me because I don’t get to meet those kinds of people unless I’m in that position, out there doing art and stuff,” Crackel said. “I love meeting new people. That’s my favorite part.”

The most nerve-wracking aspect to creating murals, on the other hand, is starting, Crackel said. The blank wall is intimidating and it’s “almost like jumping off a cliff” to have to lay down the first little bit of paint. After that, though, the focus is on finishing the piece.

Newcastle Mayor Pam Gualtieri recognized the VFW at the Nov. 18 City Council meeting for commissioning the mural.

“It’s a nice addition to the west side of town, for sure,” she said at the meeting.