The Monroe County commissioners are calling for artists to submit designs for the “Bells Across PA” art series being conducted by the America250PA Commission in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“We have so many talented artists in Monroe County. The commissioners are thrilled to support the production of this artwork to showcase our local talent in celebration of our nation’s semiquincentennial,” said commissioners Chairman John Christy.

The call was made to artists and groups, from the acclaimed to the amateur. Painters, sculptors, craftsmen, multimedia artists and other wildly creative people are all encouraged to apply. The contest will be overseen by Monroe County’s America250PA Commission, in cooperation with the state’s America250PA Commission.

A resident from Monroe County will have the opportunity to design and adorn a 3-foot-tall fiberglass replica sculpture of the Liberty Bell that will be placed on display in the county. The bell, sponsored by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, will remain displayed throughout America’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2026.

“The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is very pleased to join the commissioners by sponsoring the Monroe County bell,” PMVB President/CEO Chris Barrett said. “Creating this showpiece is an excellent way to not only mark the 250th anniversary of our country’s independence, but also highlight the significant attributes of Monroe County.

The chosen artist or group will be commissioned to paint or otherwise decorate the bell and will receive a $1,250 honorarium. The selected artist will be permitted to do the work at home but the bell will need to be in place by December.

“We are looking for designs that will express our shared American ideals while exhibiting the significant places, structures and people unique to Monroe County,” said Arts and Culture Committee co-chair Jody Singer. “We have such a diverse county. From the scenic Delaware Water Gap to the Pocono Plateau, and the bustling Stroudsburgs to the quiet farms of the West End, there are multiple stories of the American experience that can be told.”

America250PA is the state commission responsible for coordinating the celebration of the United States 250th Anniversary across Pennsylvania.

“Bells Across PA” has a goal to feature at least one bell in each of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania.

“America250PA’s ‘Bells Across PA’ project is a way for local artists to tell the story of their diverse and unique communities through their creative designs,” said Cassandra Coleman, executive director of America250PA. “We look forward to telling the many stories of Pennsylvania on these replica Liberty Bells and partnering with Visit PA to have a ‘Bells Across PA’ trail in 2026 to encourage Pennsylvanians and out of state tourists alike to travel and see every corner of the commonwealth.”

Details and documents are available at the America250PA website.

Submit applications to Monroe County America250PA Commission, 1 Quaker Plaza, Room 201, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 by April 1.

For questions, contact MC250PA Commission Chairman David Parker at 570-656-9232.