As America’s Oldest Brewery and the 6^th Generation of family brewing at Yuengling, we are constantly looking for ways to better engage and educate our visitors. Whether that’s about the past generations who came before us and made us who we are today, or about new products like Golden Pilsner, our consumers’ connections are very important to us. That’s why when we first met Mark Sassani of Saint Joseph’s Fine Art Studio (our Mount Carmel neighbor), and learned about his amazing art and talents, we knew he was the right fit to bring our rich history to life.

While we love the opportunity to support artists from our very own region, Mark jumped at the opportunity to help us in documenting our nearly 190-year history on two pairs of exterior brewery doors from the 1920s. In fact, these old washhouse doors had previously been painted by a beloved Pottsville artist, Dave Naydock, but the original murals had begun to show signs of age and deterioration.

Mark in front of the first door before painting began. Courtesy of Saint Joseph’s Fine Art Studio

So we tasked Mark with staying true to the historic spirit and story of the original doors, while still being creative and fun. As Mark describes it, “the two murals show workers and foreman working inside the brewery and the delivery carriage carrying their beer to distributors and bars. Both of which are given the look of pre-twentieth century to keep in line with this being the oldest brewery in America.”

Logan and Lori working on the first door. Courtesy of Saint Joseph’s Fine Art Studio

Alongside Mark’s daughter, Lori Ann Sassani Ruggiero (an artist in Penopolis, Brazil), and Logan McCracken, a former student of Mark’s who has a double degree in art from Williams College in New England, the murals came to life over a nearly 5-week period (not counting Mark’s additional 6-7 weeks of preparation).

Logan, Mark and Lori in front of the first completed door. Courtesy of Saint Joseph’s Fine Art Studio

We are honored that Mark and his team took the time and care to use their talents to help us bring our history to life through these murals. Visitors are able to engage with our past while they are on the tour and come away with a true understanding of where we came from. As Mark shared with us, “…the murals takes visitors back to another time.”

The second completed mural at Yuengling’s Pottsville brewery. Courtesy of Saint Joseph’s Fine Art Studio

Make sure to stop by our brewery and see the murals for yourself (and snap a photo with them too!).

For more information on what’s going on at the brewery and a chance to see the murals in person, visit our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or website. Remember to also check out Mark’s art on his website!

-Wendy Yuengling