Muralist James Gloria, artistic director for the Heritage Mural Education Program, received a contract from Main Streets, Catasauqua's business organization, to put together a mural on a deteriorating wall at 527 Front St.

The project is supported by a grant from Lehigh County.

"We plastered the wall in fall to give it enough time to cure," he said when asked about the process.

Painting started in early June. The whole process took about two weeks.

The mural depicts a trolley that once ran in town.

Gloria spoke to The Press as final touches were put on the artwork.

"I create the mural based on discussions that I have had. And the historical society gave us some pictures from the era. Everyone shown in the mural was from a picture we got. Then I just put all the pieces together in my mind and worked it up on the wall," he said.

Gloria's business is to bring local artists into the process.

"I want to introduce student artists to the process," he said.

His assistants included Sara Dale and Evynne and Austin Ortega.

"Kelly Chrisman who lives next door came down to help. We found she is an art student at Moravian," said Gloria.

Mural projects are created to encourage locals to drop in and participate.

An explanation of the materials used making the mural is a trip back in history.

"We use silicate mineral paints made by KEIM in Germany," he said.

According to Gloria, in 1878 King Ludwig I of Bavaria pushed his experts to develop a usable paint.

"These silica paints were known in the Middle Ages, but no one was able to make the paint in any sizable quantities," explained Gloria. "King Ludwig wanted something that looked like Italian frescos, but the paint needed to stand up to Bavaria's harsh weather."

According to KEIM corporate history, the first iteration of the paint was produced in 1878, and it was reformulated in 1962 to make it easier to handle. The company brought out the latest version in 2002 to increase commercial applications.

The paint is hard to get, but the nearest distributor is Degruchy's Limeworks US in Quakertown.

"They work with us a lot to answer questions. They have a lot of high-profile restorations in their portfolio," Gloria said.

The downside is there are only eight available colors.

"Student artists that help with the murals aren't used to that kind of limitation," he said.

When backed with limestone plaster, the unique quality of silicate mineral paint is that it lasts.

According to KEIM history, famous Renaissance facades painted in the 1800s are still vibrant today.

Gloria demonstrated one characteristic by tossing water on the mural.

It dried in the sun without leaving a trace of impurity on the painting.

"The best time to see murals is just after it rains. The colors are most vibrant," he said.

Gloria's work in Bangor and Pen Argyl continues to build his reputation as an artist and a teacher.

"The Bangor mural was awarded project of the year," he said.

Gloria's only request was to see more students interested in learning how to paint murals.

"We usually get more students to help out. I think we had a tough time getting the word out with all the other activities going on in June," he said.

The mural was officially dedicated July 5.