Inspiration.

This is not only the title of the colorful mural that many have been gazing at on the wall of the Student Book Store, 330 E. College Ave., but also the reason for every effervescent drawing that is displayed on it.

A bluebird, chickadee, goldfinch and eagle were what Michael Pilato — the man behind the paint — was inspired to draw in response to the terrorists attacks that our country was faced with on Sept. 11.

"My grandmother always said to me as a little kid, 'when a person dies in the sky, their souls are taken by the birds and the birds take their souls to heaven,'" Pilato said of the new addition to the mural. "I had to create something in their honor and thought that the birds would fit."

His grandmother's words combined with the horrific events that occurred two weeks ago in our country inspired Pilato to paint three state birds, which represent New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts, as well as the eagle on the mural after the unforgettable events had occurred.

The birds are not the only things however, that Pilato was inspired to paint. Pilato, along with help from his business partner of seven years, Yuri Karabash, have worked on the mural for several months, drawing and painting people, animals and many other things that have inspired Pilato throughout his life here in State College.

Many of the colorful faces and lively portraits are of Pilato's neighbors who have helped, supported and inspired him throughout his life.

Neighborly faces however, are not the only ones that are featured. Many famous people that are known throughout State College -- even the nation -- are on the large mural.

Joe Paterno is pictured with Beaver Stadium in the reflection of his glasses. Also included are Bob Moore, a local American Indian, Joe Humphreys, a famous fly fisherman, and Tonya "Queen Bee" Browne, a local blues singer who died last year. Pilato even depicts Princess Nita-nee, a fictional American Indian figure often mistaken to be the namesake of the word "Nittany." These are only to name some of the many faces that come to life as you stare up at the large piece of artwork.

"It is a beautiful mural that not only displays a lot of color, but history as well," Jackie Graham (sophomore-mathematics) said about the piece.

Another inspirational painting is of Anita Ditz, the children's librarian at the Schlow Memorial Library who read to Pilato as a little boy and who now reads to his six-year-old daughter, Skye. The unique creatures of Maurice Sendak's much-loved children's book Where the Wild Things Are surround Deitz.

During an interview, Pilato and Karabash quickly and excitedly pointed out the handprints that are all over the wall. The handprints are tiny and represent the children of the world. Many local hands as well as hands of those who participated in the Special Olympics are dispersed throughout the wall.

"I have enjoyed the reactions as well as working with the children and educating adults who come to see the mural," Yuri commented.

The mural, according to Pilato, took three years to design and will take months to complete. It is the largest of the many murals that he and Karabash have painted in State College. Money used to fund the mural has been donated by many local businesses, whose names have been posted next to the artwork.

If you are looking for Inspiration, the wall of the Student Book Store may be the place to get it.