Lebanon Beautification Project Showcases Juniper Village Residents Art

And they are up! The City of Lebanon’s 8th Street public art and beautification initiative in now on full display, and Juniper Village at Lebanon is proud to announce that two of its residents, Lydia Keffer and Fred Olson, have their artwork featured on the banners lining 8th Street between Chestnut and Cumberland Streets.

The project began in April 2024, when the City of Lebanon issued a call to artists across the county to submit original designs for banners to adorn City-owned light poles. The 30” x 60” banners were envisioned as a way to create a vibrant, arts-enriched environment that celebrates the people, history, landscape and culture of Lebanon, PA, while showcasing local talent.

A key theme of Juniper’s Alive in All Seasons programming is discovering the artist within. Through history-inspired workshops, museum visits, local art shows, and onsite classes, residents are encouraged to express their creativity. It was through this engaging environment that the talents of Keffer and Olson were nurtured – culminating in their banner designs being selected for the “Arts on 8th” project.

Keffer’s artwork depicts the Union Canal Tunnel, the oldest existing water transportation tunnel in the United States and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Her painting celebrates this treasured site, now a park maintained by the Lebanon County Historical Society and the Friends of Union Canal, which features hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic facilities.

Olson’s artwork captures Lebanon County’s rich agricultural heritage and scenic farmland with his depiction of a red barn and cows. His portrayal reflects the region’s rich farming traditions and abundance of local produce, fresh meats, locally baked goods, and artisanal items to the community’s way of life.

“I have done line drawings in the past, but this was a new experience. This was my first time referencing a photo. I enjoyed picking out the colors. I wanted them to be bright so the picture would stand out in the city,” remarked Fred Olson.

To celebrate the installation, a group from Juniper Village, along with the resident artists Lydia Keffer and Fred Olson, visited downtown Lebanon to see the banners. Lydia and Fred were amazed to see how beautiful their paintings looked displayed on the lampposts.

“I never had the experience of being recognized in such a way before. It made me feel so special to see my painting hanging in the middle of the city. I am so proud to tell my sons to drive into the city to see my artwork,” exclaimed Lydia Keffer.

Prior to becoming residents at Juniper Village, Lydia and Fred were not artists. Becky Duke, Juniper’s Connections Associate and artist, encouraged them to express their creativity and taught them basic painting techniques which they continue to develop. On the installation Becky stated, “These vibrant banners bring energy and color to the heart of the city and celebrate the talents and spirit of our community.”

Located at 1125 Birch Road, Lebanon, PA 17042, Juniper Village at Lebanon is dedicated to providing exceptional senior living experiences. For more information please call (717)-432-6833 or visit https://junipercommunities.com/community/assisted-living-personal-care-l....

About Juniper Communities
Juniper Communities, a leader in quality, value, and innovation, operates senior living communities in Colorado, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas that emphasize residents’ well-being, interaction and security. Our communities and approach to housing and care offers residents the opportunity to live a full life, regardless of age or health. Juniper’s innovative Connect4Life program has been proven to improve residents’ care by decreasing hospitalizations, re-hospitalizations, and urgent care visits, while offering potential cost savings to public programs such as Medicare. To learn more about the many ways Juniper Communities innovates in support of our residents, visit www.junipercommunities.com.