Augmented reality mural unveiled along Rail Trail in Mifflinburg

Jul. 29—MIFFLINBURG — Users of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail in Mifflinburg have a new interactive mural to view as they walk, run, jog or bike along the trail.

Mifflinburg Community Parks Action Projects (MiffCPAP), Rusty Rail Brewing Company, Independence Design Group, borough officials, the Philanthropy Club of Mifflinburg Area High School and artist Emily Gaugler unveiled the mural on Monday evening. The mural is located along the trail near Pelican's SnoBalls at 104 N. Eighth St. on property owned by Rusty Rail.

"Trying to create something that is powerful and shares a positive message all on its own even if someone doesn't stop to view the augmented reality was truly my goal," said Gaugler, a middle school art teacher at Lewisburg Area School District.

She added she wanted to give back "to this community that throughout all my years and through high school has supported me in what I've done."

The mural has a slogan of "Let's root for each other & watch each other grow." Visitors of the mural can scan a QR code with their phone, stand a few feet back with the phone pointed at the center of the mural and watch the mural come to life. Orange and pink ribbons move onto the scene, flowers grow, clouds pass through and a butterfly floats into view.

Gaugler said the mural is part of her thesis project from her Master's in Fine Arts and Communication Design through Kutztown University. Last summer she wrote a thesis paper about the merging of digital and analog design.

"When they work together, they can create a powerful and memorable experience for the people viewing them," Gaugler said.

Gaugler said she was inspired by the themes of family, community and nostalgia. She connected with MiffCPAP, who brought in Rusty Rail and other partners.

She worked with her mother, husband and children over a month. She finished the mural in early July.

This is Gaugler's first mural. She has worked with students on smaller murals, but never anything this big, she said.

MiffCPAP President Karen Musser said the mural and slogan "align closely with the goals of MiffCPAP as we look to grow our parks and recreational opportunities by working together as a community to enhance the quality of life in Mifflinburg."

"I just fell in love with that (slogan) right from the very start," Musser said. "I thought, what are we trying do down here and all of Mifflinburg? We're trying to grow our parks, we're trying to grow our recreation. It's going to take all of us working together to do that.

The funding source for the mural has been provided by Rusty Rail. The Philanthropy Club funded $1,000 toward the bench and signs, which are placed on the easement property next to the rail trail for viewing. The brought will maintain the area around the bench and sign.

Phil Erdley from Independence Design Group, of Mifflinburg, worked with Gaugler to design and produce the bench and sign. The augmented reality was designed with the Hoverlay Augmented Reality platform.