“It’s going to be fun to work with local kids,” said Chhav, an architect major entering his senior year at University of Pennsylvania.

Chhav, who said he heard about the internship at a career fair at UPenn, also noted that one of the project goals is to get 10 local organizations involved with the project, which he said he was looking forward to do.

“We are just settling in now but we will be contacting schools, churches and organizations to help out,” Pannell added.

Niznik, a community development senior from Penn State University, also said he was excited to begin the project.

Niznik noted that the interns were introduced to several business owners and organizations during their first full day in Grove City on June 4.

“We hope to generate some interest in the project and get people excited,” he said.

Both Chhav, 20, of Philadelphia, and Niznik, 22, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., said they are glad they have Pannell to guide them this year.

“I like to draw and paint but nothing like the scale (Pannell) is used to,” Niznik said.

“He is kind of our unofficial leader,” Chhav agreed. “It definitely helps to have someone who was here last year.”

Last year, the interns worked out of the basement of the Guthrie, although Pannell said they would be looking for a larger space this year since the theater basement only allowed for a few people to paint at a time.

The interns have until the beginning of August to complete the mural, just in time for the Olde Town American Festival, Aug. 5 through 8.

The interns will be working on the mural for the next 10 weeks. They are staying at the new Colonial Hall Apartments at Grove City College. Olde Town manager Lisa Pritchard said the college donated the rooms to the students for the duration of the project, similar to last year.

The new art mural is funded through a $2,500 grant from the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful organization and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center.

Olde Town Grove City is looking for community members who want to participate in the mural painting. If you would like to know more or to volunteer to help, contact Olde Town at 724-458-0301 or visit www.oldetowngrovecity.com.