First Posted: 6/14/2013

In Pittston, the tomato is the center of the universe.

Artist John Pacovsky is taking that concept and painting it on the new Tomato Bar & Bistro building.

Entitled “Center of the Universe,” the mural has the planets revolving around a tomato.

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Downtown Manager Rose Randazzo said the mural is just one of the many new art creations drawing people into the downtown.

“Art makes the community,” Randazzo said. “It drives the community financially. People want to be surrounded by art.”

The Art on Main Gallery, which displays art from 30 artists, will have art maps that direct visitors to the art display, Randazzo said.

The new mural is one of a long list of public art projects.

Others include the massive Heritage Mural, depicting coal miners, railroaders and garment workers; Tony the Tomato mule; the Christopher Columbus statue; the Tomato sculpture; a Benjamin Franklin portrait on the side of the newly remodeled Pittston Gazette Building next to City Hall; the Riverfront Park entrance; art windows; and Portals to Progress which painted artwork on five downtown doors.

The “Tree of Life” metal sculpture by Maria Livrone and Bill Zack will soon be installed in the new Pocket Park on Main Street and another mural is planned for the side of the Tropical Dreams building by the artist who did the Heritage Mural, Dwight Kirkland.

The piece will be called “Ultimato” and depict a tomato fight.

Randazzo said the new mural on the side of the Tomato Bar & Bistro is being funded by donations from the Tomato Festival Committee, the Downtown Improvement District and the owners of the bar, Mike and Andy Partash.

The Second Friday artwalk Friday night was a success and the next one is planned for July 12. The Tomato Festival (Aug. 15-18) will replace the event in August and the final Second Friday Art Walk will be on Sept. 13.

“Things are happening downtown and we want to showcase all of our artists,” Randazzo said.