HARMONY — On top of Rapp's Seat, peering over the Connoquenessing Creek, is an unconventional sight people can see after making the steep hike.

Although at first glance it may seem like a random assortment of string and brush, the assembly is an art exhibit constructed by local resident Cree Mullin.

“It's turned out very well for the most part,” said Mullin, 27. “I think it will get people going up there more.”

Mullin said the piece, called “Nest of the Harmonites,” took more than 100 hours to create during the summer. He used 15 to 20 rolls of cotton twine and fishing line wrapped around trees to make a spider web-like arrangement.

Metal poles, brush, mud and branches also were used to stabilize the piece.

“Nest of the Harmonites” was created as a tribute to the area's original settlers of the same name. Mullin said the message he wants to send is for people to go outside.

“I'd like to get people outdoors more, (to get people) more interested in art and find ways of entertaining themselves outdoors,” he said. “You don't really see people going out like they used to. You feel better when you're outside.”

Rapp's Seat, named after Lutheran settler Father George Rapp, is owned by Historic Harmony. However, President Rodney Gasch said the historical society has decided to let the exhibit stand until next spring.

“We initially heard someone was stacking brush,” Gasch said. “I didn't know what to expect, but when I got up there, I saw someone spent a lot of time and took a lot of care and effort to construct this.”

Gasch said people who wish to see the exhibit should travel up the stairs on Evergreen Mill Road. Other ways to the top on the other side of Rapp's Seat are on private property.

“While we didn't authorize it to be put on Rapp's Seat, it was clear Cree's intentions were very positive,” he said.

Mullin is a regular visitor of Parents in Toto in Zelienople, where he has his artwork displayed in the autism resource center.

Mullin, who was diagnosed with autism at a young age, said art has been a part of his entire life.

“I used to just draw a lot, since I was like 3 or 4 years old,” Mullin said. “I've done thousands of drawings and maybe close to 400 paintings as well.”

Mary Limbacher, executive director of Parents in Toto, said she started noticing Mullin's artistic talents when he brought in his own paintings.

About half a dozen pieces created by Mullin are at the autism resource center, while many more are in Mullin's possession.

“What we were about was helping Cree to become more successful in selling his art,” Limbacher said. “We wanted some positivity to reflect on the fact that Cree has this vision and opportunity to create.”

“His art really makes me smile,” she said.

Mullin was inspired to create “Nest of the Harmonites” after attending an art lecture a few years ago in Glenshaw called Art and Inspiration, hosted by artist Angelo Ciotti.

“He would go around and create stuff from natural materials,” Mullin said of Ciotti. “I thought it would be kind of cool.”

Mullin said he wishes to make a more permanent art piece in the future.

“I just hope we can get Rapp's Seat's steps repaired and get more people up there,” he said.