Zelienople resident Cree Mullin, who was diagnosed with autism as a child, has created a second nature-based art piece off Route 68, called “Spiderweb Mountain.” Mullin's message to people is to explore and appreciate nature. He created the piece using brush, sticks, trees, poles, twine and fishing line.

HARMONY — A local resident has been busy lately with his artistic endeavors.

Cree Mullin of Zelienople has constructed a second art exhibit in the area, this time on a hillside off Route 68 across from Fox’s Pizza Den.

The piece, called “Spiderweb Mountain” by Mullin, was made using twine and fishing line along with trees, poles and brush. He said it took between 50 and 60 hours to construct.

“It seemed like an interesting thing to do,” said Mullin, who was diagnosed with autism as a child. “I was curious as to how it would turn out.”

He frequents Parents in Toto, an autism resource center in Zelienople.

“He’s a member of our community and he’s wanting to make a difference,” said executive director Mary Limbacher.

Mullin said he wanted to create an optical illusion of sorts by creating his piece on a hillside.

He created another piece, “Nest of the Harmonites” on top of Rapp’s Seat in November, using twine and fishing line wrapped around trees to make a spider weblike arrangement. Metal poles, brush, mud and branches also were used.

Although Rapp’s Seat is owned by Historic Harmony, the historical society decided to let the exhibit stay until this spring.

Officials from Historic Harmony and Parents in Toto said they are planning a cleanup time for Earth Day, which falls on Saturday, April 22. Volunteers will gather at the barn past the Harmony business district near Evergreen Road.

Hot drinks, refreshments, doughnuts and chili will be provided to participants. Parents in Toto staff will offer art activity direction and supplies. A commemoration ceremony for Mullin’s work, including his various paintings, may also be planned.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering or donating to the event can contact Parents in Toto at 724-473-0990 or visit the center’s website at www.parentsintoto.org.

“Anytime Parents in Toto works with the community is a good opportunity to experience how we’re more alike than different,” Limbacher said. “There are individuals with autism who have talents and can work at unique jobs.”

Historic Harmony President Rodney Gasch said he and Parents in Toto officials are thinking of ways to efficiently dismantle the piece or improve the area, including burning or chipping the brush and wood or creating a wildlife habitat.

Mullin said his latest creation’s message carries over from his previous piece in encouraging people to explore nature rather than stay indoors.

“There are other ways of entertaining ourselves than playing video games all day,” he said. “I really want to get kids interested in nature. Nature can be fun.”

He said next time he creates a piece like this, he will seek permission from property owners. The property owners for the land off Route 68 have allowed the piece to stand for now.

Mullin also said he wants to work on some summer community activities involving art, nature and gardening.