Tom Panei, an award-winning artist from Butler, will give a presentation on his Polar Express painting at a movie screening Sunday, Dec. 7, at Penn Theater. Panei's painting is based on the real life Polar Express train. Submitted photo

At the Penn Theater, community members can celebrate the season by taking a trip to the North Pole this Sunday and learning about the Polar Express train.

At 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, the North Main Street theater is showing “The Polar Express.” The showing is part of the Penn Theater’s Countdown to Christmas series.

At this year’s screening of “The Polar Express,” a replica of a local, award-winning painting of the Polar Express train will be on display for residents to see.

Tom Panei, a professional artist from Butler, said the replica is roughly 8 feet by 20 feet large. However, the original painting was 10 by 30.

The original was painted for a competition at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich. At the time, it placed in the top 10 out of 1,700 submissions, Panei said.

Tom Panei, an award-winning artist from Butler, will give a presentation on his Polar Express painting at a movie screening Sunday, Dec. 7, at Penn Theater. Panei's painting is based on the real life Polar Express train. Submitted photo.

The coolest thing for Panei was getting to see the real-life Polar Express while he was in Michigan, which he used to help him envision his painting.

“Getting to see the real Polar Express that’s based on the movie, see and hear all the sounds and everything, was incredible,” Panei said. “I was invited to look at the train, get some photos. I got to see the train in person and climb in it, talk to the engineers, and started doing the paintings.”

Panei said he is looking forward to giving a presentation on the Polar Express train while showing off his replica painting to children at the Penn Theater on Sunday evening.

“It being the Christmas season, it’s pretty cool. I don’t know if kids even know the back story, so I’ll do the presentation before the movie, get to see their reactions.”

The series this year includes a number of Christmas film screenings for all ages, such as “Elf,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and a classic movies night with cookies and hot cocoa and a guest appearance from Santa Claus and some of his elves.

Jaylon Fockler, manager of the Penn Theater, said the organization thinks it’s important to make sure the holiday season gives a chance for people of all ages to celebrate and cherished films like “The Polar Express” make that easier.

“We’ll always try to find sponsors to help present different movies. We like to do different holiday movies for various ages, especially for the children, but for adults alike,” Fockler said. “We get a great turnout. We got a great turnout for ‘Elf’ this year. We’ll have the movie and Tom’s painting. It’s great.”

The film screening Sunday evening will be presented by Bryan and Marina Frenchak who, according to the Penn Theater, are known for their dedication to promoting cinematic experiences in the community.

The Countdown to Christmas series is one of several Christmas-themed events the Penn Theater is hosting and promoting this month.

Fockler made a point to say the Butler High School Rock Orchestra show with Cello Fury, which was held Friday is always an exceptional show.

“There’s so much talent in our community,” Fockler said.