From Cecil College to Main Street: Pedone paints the town
Published on September 16, 2025
ELKTON, Md: When Mia Pedone’s artistic skills came to the attention of the owner of Legends on Main, no one imagined it would lead to a commission – and reveal a bright future for a young local artist. Now, as a second-year art student, Pedone’s vibrant murals grace the large glass windows of the local eatery, showcasing her talent and a deep connection to her community.
This opportunity didn’t happen without effort; it blossomed from a blend of family support, artistic dedication, and the foundational skills she’s honed as a student in Cecil College’s Fine Arts degree program.
Pedone’s journey began long before her brushes touched glass. A 2024 graduate of Bohemia Manor High School, Pedone’s passion for art has been a constant companion since she could hold a pencil. Now living in Earlville, Maryland, she has immersed herself in the rigorous study of art and design at Cecil College, where she is scheduled to graduate this May with an Associate of Fine Arts degree.
With encouragement from family and friends, she embraced the project with enthusiasm and support. Her father, Joe Pedone, was a constant presence on-site, assisting with design elements like the brickwork as he took direction from his daughter on maintaining proper proportions in the artwork.
The owner requested that the murals capture the spirit of Elkton, featuring iconic spots such as the Elkton Music Hall, the Cecil County Arts Council, and the high school. An elk in the painting symbolizes Elkton High School’s mascot, grounding the work firmly in local pride. Beyond those elements, Pedone was given creative freedom, a challenge she met with both excitement and precision.
“This is a really cool opportunity, one I never thought I would get this early in my college career,” she shared. “I thought it would be after I graduate. Now, I have a lot of people who want murals from me.”
Pedone credits much of her success to the skills and techniques she has developed at Cecil College. “All of the faculty in the Art and Design program have influenced my work. They taught me so much I didn’t know. As the saying goes, ‘you don’t realize what you don’t know until someone teaches you,’” she said.
Among her most important lessons was mastering perspective, a crucial skill for depicting realistic buildings and landscapes. “Josh Schaefer (an adjunct art instructor) taught me the intricacies of perspective, which was essential when I was working to give the buildings that realistic feel.” Given that some of the buildings in her mural were partially blocked by parked cars in her reference photos, Pedone had to imagine the lower parts and ensure everything remained proportional, a challenge she describes as “really tough.”
Additionally, the painting techniques taught by Associate Professor of Art Mark Donohue helped Pedone speed up her process without sacrificing quality. “My skills have grown tremendously since high school. I’ve always been good at art, but now I have the training and techniques to consistently create strong, polished work – thanks to what I’ve learned at Cecil College.”
Her favorite medium is oil paint, which she enjoys for its versatility and the control it offers. This control is evident in her murals and in her preparation for a solo exhibit scheduled next September at the Elkton Station Gallery. Pedone’s artistic inspirations are both personal and varied. Her close friend Maria Stevens serves as her muse and inspires her to pursue realistic drawing.
Cecil College’s Professor of Art Lauren Vanni introduced Pedone to ceramics, a medium she now loves. “Because of Lauren, I got into ceramics, and now I love sculpting people. That has influenced my art because it helps me focus on the 3D aspect, which improves my 2D work,” remarks Pedone.
Professor Vanni notes, “Mia is just so talented in both 2- and 3-dimensional media. She’s a driven student, and it’s evident, for when she touches the clay, magic happens. She’s a very special student.”
Looking ahead, Pedone plans to continue her education at a prestigious institution like the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) or the Rhode Island School of Design. Her ultimate dream is to build a career focused on murals, creating public art that inspires and connects communities.
With her talent, technical mastery, and passion, Mia Pedone is poised to leave a vibrant mark on the art world, one project at a time.
To learn more about Art and Design programs at Cecil College, visit www.cecil.edu.