Mascots aren't just for sports teams. Canonsburg Main Street manager Nadeen Steffey maintains these days no marketing plan is complete without a branding component -- which was how Art N. Canonsburg was born.

The mascot, who wears a chef's jacket, jeans, a cap and a backpack, was the product of local artist Mike Malone, whom Ms. Steffey enlisted to help move the vision she and local businesswoman Sherri Sulkowski had of Art to paper.

"He came up with the sketch, and we just fell in love with him," Ms. Steffey said. "What he did was magical."

Canonsburg's Main Street Program was recognized this summer for the creation of Art. N. Canonsburg at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center's annual Townie Awards gala for promotions and marketing. The award recognizes efforts designed to improve the overall perception of a neighborhood or central business district.

"This is a unique example of how special events and promotional efforts tailored to a town's best assets are the best means of creating a sustainable, vibrant downtown," PDC executive director Bill Fontana said.

"It gives us an identity," Ms. Steffey added. "When we first started talking about this concept, there was no question we would have a mascot."

And she said there was no question the concept of art would be intrinsic to it.

"There is art in everything we do and see every day," she said.

After Mr. Malone completed the pencil sketch, Ms. Steffey sought out specialty companies online to make the mascot into a three-dimensional, wearable costume of sorts -- eventually selecting a firm in Texas.

She said the whole project cost about $1,000, and was paid for through a state grant she procured.

And to borough manager Terry Hazlett, it was money well spent.

"Art kind of encapsulates what Canonsburg is all about," he said.

He added it also capitalizes on Canonsburg's rich history, which is steeped in music and more.

Mr. Hazlett has long pegged Canonsburg as America's "small-town music capital" because it has charted more singles -- 192 -- than any other community of its size, thanks to crooners such as Perry Como, Bobby Vinton and the Four Coins.

But both Mr. Hazlett and Ms. Steffey stressed art is more than just music or painting; it represents the other businesses and organizations that make up Canonsburg.

"We are talking about the art of floral design and the art of cooking and the art of architecture," she said.

That's why Art N. Canonsburg's backpack holds an array of items including knitting needles, paintbrushes and musical instruments.

The mascot debuted in Canonsburg for the Main Street Program's first Mother's Day event in 2009 to much rubbernecking.

"It was hysterical. We stood on the corner of Jefferson and Pike and we put out a sign that said, 'Honk for Art,' " Ms. Steffey said. "They did. The more he is out in public the more he is noticed."

She said Art N. Canonsburg is a fixture at every event sponsored by the Main Street program, and that he even has his own profile on the popular social networking site, Facebook.

He has 94 friends.

As for who gets to don the Art outfit, Ms. Steffey is keeping mum. She said five people have played that role so far, and she would say only that her stint didn't last long.

"He is so approachable, but he doesn't speak -- which is why I don't wear the suit," she said with a laugh.

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