May 30, 2024 - Highspire, PA
The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) unveiled newly installed student artwork at the Highspire Service Plaza on the PA Turnpike. Steelton-Highspire High School students created the three-panel, glass mosaic. This is the fifteenth artwork created in conjunction with Art Sparks, a PCA and PTC partnership to bring student-created, locally relevant artwork to service plazas across the PTC's more than 550-mile system."This project gave Steelton-Highspire High School students the opportunity to hone a variety of skills and abilities that they can use throughout their academic careers and beyond," said Karl Blischke, PCA Executive Director. "Problem solving, thinking creatively and working as a team are just some of these. I applaud these students' dedication and their creation of this beautiful artwork.""The arts are critical for our youth. We are glad we can support arts education through this program and provide an avenue for local, young artists to display their work across Pennsylvania," said Mark Compton, CEO of the PTC. "What better way to expose travelers to Pennsylvania's youth than to provide them with the opportunity to see student reflections in artwork decorating our service plazas, like the glass mosaics debuted today."Speakers Include:Mark Compton - CEO, PA TurnpikeSusan Silver Cohen - Chair, Pennsylvania Council on the ArtsKarl Blischke - Executive Director, Pennsylvania Council on the ArtsRepresentative David Madsen - PA House of Representatives, District 104Micheal Wanner - Steelton Highspire School District Board PresidentJulianna Paioletti - Councilwoman, Borough of SteeltonDr. Mick Iskric, Jr. - Superintendent, Steelton Highspire School DistrictLinda Billet - Professional Teaching ArtistSharon Keeney - Art Teacher, Steelton Highspire High SchoolAdelaida Rojas - Student, Steelton Highspire High SchoolAlso participating in the event is the Band Director, Aaron Neal and the Steel High Band