DENVER, PA — A vibrant and meaningful addition now decorates the Bowmansville Service Plaza on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, thanks to the collective effort of Cocalico High School art students. The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) celebrated the unveiling of a student-created mural titled “Scenes of Our Neighborhood” as part of the Art Sparks program.
This project, the sixteenth in the Art Sparks initiative, brings locally inspired, student-created artwork to service plazas throughout the Turnpike’s extensive 565-mile system. The Bowmansville mural captures the essence of Southeastern Pennsylvania, featuring imagery of the region’s wildlife, agriculture, history, and industry. The design highlights a blend of geometric forms, carefully selected colors, and screen-printed illustrations, reflecting the creativity and dedication of the Cocalico students.
“Problem solving, thinking creatively, and working collaboratively are just a few skills students develop when working in the arts,” remarked Susan S. Cohen, PCA Council Chair. “This sizable mural is an impressive reflection of these students’ abilities, and I applaud each and every one of them.”
The Art Sparks program pairs K-12 art students with teaching artists from PCA’s Arts in Education roster and features a 20-day residency funded by the PA Turnpike. These collaborations encourage students to create artwork that highlights their community. For Cocalico High School’s mural, students worked alongside teaching artist Michael Miller, art teachers Caleb Smith and Sandra McCarthy, and assistant student artist Liahna Fox. With guidance from South Central PaARTners, PCA’s regional Arts in Education partner at Millersville University, the team transformed their design into a permanent installation at the service plaza.
Mark Compton, CEO of the PA Turnpike, praised the project for its ability to celebrate Pennsylvania’s heritage through local artistry. “Art Sparks provides the opportunity to showcase the local communities surrounding the Pennsylvania Turnpike. I can’t imagine a better way to showcase our neighbors than through the eyes of students who live in these communities,” Compton said. “Kudos to Cocalico High School students and all who were involved in this beautiful new addition to the Bowmansville Service Plaza. We are excited for those traveling through Pennsylvania to see what makes our Commonwealth so special.”
The mural not only serves as a creative centerpiece for the service plaza but also as a testament to the educational and cultural benefits of integrating arts into the community. By enabling students to collaborate with professional teaching artists, the program fosters valuable skills such as innovation, teamwork, and civic pride.
Featuring enduring materials and thoughtful craftsmanship, Scenes of Our Neighborhood stands as a symbol of the Southeastern Pennsylvania region, offering travelers a glimpse into the culture and history that shape the area. The mural is now a permanent part of the Bowmansville Service Plaza, enriching experiences for visitors to the Pennsylvania Turnpike for years to come.
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