NEWBURGH, PA — Travelers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s 565-mile stretch now have a remarkable new reason to pause and reflect. The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) unveiled a breathtaking new mural titled “Between the Mountains” at the Blue Mountain Service Plaza this Wednesday. The artwork, masterfully created by students from Shippensburg Area High School, is the 17th and final piece from the inspiring Art Sparks program, which has brought student-made murals to service plazas across the state.
Combining creativity, heritage, and teamwork, this mural is more than just a piece of art—it’s a celebration of local identity and the bright potential of Pennsylvania’s youth.
Pennsylvania on Canvas
Spanning 12 vibrant panels, “Between the Mountains” captures the essence of the Shippensburg region. From historic landmarks to scenic landscapes to traditions that bind the community together, the mural is packed with imagery that reflects the pride and spirit of the area.
Students didn’t simply paint; they collaborated, built skills, and told their community’s story. Under the guidance of teaching artist Katie Trainer and Shippensburg High School art teacher Aric Sites, the young artists conceptualized, designed, and brought this stunning vision to life. Their efforts were part of a 20-day residency organized by Capital Area Intermediate Unit, PCA’s regional partner.
According to PCA Executive Director Karl Blischke, the significance of this project extends far beyond the brushstrokes. “These students used critical thinking and teamwork to develop this artwork,” he said at the unveiling. “These skills are invaluable not just in school but as they begin to chart their own career paths. I’m proud of their dedication and this incredible creation.”
Art Sparks’ Final Bow
The completion of “Between the Mountains” marks a milestone for the Art Sparks program. Across all 17 service plazas on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, murals now stand as vibrant testaments to the creativity, identity, and talent within the Commonwealth’s communities.
Art Sparks wasn’t just about beautifying service plazas; it was a platform for K-12 students across Pennsylvania to showcase their region’s unique character. Through collaborations between schools and PCA teaching artists, these projects empowered students to view their surroundings through an artistic lens while developing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton lauded the program’s impact at the unveiling. “Art Sparks has given us a unique opportunity to showcase the communities surrounding the Pennsylvania Turnpike through the eyes of students who live here,” he noted. “This final project is a fitting tribute to the innovative program that has inspired students while giving travelers a new reason to appreciate the local beauty of our state.”
Building Community through Art
The unveiling ceremony at the Blue Mountain Service Plaza brought together a range of local voices to celebrate the culmination of this remarkable effort. Among the speakers were Shippensburg Area School District Superintendent Bill August, Principal Deborah Luffy, and even one of the student artists, Oakley Reed. Their collective message was clear—this mural belongs to the community, reflecting not just its landmarks but its shared identity.
For Shippensburg art students, the experience of bringing “Between the Mountains” to life was transformative. Working alongside industry professionals and their peers, they gained hands-on experience in design, consultation, and execution while discovering new ways to express themselves.
Why It Matters
The significance of this project goes well beyond the vibrant imagery now adorning the Blue Mountain Service Plaza. Programs like Art Sparks demonstrate the power of art to unite communities, amplify youthful voices, and celebrate local identity. For the students, this opportunity wasn’t just about painting a mural but about developing skills that will serve them for a lifetime—critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and pride of place.
At a time when local culture and community engagement can feel at risk, projects like this show how mutual investment in young minds and public spaces can make a lasting impact. Travelers who stop at the Blue Mountain Service Plaza might not just see a mural; they’ll see a window into Shippensburg’s heart and the boundless potential of its next generation.
With this final mural, Art Sparks leaves Pennsylvania with a legacy not just of art, but of inspired and empowered communities across the Turnpike.
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