Berks Arts Council announced the winners of the 2020 Fast Lane Art virtually bringing the 2020 Virtual Exhibit to a close. The Fast Lane Art program partnered with the Berks County Intermediate Unit Secondary Show in February to create a more inclusive art exhibit.
The selected pieces for Fast Lane were selected from 1731 pieces of art submitted by 1103 students from 22 school districts. Deb Schlouch, local artist and co-founder of Schlouch Inc. served as juror for the Fast Lane Art.
Deb Schlouch, the Fast Lane Committee and sponsors selected 29 pieces of artwork to be displayed on street pole banners throughout West Reading and City of Reading starting this month. This summer, the student’s artwork will be used to create an Art Walk in City of Reading, PA by utilizing windows of business and store fronts.
The awards presented by the Berks Arts Council were funded through the Alma Woods Memorial Award. The Alma Woods and Jack Coggins Memorial Awards were created by the late Alma Woods to support artist awards in Berks County. Students will be recognized with financial awards and banners made from their artwork.
First Prize was awarded to Skeletal Garden by Lily Dang, Schuylkill Valley High School, second prize, Handcrafted Wooden Table by Sacha Joseph, Fleetwood High School, third prize, Sunflower Shoes by Brooke VanBilliard, Fleetwood High School.
Fast Lane Art began in 2008 in partnership with Land Displays to build awareness and artistic talent in Berks County. After a three-year hiatus, the competition was revived in 2014 with a renewed focus on student art.
In 2019, the program was expanded with a partnership with the Berks County Intermediate Unit and incorporated a public art component through street pole banners.
In 2020, through a partnership with the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance an Art Walk will be created in the City of Reading featuring the student artwork.
