GRCA Commerce Quarterly Summer 2020 - 38

in your community

M a i n

S t r e e t

P r o g r a m s

Downtown Reading
Public Art: Beautification and
Unity in Downtown RDG
By Aaron Gantz, Executive Director, Downtown Revitalization

P

ublic art plays a critical role in economic and community
development through beautification and connectivity, while
creating new points of interest for both residents and visitors.
Did you know the last public art installation in downtown Reading
was completed in 2016? Before the close of 2020, Downtown
Reading will welcome nearly 60 new pieces of public art - with
more on the way.
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) through a strong
partnership with Berk Arts Council, City of Reading, Reading Parking
Authority, and South Central Transit Authority (BARTA) launched
Art for Hope, Healing and Community Unity in the Public Realm in
June 2020. The initiative sought local artists, ranging in skill levels
from amateur to professional, to produce small murals that respond
to and are inspired by our community today.

Beautifying Downtown Parking Garages
The partnership with the
Reading Parking Authority
will feature 20 pieces of art on
the South Penn Garage and
the 4th and Cherry Garage
in Downtown Reading.
The diversity of the artist
submissions showcased the
incredible artistic talent in
our local community. This
model will allow viewers to
experience a variety of styles
of artistic expressions in one
corridor. Nearly 60 entries
were submitted for review
and consideration from local
artists.
The 20 artists selected to have their art on display are Ailey Albright,
Suzanne Biebuyck, Suzanne Cody, Kimberlee Dawn, Greg Didyoung,
Emily Dreibelbis, Serena Ercoli, Hannah High, Zoungy Kligge, Jessie
Knuth, Ashley Kolpak, Faith Miravich, Cassi Rodriguez, Marlen
Sosa-Rosa, Janice Torres, Enlly Torres, Elizabeth Trumbore, Tammy
Updegrove and Kristen Woodward.

38  COMMERCE QUARTERLY SUMMER 2020

Enhancing Downtown Bus Shelters
The partnership with
the South Central Transit
Authority will feature eight
pieces of art on the Penn
Street bus shelters in the 400
and 500 blocks. Nearly 30
pieces of art were submitted
for consideration from local
artists.
The eight artists selected
to have their art on display
are Katherine Addison, Julia
Cocuzza, Theron Cook,
Nicolas Fay, Suzanne Fellows, Eric Leatherman, Jennifer Nitka and
Alicia Tejeda.
Weather permitting, the art will be ready for viewing on the garages
and bus shelters the week of Aug. 17, 2020.

Enhancing Store Fronts
and Streetscape
In addition to the outdoor art galleries being installed, Berks Arts Council's
Fast Lane Art held a juried contest and
exhibition that celebrates and displays
the work of Berks County high school
students. Selected pieces from the
exhibition are currently showcased
on street pole banners in both the
City of Reading and West Reading. In
addition to the pole banners, nearly
20 pieces of art will be featured in
numerous Downtown Reading business windows and vacant storefronts,
all within a walkable area.
These public art projects originated through collaboration and a
commitment to enhancing Downtown Reading through the arts.
We know these projects will catalyze and empower future public art
efforts in the City and Downtown Reading area. Stay tuned!
GRCA Commerce Quarterly Summer 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRCA Commerce Quarterly Summer 2020
