The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and representatives of the Pennsylvania Art Education Association gathered Tuesday in the Capitol Rotunda to unveil a student-created artwork titled “Many Communities, One Commonwealth.”

Following the event, Gov. Josh Shapiro also met with the students to discuss their artwork and what it means to celebrate America250.

“I’ve always believed that art has a way of bringing people together and creating opportunities for kindness,” Shapiro said. “We have to find more ways to come together and not see the differences, but the similarities in our commonwealth — and this project is a very important piece of that, especially as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.”

As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, the piece captures the creative voice of Pennsylvania’s next generation as a 6-foot by 8-foot three-panel collage in the shape of the commonwealth, composed entirely of original artwork from more than 180 K-12 students.

“This beautiful artwork gives viewers the opportunity to see and appreciate Pennsylvania through the eyes of some of our commonwealth’s youngest residents,” said PCA Chair Susan S. Cohen. “The piece is heartfelt and whimsical and will stand as a visual testament to Pennsylvania’s history and future.”

Using their artistry, students responded to the prompt: “What makes your hometown, neighborhood, or personal story meaningful?” The final collage showcases personal identities, cultural traditions and the history of communities, including whitetail deer, historical markers, beloved sports teams and iconic cities and landmarks.

The creation of “Many Communities, One Commonwealth” was coordinated by Pennsylvania Art Education Association, on behalf of the PCA. PAEA collected artwork from educators through their regional members, the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units, and with assistance from the PA Department of Education.

“This project is a powerful reminder that young people have important stories to tell about place, identity and belonging,” said PAEA President-Elect Dr. MaryJo Rosania Harvie. “Through the visual arts, students across Pennsylvania are helping us see the commonwealth not as one single story, but as a collection of many communities, perspectives and lived experiences. I am especially proud that Moravian could contribute to a project that centers student voice on a statewide stage.”

Moravian University student Caroline Melillo designed the final collage of student art pieces, and Lehigh Valley-based artist Matt Halm served as a consultant in assembling and adhering the collage to large panels.

The completed artwork will be on display in the Capitol Rotunda through Friday,