ArtSmart: The Drive-Thru Gallery

In 2016 EDGE Billboards, BCPEF and art teachers collaborated to publicly display the artistry and talent of local public school students.  As a result, the artists themselves, proud parents, teachers and the general public have been treated to billboards decorated  with images of the season or other artistic themes.  ArtSmart, the creative initiative of Key Waller, co-owner of EDGE Billboards, has encouraged students of all ages in their artistic pursuits.  Over 200 different works of student art have been featured on EDGE Billboards over the past four years.

Key Waller, a BCPEF Executive Committee member, has always been passionate about art.  She considered  becoming a full-time artist but instead pursued a career in business.  She now expresses her support and encouragement for these creative talents through this philanthropic initiative.   

Teachers embrace the ArtSmart concept and enthusiastically select the students’ artwork.  Submitted to BCPEF and creatively added to the billboard format, the work of art is then displayed on two electronic EDGE Billboards along North Lee Highway.  “For a kid to see something they’ve created high above the road for everyone to see is very special,” says Key.  Teachers, student artists and parents agree and have been observed in a nearby parking lot watching the billboard rotate the images to see their artistry again and again.

Thank you to EDGE  Billboards for this generous donation directly supporting arts in Cleveland City and Bradley County Schools.  Thank you to Key for her creative idea and for projecting these refreshing ArtSmart images for us all to enjoy.