Laketran’s Bus Wrap Art Contest is over and the winners have been chosen

By Patricia Nugent

Nothing fosters a sense of community more than public art—especially when it’s seen through the vision of the young.

Laketran has just announced the winners of its annual Design a Bus Wrap art contest. Area students followed the theme “Building a Greener Lake County,” with some fantastic works of art.

“After the success of last year, we decided to hold the contest annually,” says Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “We were very impressed with the creativity of the entries. It’s a great opportunity to showcase their talents while tying in the importance of public transit and its impact on the environment.”

There were more than 50 entries in the contest, which was open to middle school and high school students from Lake County.

Coming up with the winning design was Mentor High School sophomore Leland Kranz.

Named “Cleaner Lake for a Cleaner Lake County,” his design showcases Lake Erie and the Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse. It will be displayed on one of Laketran’s propane-powered Dial-a-Ride buses for six months.

“I think it’s great that students have the opportunity to participate in projects like this,” says Leland. “Thanks to Laketran and my art teacher, Mrs. Toot, for encouraging our class to submit our artwork.”

Coming in second place was Maggie Cantley of Wickliffe High School and in third was Kara Kelly of Shore Middle School.

Judging the designs was a panel of transit employees, graphic art professionals and community leaders.

According to Laketran’s director of communications, Julia Schick, the contest paves the way for future artists, too. “One of last year’s finalists, Jason Sansavera, recently graduated from Columbus College of Art and Design and we brought him on as a project intern to assist with this year’s contest,” she says.

Ben thanked Avery Dennison, a Lake County-based manufacturer and distributor of pressure-sensitive adhesive materials, which donated the vinyl material used to wrap the vehicle.

See the top 10 entries on display at Laketran’s Frank J. Polivka Transit Center at Lakeland Community College. And you’ll be seeing the winning design on the roads soon. For more information about Lake County’s regional public transit system, which serves 750,000 riders yearly, go to Laketran.com.