NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (EYT) — The rain held off for most of the afternoon on Sunday, giving Redbank Valley area artists and crafters a good opportunity to show their wares and creativity at the 27th annual “Art in the Park,” sponsored by the Redbank Valley Public Library.
(Pictured: Craft Vendors at 2017 “Art in the Park” Gumtown Park, New Bethlehem.)
Gathering once again in the Gumtown Park in New Bethlehem, artists and crafters worked within the event’s theme of “Building a Better World.” Artworks, crafts, food, hayrides. and other activities make for a fun family day in the park.
Following the cool, wet weather in May, the park was in excellent shape to host the event. Sixteen area crafters displayed their crafts under canopies in the park, while the paintings, drawings, and photographs were displayed in the garage at Shirey Overhead Door Company adjacent to the park. More than 30 local artists, including 15 Redbank Valley students, entered artworks in several categories to be judged.
Amateur Painting Awards
Among the winners was Kelly Minich who won the Amateur Painting, Dabbler (first time) entry, and the Byron Bergman Memorial Award for the best nature entry in any medium for her sketch of a buck deer in an autumn woods.
Professional Painting Awards
Barb Bishop won the Professional Painting category with a marvelous painting of a black bear. She also won the Textiles Award for a wolf’s head painted on woven leather. A collage entitled “Best Buds” by Mary Benton won the Amateur Photography category. Kyle Yate’s “Trestle and Falls” took first honors in the Professional Photograph group. Jim Wotring won the Woodworking Group and took Best of Show for his religious-themed piece entitled “The Knock.”
Food Sponsors
The Library staff prepared hot sausages, hot dogs, sloppy Joes, and nachos and cheese, and cold drinks for folks attending the event. Friends of the Library donated pies and cookies to be sold as well. Virtually all of the food prepared for sale at “Art in the Park” was donated by local food businesses to raise funds for the library. Local food sponsors for this year include A-Plus, Strohman Bakery/Tom’s Riverside, M & S Meats, New Bethlehem Burger King, Redbank Valley High School, Redbank Valley Library Board and staff, and the Oil City Library staff.
Exhibit, Activities Sponsors
Community involvement has made “Art in the Park” a perennial success. Exhibit sponsors for this year’s “Art in the Park” included S & T Bank, Northwest Savings Bank, Clarion County Community Bank, and First National Bank. Alcorn Funeral Home, Pat Merwin Reality, Hoak Insurance, CP Leach Agency, Smuckers, Redbank Chevrolet, and Dick George also provided support for the exhibit. Local businesses supporting the day’s activities were The Jewelry Shop, Moore’s Physical Therapy, Heeter Lumber, Nolf Chrysler, Building Block Preschool, and Sara Seidle Patton. Craft vendors donated items for the fundraising Chinese Auction.