Gladwyne Library League Arts and Crafts Show Starts with Preview Party

The Gladwyne Library League hosted its preview party on Monday night for its annual arts and crafts show, which runs through March 12.

Since 1954, the show has helped to showcase local talent, said co-organizer Anne Foote.

The turnout is usually extremely high, she said. The number of entries last year was so overwhelming they barely had enough room for everything. This year they had to limit artists to a maximum of three entries each.

This year, there are about 75 artists and 200 pieces entered in the show. The artists are community members of Lower Merion Township, or those who own a Lower Merion library card. 

The entries include painting, pottery, sculpture, needlework, crafts and photography, among other mediums. Adult, junior and kids artwork are all incorporated into the show. 

“This year, for the first time, we have set up a treasure hunt, including prizes, and the kids seem to really love it,”  said co-organizer and artist Blanche Torphy.

The diversity of the entries was obvious from the moment one entered the display room.

Herman DeJong’s Plexiglas mobiles were among the entries. Made from fluorescent acrylic, the abstract mobiles definitely were an eye catcher.

Every new piece is different and mesmerizing in its own way, he explained. That’s what he loves about it so much.

DeJong has been a part of the show for many years and said that he enjoys continuing his involvement because by seeing the work of others and seeing his own work on display, it gives him the inspiration to continue to improve what he’s doing and continue to push the envelope.

Another artist, Steve Demarinis, entered a different kind of artwork in the show.

Demarinis is a photographer, and he said what he loves about his art is the way photos capture light and shadow. He enjoys seeing what the light can create for him.

“It’s a small community, and there’s a lot of talent out there,” Demarinis explained. “The show is a great event for the community to come together and see everyone’s talent and talk about it all.”

Torphy agreed.

“The best part is we get a lot of artists that are local, and it’s fun to meet your neighbors and see how talented they are,” Torphy said.

For the most part, the artists in the show are not professionals but all possess a strong passion for art. While many of them plan to sell their art showcased in the show, several others do not. Those interested in buying pieces can pay for and pick them up after the show, from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 12.

IF YOU GO:

What: Gladwyne Library League's Annual Arts and Crafts Show

Where: Gladwyne Library

When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday