Greshville Antiques and Fine Art Exhibit/Sale

The Catered opening on Friday, October 16, 2009, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Boyertown’s Studio B for Greshville Antiques and Fine Art Exhibit/Sale
featuring Frederick Sands Brunner: Boyertown’s Rockwell. Exhibit runs through November 30, 2009.

Studio B to Stage Greshville Antiques and Fine Art Exhibit/Sale
Featuring Frederick Sands Brunner: Boyertown’s Rockwell

Kurt and Valerie Malmberg of Greshville Antiques and Fine Art will host a catered opening reception, Friday, October 16, 2009, 5:00-7:00 p.m. to introduce a new exhibition of the work of well-known illustrator from Boyertown’s history—Frederick Sands Brunner –known as Boyertown’s Rockwell. The exhibit will run through November 30, 2009.

Over two dozen original works by Brunner including vintage posters and calendar art that originally appeared as magazine covers and articles as well as a number of his personal landscapes and portraits, will be on display and for sale at Studio B, 39A East Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown.

Frederick Sands Brunner:
Frederick Sands Brunner was born and raised in Boyertown, PA, in 1886, son of Samuel L. and Anna (Sands) Brunner and became nationally known as an illustrator in the era of magazine art, what was known as the “Golden Age” of illustration.
Brunner aspired to be a trapper; he loved the outdoors. But, after he drew a valentine for his teacher and received a mark of “200,” he began to study art.
His sister, Eva E. Brunner, taught art at Boyertown High School and is remembered fondly today by former students.
Brunner graduated from the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art, now The University of the Arts College of Art and Design, in 1909 with a diploma in illustration and studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts with Daniel Garber.
In 1910 Brunner was living in Philadelphia, listing his occupation as artist. By 1918 he was a recognized commercial artist. His early works (1905-1912) might have been displayed by his father, out of fatherly pride in his dry good store, known as the Rath and the Oberholtzer properties, located in the former Odd Fellows complex, 37 East Philadelphia Avenue. Brunner would have been 26 when his father died and the store closed.
His first job was a staff artist for the Ladies Home Journal where he did pen and ink drawings of celebrities, illustrations and cover designs. Brunner then moved on to freelance for numerous magazines. He served as illustrator for magazine covers for Curtis Publishing Co., Philadelphia.
His paintings appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post, in advertisements for Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s cereal and Canada Dry Ginger Ale. Brunner’s work was utilized by the American Red Cross in what was called a “striking appeal to the European war sufferers.” His placard was adopted and spread throughout the nation.
In addition to his commercial illustration work, Brunner also painted for his own enjoyment. He continued to love the outdoors and painted many landscapes in the Adirondack Mountains of New York.
Portraits of his wife and two daughters were some of his favorite subjects. He often used his relatives as models to pose for his sketches. Daughter Sybil appears on the Valentine Post cover.
During World War II, he did two Red Cross posters and painted many portraits, among them General Carl Spaatz, his old Boyertown friend; Chester Gersten, a New York banker; and George F. Tibbitts, founder of the Gospel Volunteers of the World.
Brunner’s portrait of General Spaatz hangs in the library of Boyertown Area High School; another portrait of General Spaatz (held until recently by the family; now with Greshville Antiques and Fine Art) is now owned by The Historical Society of Berks County, Reading, PA. Brunner also painted the portrait of Dr. Charles Dotterer, the "dean" of Boyertown physicians,
Brunner was also an artist at living. He loved his dogs, liked to fish, ride his horse “Bright Eyes,” hike, climb, canoe, and shoot with bow and arrow. He was an avid reader, an exceptional cook and very interested in American Indians.
The April issue of the Ladies’ Home Journal features an illustration entitled, “Her Souvenir.” This cover displays the portrait of an American officer, who stands high in the ranks of the aviation section and is well known to many of the people of this community. In the foreground of the drawing, a sweetheart of the man “over there” is just enjoying the valued gift from her friend in the form of a German steel helmet which has been delivered by the postal authorities.
Brunner died suddenly of a heart attack April 21,1954 in his home in Philadelphia.
Information re: F. Sands Brunner provided through the efforts of Betty Burdan in conjunction with the Boyertown Area Historical Society.

Greshville Antiques and Fine Art:
The Malmbergs, owners of Greshville Antiques and Fine Art, have been researching Berks County artists and their works for more than 25 years. They are considered the leading authorities and appraisers of Berks County Art and frequently assist auction houses, institutions, appraisers, and collectors in evaluating and purchasing this rediscovered regional art.
Each October, Greshville Antiques and Fine Art hosts the Annual Berks County Art Show. For more information on Greshville Antiques and Fine Art, contact Valerie Malmberg, 610-367-0076 or visit www.greshvilleantiques.com.

Studio B:
Studio B, located in the heart of historic Boyertown, is the home of the Arts and Activities Alliance, a committee of Building a Better Boyertown, a nonprofit Main Street program dedicated to revitalizing small towns.
Studio B celebrates lifelong learning, creativity and personal involvement in the visual and literary arts, offers opportunities to enhance creativity, health, and wellness through the arts and seeks to be a dynamic part of Boyertown community, a “go to” destination for learning, fun and friendship. The studio seeks to showcase the work of fine artists in themed exhibits—some juried, some open to all—and welcomes art in diverse media. In addition to art exhibits and classes, Studio B also hosts catered dinners for service clubs and small groups, gallery talks, and “Getting to Know You” opportunities.
Visitors are always welcome to view the changing exhibits; take lessons in the visual, literary, and communication arts offered by highly-trained local artists and teachers; and schedule small events or parties in its elegant facility. The studio proudly collaborates with the Boyertown Area Community Library and Boyertown Area YMCA as well as brother/sister galleries and art-related businesses.

Good Timing:
The Brunner exhibit capitalizes on the community’s love of its history. The release of Building a Better Boyertown’s second pictorial history book/DVD is planned for Friday, November 27, 2009, at the community’s inaugural Premiere Art Show/Sale to be held at Good Shepherd Church. A book signing is a planned feature of the Friday event.
On Sunday, November 29-- the day before the close of Greshville Antiques and Fine Arts Frederick Sands Brunner exhibit--Studio B is inviting the community from 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. for coffee and conversation as part of Studio B’s Sunday Series, to meet some of the individuals featured in the book and DVD.
The volume is entitled The History of the Boyertown Area in Pictures: Special People Create a Special Place—a 168-page book which includes a two-hour DVD featuring interviews from 16 men and women from the community recalling their memories of people, places, activities, and events unique to this special kind of place.