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.

The ink wasn't dry before members of Building a Better Boyertown's committee on creating the 2007 pictorial history book began to plan the second book.

Titled The History of the Boyertown Area in Pictures: Special People Create a Special Place, the 168-page book 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.

The combination book and DVD will be released on November 27, 2009, as a feature of Boyertown's Premiere Art Show/Sale to be held at Good Shepherd Church in time for holiday giving.

Farms and orchards, civic and service organizations, and a focus on volunteers who have devoted countless hours to the betterment of the community since it was chartered in 1866 became the core of the vision for the second book along with off -Main Street businesses, everyday life, and scenes of the area not included in the first book.

Chapter titles featured in the 169-page volume are Main Street Revisited, Scenes of the Area, Area Farms and Orchards, Civic Organizations, Off-Main Street Businesses, Renowned Citizens, and Celebrations. Each chapter, authored by different individuals, provides a variety of "voices" and writing styles to the effort. Each "Chapter Chair" involved his or her own network in collecting information and photographs. An assortment of proofreaders added expertise and information to the project.

Featuring the human angle to focus on the people who have created and maintained this special community inspired a call for names of citizens through letters-to-the-editor. These "nominations" plus Boyertown's unique Citizens of the Year event served as the basis for the "Renowned Citizens" chapter.

Authors include Jim Jannotti, Off-Main Street Businesses; Gordon Moser, Area Farms; Richard Frecon, Area Orchards; Margaret Harner, Civic Organizations; Diane Van Dyke, Renowned Citizens; and Linnette Hulbert, Celebrations. Jane Stahl served as editor.

Proofreaders include Dan Bause, Kim Frain, Margaret Harner, Jim Tribbett, Kitty Reese, Linette Hulbert, Gordie Moser, Dick Frecon, Athena Jones, and Barbara and Daniel Johnson. Gene Rothenberger served as layout artist and designer of the book.

The DVD included with the book, features the work of the members of WZAR-TV--Zach Reinert--a special young entrepreneur, owner and operator of WZAR-TV, and student of video production at Kutztown University; Bethanne Reinert; Mary Kent; and Joy Rhude. Reinert, known locally for his cable TV show entitled Boyertown Live, preserves in video the present Boyertown scene for future generations.

Narrating the DVD are long-time residents Linnette (Ott) Hulbert and Margaret (Leidy) Harner, along with Boyertown teacher Jeff D. Stahl and Kutztown University senior Christiana Weidner. Both Stahl and Weidner, born and raised in Boyertown, love the community and represent voices of Boyertown's future.

The book and DVD, sponsored by Building a Better Boyertown, will be released on November 27, 2009, as a feature of Boyertown's Premiere Art Show/Sale to be held at Good Shepherd Church. A book signing is a planned feature of the event.

Tickets ($25) for the Premiere Art Show's catered "Meet the Artists" opening and book signing scheduled for Friday, November 27, 2009, from 7:00-9:00 pm will be available at Studio B, 39A East Philadelphia Avenue; Twin Turrets Inn, 11 East Philadelphia Avenue; and Bause's Super Drug Store, 42 East Philadelphia Avenue--strong supporters of the arts in Boyertown. Artists and authors are eager to meet and celebrate the many artistic talents and efforts of this special community at the Friday opening/book signing.

Call Heather Oxenford or Sharon Kistler at Building a Better Boyertown 610-369-3054 to reserve copies of the book and DVD. Soft-cover + DVD--$29.99 plus tax; Hard-cover +DVD-- $49.99 plus tax.

Copies of the pictorial history book and DVD will be available at the following locations: Bause's Super Drug Store, 42 East Philadelphia Avenue; Crown Card and Gift, Gilbertsville Shopping Center; Twin Turrets Inn, 11 East Philadel;phia Avenue; Gracefully Framed, 135 East Philadelphia Avenue; Studio B, 39A East Philadelphia Avenue; and the office of Building a Better Boyertown, 12 North Reading Avenue.

The art show/sale is a new venture for the community in celebration of the first anniversary of Studio B, the home of Boyertown's Arts and Activities Alliance, a committee of Building a Better Boyertown.
Studio B has as its mission the promotion of the visual and literary arts and artists of the area and enhancing creativity along with the health and wellness of the community.
Over 50 artists will showcase their work during the weekend art show; an opening reception is planned for Friday, November 27, 2009, from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. featuring the culinary arts of Linda Ross's Food Muse. Tickets for the opening can be purchased at Studio B, 39A East Philadelphia Avenue, Twin Turrets Inn, 11 East Philadelphia Avenue, and Bause's Super Drug Store, 42 East Philadelphia Avenue, strong supporters of the arts in Boyertown.

A special feature of the Premiere Art Show is a contest with prizes for those works of art featuring "Scenes of Boyertown"--areas within the four Gateway Signs. First place cash prize--$500; second place--$300; third place--$200 will be awarded at the opening reception along with purchase awards.

The show is open and free to the public Friday, November 27, 2009, from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 28, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Slice of Suburbia: Boyertown | Philly2Philly.com

Slice of Suburbia: Boyertown | Philly2Philly.com

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Gerlach visits Boyertown, delivers $475,000 for streetscape initiative

After a year of working on appropriation funding from the 2009 Omnibus Bill , Congressman Jim Gerlach presented a check to Building A Better Boyertown (BBB) and the Borough of Boyertown for the amount of $475,000 to improve their streetscape with sidewalk improvements, historic Victorian street lighting, comfortable benches, attractive signage, trees, trash receptacles, attractive informational kiosk, and planters in the proposed “Cross Roads” area in the core of the Main Street District of downtown Boyertown.

These improvements are the initial phase of the streetscape project which is part of Building a Better Boyertown’s ongoing revitalization effort. It is designed to attract visitors, inspire residents and enhance the retail atmosphere of the Main Street District. The streetscape improvements will enhance the community’s property value will increase as well as create a more attractive and appealing retail environment.

BBB anticipates that the improvements will tempt new businesses to join our quaint town while also boosting those businesses already present on our Main Street. Additional employment would be natural outcome from this effort as vacancies are filled and new businesses start-up in the town. The streetscape improvements are in line with the Economic Development Strategic Plan for Boyertown and Berks County. An Active and economically viable community discourages crime and blight.

Along with the funds provided by Congressman Gerlach, BBB has also received funds from The Boyertown Area Charitable Giving Program of Berks County Community Foundation who has awarded $40,000 towards assistance with the professional costs related to the services required, a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $50,000 through the office of Community Planning and Development, and $10,000 supported by State Representative David Kessler from the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Building A Better Boyertown’s Main Street Manager, Heather Oxenford said “Our charming town embraces the arts and the timeless quality of fine craftsmanship along with our Pennsylvania Dutch Heritage. Boyertown provides a memorable experience like nowhere else for family, friends and the traveler. With great appreciation to Congressman Gerlach and the other organizations that are making this project possible, The Boyertown Community will truly display a sense of place!"

Jake Lea, Building a Better Boyertown’s President stated that “This is a culmination of thousands of volunteer hours on the part of Boyertown area residents. I am extremely grateful to Representative Gerlach for his recognition of these efforts and going to bat for the Borough when in Washington. Boyertown has always had a community spirit and this is just another example of how the citizens, the Borough Council and our legislators can work together to make a significant impact”

Revitalization of the Boyertown Main Street’s will:

*spur the retail industry's development

*increase the local tax base by attracting members to a thriving, healthy community

*create jobs in assorted arenas

*stimulate housing by attracting families to buy homes in Boyertown

*increase occupancy rates by attracting families and businesses to buy/rent in Boyertown

*fight sprawl through the promotion of the retail industry

*draw investors to an active, attractive, healthy community

*rehabilitate empty buildings eager to establish businesses in the community

*reflect the history of the community in supporting its historic industries, traditions, and values

*promote civic pride

*utilize existing infrastructure

*increase community involvement

*reaffirm commitment by local leaders

*benefit adjacent neighborhoods

As part of the strategic plan, BBB, with the assistance of the Borough of Boyertown, is in hopes of beginning with these Phases of their mission, the Streetscape Improvement Plan, in order to deliver on Building a Better Boyertown in 2010.

For more information about how you can help with the “Cross Roads” streetscape initiative, become active in the Boyertown community or about Building A Better Boyertown, please contact Heather Oxenford 610-369-3054 manager@boyertownpa.org or visit www.boyertownpa.org

Studio B Hosts Second Annual Plein Air Event

Register Now-September 11, 2009: Boyertown Artists Paint the Town! Plein air artists are encouraged to sign on to participate in the International World Wide Plein Air PAINT OUT event by stopping by Studio B, 39A E. Philadelphia Avenue in Boyertown, PA on September 11 from 5-7:00 p.m. and registering their canvases. More information about the global event is available at http://i-p-a-p.com/ and http://studiobbb.org. The Boyertown area community is registered as a participant and will be linked to artists painting around the world on the same weekend. An exhibit of the work completed during the event will be held at Studio B during Boyertown's Oktoberfest celebration, September 19, 2009.



Studio B Hosts Second Annual Plein Air Event

Studio B, Boyertown’s up and coming premier art gallery, will host a plein air event in conjunction with the International Plein Air Painters’ 7th Annual Worldwide Plein Air Paint Out, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2009. All area artists are invited to participate. Registration and stamping of blank canvases will take place at Studio B, 39A E. Philadelphia Ave., on Friday, September 11 from 5-7:00 p.m.

Artists will set up their easels within the Borough of Boyertown on Saturday, September 12 and will have until 5:00 p.m. to complete their work. The public is invited to roam the town, meet the artists, and glimpse the works in progress; a list of the artists’ locations will be available at Studio B. Free parking is available at the Inner Core parking lot behind Bause’s Drugstore. This year the artist support area, with refreshments and restroom, will also be inside Studio beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday.
At 5:00 p.m. artists are invited to a reception at Studio B to share their work and enjoy refreshments with one another and interested members of the community. The artists will also be invited to exhibit their work at Studio B as part of Boyertown’s Oktoberfest, scheduled for September 19, 2009.
Plein air artists seek the quality of natural light and atmosphere outdoors. Their art work is in direct response to the beauty they find in nature. They use a variety of media, from oils through watercolors and pastels.

Plein air painting developed in France in the mid 19th century and is becoming increasingly popular. Last year's event drew artists from all over the globe as well as the surrounding area.
The International Plein Air Painters, which has members who reside throughout the world, is the blanket organization for individual plein air groups and was created for the sole purpose of advancing the execution and enjoyment of plein air painting without limitations of borders or regions. Its members share inspiration both on the Internet and at "paint outs” and encourage each other to get out and do it, to paint with other artists and share ideas.

For more information on Boyertown’s event, contact Jane Stahl at 610-367-8066 or janeEstahl@comcast.net, or visit http://studiobbb.org.

Gerlach visits Boyertown, delivers $475,000 for streetscape face-lift

Gerlach visits Boyertown, delivers $475,000 for streetscape face-lift

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Clayote has OPENED

"CLAYOTE" has opened their door at, 3 East Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown PA

As a clay/pottery studio; CLAYOTE is now OPEN for classes, events, corporate workshops, group mosaics and murals, birthday parties and "Clay- Dates"!

Chris Fisher and Danielle Millard-Wanner have come together with their children, pets and goals of cultivating celebration of life creatively in every community they encounter. Clayote is a collaboration of personal, whimsical fine art for sale, commissioned murals and mosaic/shadowbox installations, and community connection enhancement though classes and events for any age, ability, situation or background. Danielle's MUDPUPPIES and MUDSLINGER classes have had positive and enthusiastic support for the Northern Arizona communities for the past 7 years. The artwork has been enjoyable for collectors from all continents.

For more information about Clayote please contact Danielle Millard-Wanner

howlinhands@hotmail.com or 484-888-4709

Heather Oxenford, Building A Better Boyertown's Main Street Manager says "This is truly and exciting week! The Boyertown community has welcomed Clayote with open arms and wishes Danielle, Chris and their family the best of success! BBB believes strongly in developing Boyertown, promoting local businesses and enhancing the small-town feel that makes Boyertown so special. It is businesses like these that make our town "A Special Kind of Place".

For more information about Building A Better Boyertown, please visit www.boyertownpa.org

Or contact Heather Oxenford manager@boyertownpa.org or 610-369-3054

Walk TO CURE DIABETES CAR WASH

Walk TO CURE DIABETES CAR WASH Saturday, Sept. 12th 9am - 2pm Located in the Susquehanna Bank parking lot East Philadelphia Ave. & Chestnut St. $6.00 Donation Help support the: JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION'S All proceeds will go to "Maggi...e's Militia". Which is a team of family and friends of Maggie Morgan's who will be participating in the Gring's Mill Walk on October 18, 2009.