By
Elizabeth CoyleThe 13th annual show from July 5 to 27 at the arts center, 137 East Pitt St., featuring the beauty of nature found in the backyard, is a popular event for a variety of reasons.
“This is my favorite because I love gardening and I love flowers and nature,” Bedford artist Dorothy Vensel said. Vensel is an avid gardener and member of the Bedford County Garden Club which is sponsoring the July show.
The Garden Club’s art show chairman, Ted Hildebrand, said the show kicks off with a flourish this weekend courtesy of the club’s members.
“The Garden Club does floral designs that complement in one way shape or form the paintings” and other media.
"But it’s not a duplication,” he said.
About 55 pieces are entered in a variety of media: oil and water paints, metal, leaded glass, photography and more. In addition to the requirement that the work follow the garden theme, Hildebrand said an entry must never have hung in a previous garden show at the center. Many, if not all, of the works are available for purchase.
“It’s a fun show for me because I get to paint flowers and I get to do arrangements to complement my flowers,” said Vensel. She will design arrangements for her two entries and one other one that isn’t hers.
“It’s also a fun show for me because it’s not judged. The paintings aren’t judged, the flowers aren’t judged,” Vensel said. She enters art shows through the year but this one is important because it’s dedicated to the late Barbara D. Myers who was her good friend.
A reception Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. is open to the public. The Garden Club as sponsor will provide food and refreshment.
Hildebrand said the reception is usually well-attended because it coincides with the arts council’s Arts on the Square which will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday just a couple blocks away at the Bedford Squares at the intersection of Penn and Juliana streets.
The Bedford County Arts Center is located in historic Anderson House. The Gallery and Shop are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the Web site at www.bedford.net/arts, e-mail arts@bedford.net, or call 814-623-1538.
Gazette photos by ElizabethCoyle
Local artist and Bedford County Arts Council board member Ted Hildebrandhangs a piece titled “Phlox” for the Garden Art Show open now through July 27.
At left, Bedford artist Judy Smith gives a glimpse of a fresh new day outside the window in this painting called “Morning View.” The work is one of about 55 at the Garden Art Show this month at the Bedford County Arts Center, Bedford. Above, “Mind Blossom” is a bright oil painting from Bedford artist Judy Smith. The monarch was captured in John Shuman’s camera. Shuman, of Cumberland, Md., is one of many area artists featured in this month’s Garden Art Show at the Bedford County Arts Center, Bedford. Work at the July Garden Art Show also includes different media. The Bedford County Arts Center is located at 137 East Pitt St., Bedford, in the Anderson House.
The monarch was captured in John Shuman’s camera.
Above, “Mind Blossom” is a bright oil painting from Bedford artist Judy Smith.
Bedford artist Judy Smith gives a glimpse of a fresh new day outside the window in this painting called “Morning View.”
Local artist and Bedford County Arts Council board member Ted Hildebrandhangs a piece titled “Phlox”