SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Inspiration can be found during the Spring Thaw Arts & Culture Tour in Schuylkill County.
The free weekend event, sponsored by Celebrate Schuylkill and the Schuylkill County Visitor’s Bureau, features nine locations.
Mike Onuskanich, 60, of Frackville, said he visited the Walk In Art Center and The Arts Barn, both in Schuylkill Haven, and went on the tour to “get myself re-inspired. As an artist myself, I need this.”
Today was the first time he visited both Schuylkill Haven venues.
“I’ve been reading about this for a long time, but I never got here,” he said at The Arts Barn.
Onuskanich does oil paintings and viewed the artwork at the event to spark some inspiration in himself.
Deb Cooper, director of The Arts Barn, said there is work from at least 130 Pennsylvania artists at The Arts Barn. And not all of the artists are people. Foxy Lady, a quarter horse, paints and has artwork for sale. Some of it even has small pieces of hay on it. Those visiting the Arts Barn could shop and meet Foxy Lady.
At the Walk In Art Center, visitors could meet the artists, buy artwork and jewelry and see a cooking demonstration. Lisa Robinson, executive director of the center, said 30 vendors were in the main gallery. Children’s activities were also available.
Charles Dauerty, 62, and Christel Boyd, 76, both of Kempton, said they wanted to see the art. Boyd also bought earrings.
“I love art,” Boyd said.
Of a painting by Lewis Achenbach, Dauerty said, “It sort of feels like what jazz music is about.”
Phyllis Gallagher, 58, of Frackville, a guest artist, is a member of the artist association, where artists from the area can join together. They meet the second Thursday of every month at the Walk In Art Center.
One of her pieces featured at the Walk In Art Center was “Three Pounds.”
It is about the human brain. She was inspired to create the art after he husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The four-paned window shows different regions of the brain, one has little magnifying lenses, another has a key, one a small gavel and another shows a map. A larger, unfinished piece, “Tormenting Spirits of Sorrow,” deals with anxiety and depression.
Lori Remmel, an artist in residence, was also there for visitors to see her artwork. Clothes hanging on a wall, part of her “Transience Series,” caught the attention of visitors.
“That is artwork I made for Dave Naydock for Dave Day,” she said.
She used glue, water and paint for her final work, as well as ladders and pulleys to suspend the clothes. She said the piece reflects the idea that people think they are in control of their lives but life always intervenes.
“I hope that people would see change as a good thing and be open to change. Change is a part of growth,” she said.
Next door, Lorraine Felker showcased her reed basket-making skills.
“I’ve been making baskets for about 18 years, and it’s a hobby that has gotten out of control,” she said.
Felker, who also knits, is an artist in residence at the Walk In Art Center. On Saturday, she made a tote for someone who had pre-ordered it. It took her about 2 1/2 hours. Some friends introduced her to basket making and she was hooked. She said she does not always know what size or design a basket will take when she first starts a project.
“Sometimes the basket seems to take on a life of its own,” she said.
Robinson said she thought attendance was great at the event. She wants people to “open their eyes to the possibilities” that art can provide.
The tour continues today at Mud & Maker, 6 S. Centre St., Pottsville; The Arts Barn, 3 Berry Road, Schuylkill Haven; Stonehedge Co-Op, 51 Dairy Road, Tamaqua; and The Art & Craft Gallery of Hamburg, 335 State St., Hamburg.
The play “The Importance of Being Earnest” will be performed later this week and next week at The Strawberry Playhouse, 60 Church St., Tuscarora. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. April 8, 9, 15 and 16 and 2 p.m. April 10 and 17. The cost for tickets is $12 for adults, $10 for students and senior citizens and $5 for children 10 and under.
The Gabriel Youth Orchestra will hold its Spring Concert at 3 p.m. May 1 at D.H.H. Lengel Middle School, Pottsville.