Show offers special book sale and signing, raffle items, and more
By Suzanne Misciagna, Correspondent, UnionvilleTimes.com
The Chadds Ford Art Sale and Show kicks off March 23 with a special preview and continues, March 24. Featured Artist, Paul Scarborough, with his painting, 322 Barn, along with Chadds Ford Art Show Co-Chairs Kathleen Vasko and Kristen Goodman.
CHADDS FORD — In a week’s time, the gymnasium of Chadds Ford Elementary School will be transformed into an art gallery showcasing the work of over 70 local and regional artists in honor of the 63rd Annual Chadds Ford Art Sale and Show.
The event, which is free to the public, kicks off with a special preview reception the evening of Friday, March 23 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Local artists from the Philadelphia region, along with others as far as Virginia and North Carolina, will be on hand to sign and sell their works of art. Guests can enjoy live music along with complimentary hors d’oeuvers offered by prominent area restaurants.
The sale continues on Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with two acclaimed authors, Barbara Walsh and Catherine Quillman, leading a book discussion, book sale, and signing.
The show will be held at Chadds Ford Elementary School, 3 Baltimore Pike, in Chadds Ford.
The Chadds Ford Art Sale and Show was started by Betsy Wyeth in 1949, wife of the late Andrew Wyeth. The show is also the main fundraiser for the Chadds Ford Elementary School in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, a school which artist Jamie Wyeth once attended.
“It’s a great event for the school,” adds Kristen Goodman, Art Sale Co-Chair. “The sale brings in a lot of dollars for the school PTO which all goes back to the kids,” she adds.
“We want to continue the legacy of Betsy Wyeth,” says Kathleen Vasko, who has Co-Chaired the Chadds Ford Art Sale and Show for the past five years. “It truly is a community event which draws both individuals and families,” she says. “The show is a comfortable place for people to come because it offers all different mediums for a variety of budgets.”
‘Featured Artist,’ Paul Scarborough, will exhibit 50 of his paintings at the show this year. Scarborough began painting at age 15. “As a child, I always wanted to paint and wanted to spend all of my time in the art room,” he says. “My father, however, felt this might not be the most profitable profession, so I became an engineering draftsman instead.”
After retirement, Scarborough showcased his work at mall art shows. He began making his living full time as an artist in 1970. Scarborough, who views himself as a ‘traditional’ painter, paints with watercolors, acrylics, and oils and enjoys painting beach scenery and landscapes.
‘Donating Artist,’ Stephen Brehm, will also be available to discuss and sign his artwork at the show.
An extensive collection of raffle items will be available including several rare exhibition posters by Andrew Wyeth.
Thirty percent of all art purchases are tax deductible and all proceeds support educational enrichment at Chadds Ford Elementary School.
For more information on the Chadds Ford Art Show and Sale, visit http://cfes.ucfsd.org/artshow.
