Breathing new life into a 66-year-old art show

By Anya Tikka
MILFORD — More than 100 visitors came out to admire the paintings, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, and more at the annual Pike County Arts and Crafts Show — a sign of the organization's continued vibrancy and relevance even in its 66th year.
The success of the show, which raises money for the 60-strong nonprofit group, gives its members hope, even as they've been displaced. Milford Borough let the venerable organization use its hall free of charge.
“Pike County Arts and Crafts doesn’t have a home anymore," said Dawn Lombard, one of the organizers. "We used to get the hall for free, but now we have to rent it. We’re looking for a new place to hold our annual show and our monthly meetings. We’re actively searching for new members. Our application is on the Facebook group page.”
Most visitors came during the reception, which featured a performance by Milford musician Walt Edwards and food donated by local restaurants.
Lombard said the group has been without any leadership for a couple of years.
“I am trying to breathe new life into the group," she said.
It was the first year she helped out at the show, which earlier this month presented the works of 20 different artists.
"We had 2D and 3D art — 2D is usually watercolor, pastel or oil paintings — and in 3D this year we had two glass artists," she said. "One had fused jewelry. It’s a technique that melts glass in a kiln. And the other one was enamel jewelry.”
The show also featured two ceramics artists, one who offered pottery and the other wall plaques and spoon rests. Most of the art is available for sale.
Lombard is a glass and metal artist herself, with work exhibited in the show.
A portion of the proceeds goes to the group, a nonprofit but with the annual sale to raise funds. Currently, the group is actively seeking new members, and also a new meeting place since the Milford Borough Hall will no longer be available free of charge, as in the past.
Lombard has plans for the future.
“I’m trying to continue with more events throughout the year," she said. "Our goal is to have a fall art show and scholarship event at the three Pike County high schools.”
Currently, the group members meet at 2 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month at the Columns Museum (608 Broad St., Milford). One of the members will offer a demonstration at meetings.
Pike County Arts and Crafts can be found on Facebook, where a membership application is also available. Members, drawn from the tristate area, pay membership dues of $20 per year, or $15 for senior citizens.