Pike County Arts and Crafts returns to borough hall

MILFORD — Pike County Arts and Crafts welcomes the return of its popular summer exhibit and members show from July 7 to 10 at Milford Borough Hall.
"It's a fun show," said member Marie Liu. "We all come together and celebrate our creativity together and show it off to the community once a year. It's not intended to be a hoity toity exhibit. It's a fun show that everyone can be a part of."
Founded in 1950, Pike County Arts and Crafts hosts monthly art demonstrations, workshops and classes, and art exhibits. Membership is open to all artists — beginners, amateur and professional — and art lovers.    
The exhibit begins with a reception , free and open to the public, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 7. Guitarist Walt Edwards will perform. Food will be donated by members and local restaurants.
Return to borough hallPike County Arts and Crafts had for many years held its functions at borough hall until the space was renovated. The council decided against continuing such use of the new space. 
The organization was dealt a blow but continued in venues throughout the borough, including the Columns Museum, Artisan Exchange, Ambiance Fine Furniture, and Artery Gallery.
"With Milford's new roster of council members and mayor realizing the importance of fostering the arts and culture in a community, and the determined efforts of member Bridget Peek, the space has once again become available for its popular summer event," says the invitation from Pike County Arts and Crafts. "And special thanks to new member Dawn Lombard (an artist who recently relocated to the area), who has brought a lot of her arts administration experience to the table to get the ball rolling — things are moving in the right direction."
The group was held together by a few members during its time without a home in the hope it would flourish again one day.
"It is too important to just let go," said Liu.
The group attracts artists, students, and patrons to Milford, she said. Past summer exhibits have recorded more than 1,000 visitors from all over the tristate region, she said, and its ongoing classes are a very popular draw.
"Potential home buyers do ask about the culture and arts scene when making their decision to buy homes in the community," said longtime member and realtor Audrey Lanham. "It is clearly a quality of life issue that brings value to a place."