The 49th annual Mt. Gretna Art Show is set to grace the historic grounds of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua on Saturday, Aug. 19, and Sunday, Aug. 20. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, come rain or shine.
Consistently rated among the best by artists’ trade publications, this year’s show promises to be no different. “As Mount Gretna’s iconic summer offering, the outdoor Art Show brings award-winning fine art and craft from nationwide artists,” said Art Show director Kerry Royer in a press release. “We offer gourmet food, music, and entertainment under the trees of Old Chautauqua.”
This year’s event will host 200 exhibitors, an “Emerging Artists” section, and a gourmet food court, featuring local restaurants and caterers such as Cracked Pepper, Hershey Bistro, Gosia’s Pierogies, The Oasis, What If … Hershey, and The Hershey Pantry. Snitz Creek Brewery will be offering craft beer and wine in the Hall of Philosophy throughout the show.
In addition to the art and food, a Kid’s Art Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day at the Chautauqua Playground. Children can participate in various art activities and are encouraged to display and sell handmade artwork during the Saturday show. The event is sponsored by a grant from the Mount Gretna United Methodist Church.
The entertainment schedule includes renowned fiddler and guitarist Ken Gehret and Friends, the Paul Colombo Group, Andy Roberts with Fragile Fire, and Third Stream, offering a mix of bluegrass, jazz, and contemporary arrangements.
Entertainment Schedule
Saturday
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ken Gehret and Friends: The renowned fiddler and guitarist playing bluegrass and New Orleans-style jazz.
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Paul Colombo Group: Jazz/Rock Guitar
Sunday
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Andy Roberts with Fragile Fire: Contemporary and Re-Imagined Arrangements
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Third Stream: Legendary Jazz
Proceeds from the Art Show support the Pennsylvania Chautauqua’s cultural programs. The show is sponsored in part by a grant from the Lebanon County Commissioners and substantially benefits the Mt. Gretna Volunteer Fire Company, as well as other community projects.
The Art Show charges an admission fee of $15 for adults, while children under 12 can enter for free. Parking is included in the admission fee. No pets are permitted on the Art Show grounds. Last year, the show was visited by 9,000 people.
Read More: 9,000 attendees, 200 exhibitors at 48th annual Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show
During Art Show weekend, traffic patterns in the Mt. Gretna area will be significantly altered, and Route 117 will be closed during show hours. Parking will be available at Soldiers Field and WellSpan Philhaven, with a free shuttle service available to the show.
Mt. Gretna, founded in the late 1800s as a summer resort, attracts visitors every summer for a variety of cultural events.
The Art Show is made possible by a dedicated community and a team of over 300 volunteers.
For more information, including directions to the show, visit www.mtgretnaarts.com.
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