Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show returns for 52nd year Aug. 15-16

One of Lebanon County’s signature summer events returns this month as the 52nd annual Mount Gretna Art Show takes over the wooded streets of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua.

The show runs Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine.

Two hundred juried fine artists and craftspeople from across the country will display work including sculpture, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and fiber art. An emerging artists section will spotlight newer talent, and a food court will feature local restaurants. Snitz Creek Brewery will serve craft beer and wine in the Hall of Philosophy.

The show has been recognized repeatedly among the nation’s top outdoor art festivals, including in Sunshine Artist magazine’s “200 Best.”

This year, the Mount Gretna International Film Festival expands to both days of the show at the Mount Gretna Playhouse. Schedules are posted at mtgiff.com.

Live music runs throughout the weekend on the stage next to the food court seating. Saturday’s lineup features The Fourth Planet with vibraphonist Tony Miceli from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Edilson Sobagal Latin Jazz Ensemble from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and a strolling performance by the Mount Gretna Marching Band at 4 p.m.

On Sunday, Tom Hilliker: Friends and Family performs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by The Hot Club of Reading All Stars from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Emerging musicians will give pop-up performances both days.

The Kids Art Show, sponsored by the Mount Gretna Arts Council, runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days with make-and-take projects and spin art.

If you go

Admission is $15 cash or $16 by credit card. Children under 12 are admitted free. Admission includes parking. Tickets are available at mtgretnaarts.com/tickets.

Parking is free at Chautauqua’s Soldiers Field on Timber Road and an adjacent lot, where the Mount Gretna Volunteer Fire Company will direct traffic and provide golf cart shuttles for visitors needing assistance. Additional offsite parking with shuttle service is available at WellSpan Philhaven.

Route 117 will be closed during show hours, and traffic patterns will be adjusted. Routes will be marked and staffed. Organizers recommend using 101 Chautauqua Drive, Mount Gretna, for GPS directions.

No pets are permitted on the show grounds. Organizers also note that a concurrent free craft market in the area is not affiliated with the juried show.

Where the money goes

Proceeds support cultural programs of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua, the Mount Gretna Volunteer Fire Company, and community projects in the area. Media support comes in part from a grant from Lebanon County Commissioners.

This year’s sponsors are DDMP Investment Advisors LLC of Elizabethtown and Jonestown Bank & Trust.