In the quaint town of New Bethlehem, a remarkable initiative aims to breathe new life into the past. The owner of the historic 1915 Keck Block building, now known as the New Bethlehem Town Center, has launched an art contest with a twist. This event invites both professional and amateur artists to create a painting based on one of the few surviving photographs of the early Keck Block structure. By blending historical accuracy with artistic creativity, this project seeks not only to preserve local heritage but also to engage the community through art and cultural activities during the Peanut Butter Festival.
The story begins with Sandy Mateer, the current owner of the iconic building located along Arch Street. With only a single faded photograph from around 1928-1932 available, Mateer decided it was time to reconstruct the visual legacy of this landmark. The image, provided by Allen Krouse, captures a winter scene showcasing the Central Auto Service, a Chrysler dealership, and the American Railway Express office housed within the Keck Block. At that time, the area also featured a passenger train station and the Keck Hotel. To honor its history, Mateer is sponsoring a competition where participants will craft a historically accurate depiction of the building circa 1930.
This artistic endeavor comes with specific guidelines. Entrants must produce a framed or unframed canvas measuring 36 inches wide by 24 inches high, using acrylic, oil, or watercolor mediums. Submissions are due before the Peanut Butter Festival on September 19th, after which two winners will be selected—one by The Gallery's choice and another by public vote. Prizes include monetary awards of $500 and $250 respectively, while the winning artworks will become part of The Gallery’s collection. Non-winning pieces may still find a home at The Gallery under consignment terms.
Judging criteria emphasize aesthetic appeal, quality craftsmanship, adherence to historical details, and creative liberties such as adjusting elements like seasonality or architectural features for better representation. Artists interested in participating can obtain entry forms, photos, and further information directly from The Gallery or via phone.
Beyond the contest itself, the Town Center will host an art exhibition during the Peanut Butter Festival, offering additional opportunities for artists to showcase their work. Complementing these events is the Big Dog Show, featuring large-scale metal dog sculptures designed by artist Dale Rogers. These installations will decorate the old freight yard along the Redbank Valley Trail, raising awareness for local charities and businesses. Community involvement extends even further with invitations extended to dog owners wishing to participate in the festival parade.
Through this multifaceted approach, New Bethlehem embraces its rich past while fostering a vibrant artistic atmosphere. As residents and visitors alike gather for these festivities, they contribute to preserving memories of a cherished landmark while celebrating contemporary expressions of culture and creativity.