The Reading Hospital & Medical Center is bringing back their annual art show after a hiatus. The two-day art show will feature over 75 artists, including returning artists and first-time participants. Proceeds from the art show will benefit the Friends of Reading Hospital and Medical Center, a volunteer organization that raises funds to support hospital services. Visitors can see paintings, craft demonstrations, and a collection of miniature paintings called the "Wee Wall."

1. B e r k s C o u n t y L i v i n g | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 6
t o w n
out for the “Wee Wall,” a collec-
tion of miniature and smaller paint-
ings from participating artists.
The FRHMC, formerly the Aux-
iliary, is a volunteer organization
committed to serving the hospital
by raising funds to support hospital
services and construct new facili-
ties. Proceeds from the Art Show
will benefit this organization.
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Berks | ’Bits
By Juliann Payonk
Reading Hospital
Medical Center Art
Show is BACK!
After many requests from Berks
residents, The Friends of The Read-
ing Hospital and Medical Center
(FRHMC) are bringing back their
annual art exhibit, Art Show. It will
be held in the lobby and adjacent
corridors of the new N-Building at
Reading Hospital on Nov. 3 from
10am-8pm and Nov 4, 10am-6pm.
Because Art Show was held in con-
junction with the Hospital Garden
Party each June, it had to be put
on hold in 2001 after the Garden
Party was moved to a non-secure
location for art. But now it’s back!
Over 75 artists are participat-
ing, some well-known and some
new. Returning artists include wa-
tercolorists Julia Longacre, Regina
Gouger Miller and Linda Henry
along with folk art painter Bar-
bara Strawser and charcoal artist
Mary Lou Creyts. The nationally
acclaimed Scherenschnitte artist
Marilyn Diener will also be show-
ing. First time participants include
oil painter Bill Price, hooked rug
artist Annie Harlin and emerging
young artist Shawn Button, 2006
Wyomissing High School graduate.
Mary Lou Mikes of FRHMC scoured
the Berks area to personally invite
each artist to this event. Artists will
do painting and craft demonstra-
tions during show hours. Also look
ASplashofRed
If you have an ap-
preciation for original
handcrafted art, follow
your taste to A Splash
of Red in Oley. After
months of selling home
décor and at-home
consultations for “dec-
orating on a budget,”
owner Margie Kraft felt
inspired to take her shop in a new direction—quality, handcrafted work.
If you’re looking for a unique gift for a friend or even yourself, this store
has a myriad of treasured creations from greeting cards, dolls, pottery,
watercolors and hand blown glass to soaps, gift bags, mirrors and copper
craft. Need something for the hard-to-please person in your life who has
everything? Try solar wind chimes which hang inside windows and chime
with sunlight or tasteful toothbrush holders sculpted in the shape of nude
men and women. Because it specializes in American-made, handcrafted
work, you can be sure that whatever you buy at this shop is quality art.
A Splash of Red is a jewel in its own right, too. The store comprises the
first floor of Kraft’s home, a 200-year-old stone barn that she and her
husband renovated over two years. Come check out this olden haven of
quality little things located at 325 Snyder Road in Oley. Hours: Thurs.-
Sat., 11am-5pm and Sun. 12pm-5pm. or visit www.asplashofred.com.
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