For many, spring is known as a time of renewal, and for artists in particular, spring can mean renewed inspiration. In other words, it’s the perfect time for an art show.
Each spring for the past five years, the Palmyra Community Center Program Board has opened the doors of the community center to local artists young and old for a chance to show off their work, network with other artists and maybe even sell a piece or two.
Earlier this month, the fifth annual Spring Arts Show brought artists from the borough and neighboring towns, students from Palmyra schools, local musicians from The Guitar Guild and local business Jeny’s Java Joint to the community center for a night of celebrating and showcasing artistic talent in Palmyra.
“We’re a little town, big talent,” said Lee Stoner of the community center program board.
Stoner was instrumental in organizing the art show. She credits the volunteer efforts of locals, including students from Palmyra High School’s National Honors Society, parents, PTA members and members of Palmyra and Riverton council, with helping to set up and break down the night’s event.
“It could only be put together because of all the volunteers. We had about 20 people help us set up,” said Stoner. “It’s the volunteers that make it happen, and obviously all of the talent that we have.”
Through her numerous connections throughout town, Stoner had no problem getting the word out to the right people and getting others involved. She runs art classes for the community center, sits on the committee for the Palmyra PTA, is neighbors with an art teacher from Charles Street School and is married to a photographer.
“It gets bigger and bigger every year, we have more and more artists,” said Stoner.
In addition to the works on display by professional artists, at the show were many pieces by students from each of the schools in the district. Many of the young artists enjoyed their first experience having their work displayed publicly.
“They love it, they love bringing their parents in to come look at their artwork. I have so many great photographs of the kids pointing to their artwork,” said Stoner.
One such young artist was 6-year-old Sundiata Abdurahman, who had several examples of his paintings and photography on display at the show. He came to the event with his father Amir, who was proud to see his son’s creativity being showcased.
According to Amir, Sundiata’s photograph of one of his crossing guards, entitled “Happy Hero,” won first place at the state level in an annual National PTA arts contest in the pre-k through second-grade age group.
“The special thing about him in this instance is that he’s a special needs student, but he didn’t compete in the special needs category, he competed in the general category against all the students around the county and the state and won,” said Amir. “We’re pretty proud of him.”
Sundiata has an acute appreciation for art, be it photography, painting or music, and was certainly in his element surrounded by all three at the show.
According to his father, Sundiata has a speech disability, and uses his art as a way to express what he can’t always put into words.
“He’s definitely a heart person and he loves to express himself,” said Amir.
Palmyra-based photographer Lauren Allmond brought a set of film photographs to the art show that she had shot around her hometown. Her photos highlighted interesting sights throughout the borough that should be immediately recognizable to residents, yet were shot in such a way that revealed the familiar landmarks in a new light.
“I’m really interested in lines and symmetry,” said Allmond about her approach to capturing an image.
It was Allmond’s first time at the Spring Arts Show and she enjoyed the opportunity to meet with other artists in the area. While many people were familiar with her work as a full-time wedding and lifestyle photographer, she said the art show provided an opportunity for her to introduce people to her personal work.
Allmond was also pleasantly surprised to discover hidden artistic talent in her fellow Palmyra residents.
“It’s nice to see your neighbors in a different way,” said Allmond.
