When he first learned of the Banana Factory Arts and Education Center and its glass studio, it was only a matter of time before Dan Getz found his way to the Lehigh Valley to live and work here. A Maryland native, Getz first set foot in the Valley when he was hired to assist with creation and installation of The Four Elements sculpture at the Musikfest Café. Now he is the ... »
Every town seems to have a comic book store, and every citizen seems to have wondered, at one point or another, how it manages to stay in business, seemingly immune to economic hardship and digital migration. (Somewhat easily, as it turns out: comic book and graphic novel sales hit a staggering $935 million in 2014, a 20-year high for the industry.) Many years later, he wo... »
“People thought I was crazy,” recalls Justin Klement, but the Whitehall-based artist has never let people’s opinions dictate his life. When some people picture a college football player, they might imagine a genetically gifted young man more concerned with practice and afterparties than going to class. When they imagine a college art major, they might imagine someone dress... »
“Making art is a career and a college major for people who can’t stand the thought of doing anything else,” Cheryl Hochberg. If anyone should know, it’s her. Hochberg is a painter, mixed-media artist, and the chair of the fine arts department at Kutztown University, a position she has held for the last nine years. She earned her BFA from the Tyler School of Art in Philadel... »
The English language is filled with apparent contradictions – phrases such as “alone in a crowd,” “jumbo shrimp,” “open secret” and (thanks to George Carlin) “military intelligence.” Until recently, I would have included “graffiti artist” on that list – until I had a chance to talk with Max Meano, who specializes in that genre. Max’s medium of expression is spray pa... »
In Memory of Charles H. “Bud” Berge, the official St. Nicholas of Christkindlmarkt When Christmastime comes around each year, I think back to my fond childhood memories. Gathering with my family under the Christmas tree sharing presents. Baking homemade cookies with my mother in the kitchen. Watching Rankin/Bass cartoons on television. But the one that stands out among the... »
No matter which winter holidays you celebrate, exchanging gifts is part of the traditions. But if your recipient’s taste is apart from the mainstream, shopping can be tough. You’ll often find shelves loaded with mass-produced merchandise that essentially copies-and-pastes itself. There’s a better approach – the eighth annual Indiemade Craft Market (ICM) on December 5. This... »
The phrase “Pennsylvania Youth Theatre” might prompt mental images of ramshackle sets, homemade costumes, and a cast of awkward kids stumbling around on stage. But you’d be absolutely wrong on all counts. PYT is actually a regional performing-arts school. Thousands of children have studied drama, music and dance during its 30-year history and – with help from professional ... »
Step inside the first floor of the historic Easton Dollar Savings & Trust building – a beautiful three-story stone structure located at 8 Centre Square – and you may suddenly feel as if you’ve been transported into Manhattan’s Soho art scene. The high white walls display an assortment of eye-catching paintings and artistic creations, while the wide-open, refreshingly a... »
Locals know it and love it. Others come from far and wide to enjoy Lehigh Valley’s 10-day summer music festival year after year. From live performances and popular headliners to mouthwatering food and a variety of flavorful beverages, Musikfest continues to delight guests of all ages. This year it comes with some special new additions to the programming, including a whole ... »
