BELLEFONTE — The Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County opens its 5th Annual Holiday Show and Sale December 1st and continues to January 13th. Special events, free reception and extra gifts will be on sale the first two weekends of December. A wide variety of art works by more than 45 artists will be available--from legendary, remarkable, celebrated artists to fresh faces and newcomers to Centre County. This season, give a gift of talent, tradition and timelessness--a work of art.

Artist Perry Winkler's works done in watercolor will be featured in the Community Gallery and highlighted by a painting in which he imagined the Historic Linn House (home to the Bellefonte Museum) as it was when it was built, 200 years ago. Inventive artist Mary Vollero will be showing iPad photo/paintings of local scenes and portraits of other artists in a group of works in the Tea Room Gallery.

Highlights of the enormous collection of art and gifts include Steve Strouse's local woods boxes, Sylvia Apple's quilts, and Jim Mikkelsen's amazing bowls made from burled root masses. Several artists will be show pottery, jewelry, cards and ornaments.

Local legend, television art presenter and teacher Diane Maurer will have her silk scarfs and other artworks available. Jen Shuey is the featured artist on the museum ornament this year. She will have original pastels of the ornament image for sale at show. Linna Muschlitz offers beautiful Raku wall and table pottery. A member of the Farmland Preservation Artists, Barb Pennypacker, shows farm themed works and Susan Nicholas Gephart, president of the Pastel Society and art teacher, will be showing works in oil and pastels. Extraordinary, large works in pastel and collage by Ruth Kazaz are available . A new museum T-shirt designed by Harriet Rosenberg is available but watch out--it comes with a BAM!

Well known artist Nancy Brassington paints local city images in brightly colored geometric, almost abstract style. Nancy is recognized for her works in color lithograph and oil.  Another incredibly talented and popular artist is Holly Fritchman. Holly is a self-taught illustrator and painter featuring local landscapes and botanicals.

While at the museum, bring the family and enjoy a train display, holiday decor much more!

Hope to see you this season, Patricia House, Director