There’s more than a bit of artistry on display at Rose Valley Lake in October, when the jewel tones of the fall leaves are reflected in the crystal lake set among the rolling hills. It’s just the setting for a very special art show, the second annual “Fall Into the Arts Lake Fest” on October 10 and 11. With over twenty-five regionally and nationally recognized artisans, this is an exclusive juried art show. But one of the most interesting things about this show is that all the artists are our friends and neighbors, for all these folks live right here in Northern Pennsylvania and Southern New York.

And it’s a special setting, too. For it’s the brainchild of Bobby Maguire, who has opened his ninety-acre farm on the shores of Rose Valley Lake for this event. Bobby has long been a collector of fine art, and many sculptures from noted artists are installed at the farm. For him, the road to this art show started in the major metropolitan shows that he attended. He saw wonderful things, but he also knew people right here who were creating art of equal caliber. He talked about this to a number of people, and one of them was Deb Parsons. Deb works in many mediums, but is best known for her lamp-worked glass jewelry and, as an artist, knew the grueling hours needed for people from this area to travel to exhibit. It took years of talking about a show right here in North Central Pennsylvania, and in those years, Deb was organizing and promoting events, gaining the experience needed for such a large event. By 2014, the thought and the experience of these two people merged into this special event.

Initially, they thought about a summer show, but that conflicted with the shows that artists travel to for exposure to a larger world. And so, Bobby and Deb looked at mid-October. That time was a good fit for artisans, and many of those invited were excited to attend. All they needed was a tent, some local food vendors, live music, and some advertising for an event. No one knew how many people would come for a combination of a metropolitan show and a small country fair. But, the magic was there, and hundreds of people came.

And no wonder. Here was a “big city” show, but more than that. For the people invited worked in many different mediums. And they were not only exhibiting, but they had the time and space to talk to people, to describe special techniques they used. For the browser and serious art collector alike, this was a golden opportunity to interact with both the art and the artist. For the artists, they had the chance to really talk to other artists. As Linda Campbell, who creates pottery in the slab method said, “In most shows, you’re stuck in your little tent. Not here.” And the artists invited tended to be people that are willing to talk, to demonstrate what they do. It is both an exhibition/sale and the gathering of people that create a space where art is happening now.

This year, the tents have grown to two large tents, and more fine artists have accepted the invitation to merge large city talent in a serene country setting. Whether it’s the pastel paintings of Theresa Spitler, the wood sculptures of Mark Robbins, the photography of Nadine Sapiente, the upscaled furniture of Ann Hudak, or even the hand-sculpted papermache of Sally Cohick, there will be so much to see. Pleinair will be there all day, painting on site. Laura Roan, who creates masks and bittersweet wreaths will be doing face painting with the kids.

You’re invited...to bring a picnic lunch or a bottle of wine and a blanket. Enjoy the lake, the view, the artists, and the crisp autumn air. There will be music, courtesy of Pepper Street and Fatman. Many tempting treats await at the food booths. Walk the grounds, sit on an Adirondack chair, and just drink in the lake. Explore the many well-groomed trails throughout the farm (and animals are welcome on leashes). Bring your mountain bike, or even a registered kayak. Parking is easy and free, and the event is handicap-accessible.

A warm, artistic welcome awaits.

Fall into the Arts Lake Fest

Saturday, October 10, 2015: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, October 11, 2015: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain or Shine Event 939 Trimble Road, Trout Run, PA 17771. (South end of Rose Valley Lake. Watch for Signs along the road.)