Farmland Preservation Artists

From Spackman Lane, a plein air painting

About a year ago, I joined together with eleven other artists to form the "Farmland Preservation Artists" of Central Pennsylvania. The artist members of this group represent a diverse sampling of media (Photography, oil painting, watercolor, etc.), but we share a common interest in highlighting land use issues that affect central Pennsylvania. Our exhibitions are made possible through our partnership with the Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association, and the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture.

The benefits of family-owned farms and locally grown produce are important to me because my maternal grandfather was a dairy farmer and I grew up surrounded by the corn fields, soybean crops, and tobacco fields that dominated the south central region of Wisconsin. I became involved with this group because it provides a chance to use my artistic talents to raise awareness about the beauty and importance of central Pennsylvania's farms. It's also afforded some wonderful opportunities to work on the land of generous Centre County farmers who've given their permission for us to come out and work en plein air on their properites. I am especially grateful for the generosity of Mr. Don Spackman of Port Matilda, whose beautiful property has been in his family since the late 1700's. If you've ever traveled west out of State College toward Port Matilda on 322 West / 220 South, then you may recognize his red-roofed farm buildings that sit in the valley at the base of Sky Top Mountain as you make the sweeping turn on the highway to continue south to Port Matilda.

This fall our group will exhibit our recent works at the Gamble Mill in Bellefonte. Entitled "The Fields, The Farms, The Food," the show's opening reception will be October 3, 7:30-9:30pm. Check it out and try one of the restaurant's excellent desserts while you're there.