Berks County Art Teachers Take a Lesson from Boyertown Attractions

by Jane Stahl

The streets of Boyertown recently were alive with almost 100 art teachers from Berks County schools as part of a county-wide teacher  in-service day. The teachers were invited to visit a few places in town where prompts challenged them to participate in an historic or art-related activity.

Art instructor Thomas Dareneau coordinated the afternoon activities and offered thanks to the hosts of the venues noting, “This was a much bigger turn out than I could have imagined, and throughout the day the comment I heard the most is how no one want to host next year because they are afraid to follow after us. I think that is 100% because of your time and investment in our town. You made today extremely special and an experience that cannot be found ANYWHERE else on earth.” In turn, teachers and hosts expressed gratitude to Dareneau for arranging the experiences.

Kendra Cook, Executive Director of the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, 85 S Walnut Street, enjoyed the visiting teachers, exclaiming, “What a fabulous group of people” and thanked Dareneau for arranging their visit. The vehicle museum is often called Boyertown’s “best kept secret.” The teachers were invited to enjoy a trip back in automotive history and even grab a bit to eat in the historic Fegley Diner.

Taylor Backes Hot Glass Studio, 150 S Washington St. was a popular attraction. This shop and working studio always impresses visitors who watch the glass artists wrestle with the melting glass to create a thing of beauty or take in the beauty of the finished glass art for sale. Eye candy is what it is!

At Twin Turrets Victorian Mansion Bed and Breakfast, 11 E Philadelphia Ave., the new owner—a Boyertown grad, Brenda Cullen -- offered the teachers a chance to create—to draw on her walls, marvel at the historic architecture or décor, or relax in the gardens. She invites future participation after the enjoyable afternoon , saying, “I couldn't have asked for a sweeter, kinder group of people to come through; I was so happy to be a participant. It was my pleasure! Let me know what I can do in the future, I'm excited to help the arts/music department for BASH any way I can.”

At Studio B Art Gallery and Studio, 39A E Philadelphia Ave., teachers were inspired by the exhibit of emerging artist Yenna Hill and then provided materials to create their own piece of art. Beth Wagner recalled her involvement in founding the studio.  Goggleworks instructor Zoungy Kligge expressed his enjoyment at the challenge to create during his visit. Former Studio B intern Benjamin Hoffman reflected on his career and future plans. Former Boyertown students, now veteran teachers themselves, found the studio, the exhibit, and the town impressive. Boyertown High School alumnus Chad Shalaway noted the impressive changes and opportunities in his hometown since he graduated. 

At the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, 100 S Chestnut Street, teachers toured the grounds of the historic endeavor, a re-creation of the country’s transportation past. They were granted special access and afforded an inside view guided by a train volunteer.

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