5-28-2024 4:23am

Studio B Art Gallery Invites Community to Share Their Pride and Joy

Lesley Misko Editor

Donna Stauffer offers assistance during one of her back-to-school picnics. Stay tuned for an article that Donna submitted describing the many projects, foods, activities, and gifts she created for her grandchildren that has given her great pleasure for many years. Photograph by Marcy Behr

by Jane Stahl

In a celebration of the Boyertown area community, Studio B Art Gallery is inviting all members of the community to participate in the studio’s "I AM: Proud" project by submitting photographs of their pride and joy.

Photographs will be shown on a TV in the studio's window throughout the summer. Photographs should be sent to studiob@boyertownpa.org. (Include “I AM: Proud” in the subject line.)

Seeing photos of children and grandchildren, flowers and gardens, automobiles and homes, book and album covers, faces of family members in uniforms, and/or reading about folks in the middle of creating or participating or accomplishing something will uplift spirits and remind the community of what’s important.

"Dahlias" Photo by Beth Glick

Articles are also welcome that describe accomplishments, individuals, or groups that have generated pride and joy and should be sent to janeEstahl@comcast.net.

The studio's summer theme "I AM: Proud" addresses a serious challenge of our time—in which confronting great cynicism and anxiety, uncertainty and disappointment requires us all to find ways to preserve, protect, and further the courage, honesty, and integrity that bring us enduring pride.

While we are often shy about sharing what we have accomplished for fear of being seen as bragging or of making others feel ‘less than’ somehow, at the same time, we are encouraged not to ‘hide our light.’ Our joy and example are often exactly what others need to motivate them or provide ‘permission’ to feel good about themselves.

Plus, knowing more about one another helps to build unity in our community. Showcasing the best of who we are and illustrating the best of humanity inspire and help us all live the values we cherish.

Funded by a grant from the Boyertown Area Charitable Program administered by Berks County Community Foundation (BCCF), Studio B Art Gallery is gearing up for its annual project celebrating visual and literary art that also includes a variety of efforts to engage community members in the theme-of-the-year. A number of efforts are planned as part of the project.