Stop by the Rexville Grange Friday evening to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Rexville Grange Holiday Art Show – and do a little shopping while you are there.

The semi-annual show began in the Pleasant Ridge Pottery and Gallery across from the Rexville Grocery in the 1980s. Artists Marguerite Goff and Kit Muehlman sold their ceramic work and a collection of local art, jewelry, clothing, weaving and herbal items. When the Gallery closed in May 2000, Goff, Janet Hamilton, Beth Hailey and Arlene Summers arranged to lease space from the nearby Rexville Grange.

That fall, a few committed artists painted the hall, cleaned the very old kitchen, added good track lighting, installed a hanging art system, mowed the lawn and made a front door arbor. The Grange, the oldest one in the Valley, installed a propane heater. Now each November and April the basement is transformed into a space of warmth and beautiful fine arts and crafts.

Arlene Summers and her husband John, a big help to the organizers, both passed away in 2020. “We will miss them as we have this first show without them,” said Goff.

Masks will be required and the reception 6-8 p.m. Nov. 12 will feature recorded tunes rather than a live performance by the trio, Campbell Road. The show continues this weekend and next weekend, Nov. 20-21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 19299 Rexville Grange Road.

The 20th anniversary of the show was actually 2020 – but, of course, there was none. “The artists are thrilled to be back in this building full of memories, showing and selling their backlog of new creations to happy customers.” said Goff.

– Source: Holiday Art Show