Photos, Pastels Part of Homestead's New Exhibit

The will open its doors at 7 p.m., Aug. 15, for a “Meet the Artists” reception sponsored by the Saucon Valley Conservancy. The gallery's new exhibit showcases the works of Louise and William Cosgrove, who record the varied landscapes of the Lehigh Valley through the use of pastels and photography.

"What makes this show unique is that we are husband and wife,” Louise said. “Our work shows really nice together.”

“It’s good that it’s different,” said Fran Roseman, the exhibit curator. "I love the pastels, but I love the photography, too. They have such atmosphere. I love them all."

Louise works with pastels; soft, chalk-like substances with brilliant color. William has chosen photography as his preferred medium and captures many of his images early in the morning, when dew covers the grass and mist rises from the ground.

One of his favorite spots to photograph is the Great Meadow in Allentown's Trexler Park, William said.

Another favorite subject is close-up pictures of flowers. It’s an artform called macro-photography, and one he developed a passion for after buying his first 35mm camera, he explained.

William said flowers were something he only thought of as pretty until he took pictures of them “up close and personal.” It was then that he said “you start seeing the stamen and pistils, and all of the intricacies of God’s creations.”

If the exhibit had a name, Louise said, it would be titled “For the Glory of God.”

“We are both into realism,” she said, which means they are portraying the subject as it is seen, rather than in the abstract.

“It’s pleasant--the kind of art you like for your home,” Louise said.

The reception is free and open to the public, and no invitation is needed to attend.

"This isn’t like going to a museum," Roseman explained. "All of the works are for sale."

There are 27 framed pieces, as well as additional packaged photos and watercolors for sale. The prices range from about $100 to $700 for the framed art, Louise said. The other works include some that are matted, and others that are not. The watercolors cost $75.

The photographs are being sold in three sizes: 5x7, 8x10 and 11x14. They range in price from $12.50 to $15, or two for $20 or $25, depending on the size. Fran said that 35 percent of the proceeds from the sales will go toward the support of the Historic Heller Homestead.

Louise said her favorite piece in the exhibit is a painting of a barn at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm in the Poconos--although picking one is like picking which is the favorite son or daughter, she added.

The strong contrasts of light and dark are what drew Louise to the barn. She went to Quiet Valley, near Stroudsburg, with other members of the Bethlehem Palette Club. The club visits a different site every Wednesday morning, she said.

“Being retired is wonderful,” Louise said. For 36 years, she taught art in the Salisbury Township School District.

“I’ve had formal training, but my sweetheart does not,” she said. "He credits living with me in training him."

"Bill’s work is just stunning," she added.

Both Louise and William have won awards for their art from the Lehigh Art Alliance and the Parkland Art League, Louise said.

The Cosgroves’ exhibit will be on display through Oct. 30. In addition to viewing the art, members of the public can also tour the homestead and see its furnished period rooms, Roseman said.

The homestead is open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

More information about the exhibits and the homestead is available on their website, www.hellertownhomestead.org.