Local Artists Display Paintings for Sale at Solehi Library

Vacations have provided some of the the best inspirations for artists Elizabeth (Betty) Allender and Diane Hutchinson, whose works are on display at the . The Summer Art Show Travel features non-local scenes by local artists for show and sale until Sept. 12.

When Elizabeth (Betty) Allender of Allentown retired from cosmetology 12 years ago, she devoted herself to learning more about art. She is currently the Art Twig Chairperson at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, coordinating the display and sale of paintings by local artists at the hospital.

Joining several local art groups including the Saucon Art League, Bethlehem Pallete Club and the Parkland Art League, Allender enjoys networking with other artists at workshops and demonstrations through these groups. She specializes in watercolor, oil and acrylics.

Allender has two watercolor paintings on display, inspired by a tour of California.

“At the time, my son and daughter both lived out there, and we visited my nephew in Modesto (in central California) and drove ... to L.A.,” said Allender. “Solvang [northwest of Santa Barbara] is a lovely town that makes you feel like you aren't in the U.S... like you were in Denmark with the little windmills.”

Both watercolor paintings, #10 Santa Barbara, CA ($250) and #11 Solvang, CA ($250) depict fond memories inspired by the drive along the coast of California.

Another local artist, Diane Hutchinson, has also pursued the development of her talent through networking with other artists. She has studied with many local artists – Muriel Griffith, Rose Mavis and Douglas Wiltraut—as well as artist Ray DiJohn of Chadds Ford, where her love for watercolor began. 

A graphic designer as well as a fine artist, Hutchinson works out of her studio on her small farm in Emmaus.  She paints in oils and watercolors as well as makes “hooked” rugs.

“Seeing design in all things I believe has helped my painting,” said Hutchinson. "Design and color are the two passions in my life. When the two are harmoniously combined, the result can be astounding..."

She spends much of her summer in New Jersey, where her family has vacationed for generations. The oil painting on display, #12 The View from Nagle's ($700), was inspired by a visit gazing out the window of Nagle’s Apothecary Café, which is a turn-of-the-century pharmacy in Ocean Grove, NJ.   

To view all the paintings on display, visit Southern Lehigh Public Library at 3200 Preston Lane, Center Valley. To purchase one of the paintings, contact Lynnette Seager, Library Director, at 610-282-8825.