Zern’s Farmers’ Market offers prize donations to artists
Studio B Art Gallery, Boyertown, was pleasantly surprised recently to receive a phone call offering $500 toward awards to several artists featured in its current exhibit “All Creatures Great and Small.” The surprise donations were sponsored by Zern’s Farmers’ Market. The award-winning artists were selected by Farmers’ Market Manager Bill Klopp-Shaner.
Hector Zelidon was awarded for his photograph “Blue Cheshire.” Sharon K. Merkel was awarded for her mixed media rendering entitled “Whippet.”
“What a lovely, and totally unexpected, phone call! It’s a first!” noted Jane Stahl, Studio B’s director of community relations. “Asking for financial support is no one’s favorite activity, and we are always soliciting local support
for our exhibits, educational program, and our artists,” explained Stahl.
“Our existence relies on the generosity of our artists, patrons,
businesses, and art-loving individuals who appreciate the value of art-related venues to the economic health, education, and culture of their communities,” she continued.
“Bobbi Gail Lipton, owner of Zern’s Farmer’s Market, has been a generous donor. Over the years she’s provided funds toward the operating expenses of the studio, offered scholarships toward art classes for Boyertown Area School District’s children, and, this year, opted to award our artists. We’re very grateful for her generosity and for thinking of us — seemingly, out of nowhere!”
While saddened to learn that Zern’s Farmers’ Market is being sold, Stahl hopes and believes that Lipton’s support for the Boyertown community will continue. “Bobbi Gail has roots and connections to our community; she cares deeply about Boyertown. Her interests in the arts, children, opera, animal care — these are all things that Boyertown offers toward enhancing quality of life.”
“We’d love to line up “angel investors” or corporate donors for each month of our operation allowing us to focus our efforts on what we love — developing creative exhibits, classes and art-related community activities.”
To become a donor, a sponsor for a particular exhibit or the studio’s educational arm, contact Jane Stahl, janeEstahl@comcast. net or 610-563-7879.