The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
GNAL readies upcoming exhibits
Ria Hyer takes over as Greater Norristown Art League president
EAST NORRITON » As the creative world’s cognoscenti debated issues like President Trump’s trade war with China and its potential impact on the U.S. market for Asian art or whether the giant constructs at the Aug. 26 to Sept. 3 Burning Man fest in Nevada are, in fact, “art,” members of Greater Norristown Art League focused on “getting the word out about all the wonderful programs we offer.”
“We’re always trying to get our name out there,” adds Ria Hyer, the organization’s incoming pres-
ident. “We’re launching a new website, we’re changing our logo … our whole look, really, and we now have a social media person. So we’re trying to expand our brand’s presence in the community … to get as much positive exposure as possible.”
GNAL members serve as curators for rotating exhibits at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery’s Braemer Medical Arts Building, 559 W. Germantown Pike, East Norriton, and their current show – “Creative Viewpoints” – continues through Nov. 14. An exhibit at Timshel Coffee Shop, 104 E. Main St., Norristown, is scheduled for Sept. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m., and the league’s annual fall show at GNAL headquarters, 800 W. Germantown Pike, East Norriton, will take place Sept. 15 and 16 from noon to 5 p.m., with a closing reception set for Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m.
The public is also invited to GNAL’s first-ever Second Sunday at GNAL Sept. 9 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. The free event will feature refreshments, drinks, 50/50 cash and gift basket raffles, door prizes and a presentation by internationally recognized watercolor artist Jim McFarlane.
GNAL’s history goes back to 1941 when a small group of artists and artlovers established the Norristown Art Committee, subsequently renamed the Norristown Art League. According to GNAL records, the league’s first exhibit was held at the old Norristown YMCA. The Y served as its headquarters until the early 1950s, when members met and held classes in their homes and, eventually, at the former Holland School in Curren Terrace. The 19th century schoolhouse at Germantown Pike and Sunset Avenue has been the league’s permanent home since the early 1970s, and members celebrated their acquisition of the property with a gala reception on Sept. 10, 1972.
These days, GNAL adult and youth classes, workshops and member exhibits share the calendar with several community outreach projects, particularly ones that benefit young people. Those efforts include yearly art scholarships for seniors at Methacton, Norristown Area and Pope John Paul II high schools and awards for standout participants at Montgomery Community College’s high school and MCCC student art shows.
GNAL also collaborates with Expressive Path, a nonprofit that offers classes and events related to theater, dance, music and the visual arts at various venues throughout Central Montco. In addition, league members partner with volunteers from the East Norriton chapter of the Kiwanis Club in a variety of humanities-focused activities at Silver Springs Martin Luther School in Plymouth Meeting.
Hyer’s GNAL leadership role is rooted in her introduction to the group as a student in its workshops and classes and her observations as a parent when her children attended its annual summer art camp. Over the years, the Plymouth Meeting woman, a painter and sculptor, has also served as a league board member and vice president.
Her fellow GNAL officers are Mary Ellen Sillcox, vice president; Patrick Bampfield, treasurer; and Vicki Marino, secretary. Board members are Marlene Serafine, Gaudio, Pamela Martin, Celeste Sabinske, Carol Salter, Roz Silverman, Anne Whalon, Arnold Winkler and Candace Zacher.
The organization’s upcoming roster of special events includes free art-related movie matinees on Oct. 14 (“Loving Vincent”) from 2 to 5 p.m. and Nov. 11 (“The Monuments Men”) from 2 to 4:30 p.m.; Beer and Trivia Night Sept. 29 at 5:30 p.m.; and a meet and greet reception Oct. 6 from noon to 3 p.m.
GNAL members will also be displaying their work and offering children’s activities at East Norriton Community Day on Sept. 8 (Stanbridge Street Park from 3 to 7 p.m.); Worcester Township Community Day on Sept. 22 (Heebner Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.); and Whitpain Community Festival on Sept. 29 (Montgomery County Community College – Blue Bell from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Additional information is available at gnal.org.