Historic Yellow Springs has lived many lives. Named for the iron-infused “yellow” spring water, it was a fashionable spa village renowned for its healing powers, a military hospital commissioned by Gen. George Washington during the American Revolution, a Soldiers’ Orphan School, the PAFA Country School, and a film studio where classics such as The Blob were created. But for the past half-century, it has served as a creative center, showcasing the fine arts of Chester County.
An annual highlight of that artistic scene is the annual Yellow Springs Art Show, celebrating its 51st year. The juried show has grown over the years, now showcasing over 4,000 works of art from more than 200 artists. From April 27 through May 12, the galleries throughout the Lincoln building will welcome visitors who can wander through the rooms and enjoy the variety of ceramics, sculptures, watercolors, pastels, oils, and other artworks.
Maureen Fendrick, chair of the Yellow Springs Art Show, became involved in the way many volunteers find themselves entrenched when she “happened to pop in 25 years ago to see the show and basically never left.” She has seen the show evolve during her tenure. “Over the years, it has been great to see the recognition of the show increase as it has grown to what it is today.”
It certainly is a grand event, with so many artworks, artists, events, and visitors. “As we all know, the Brandywine Valley has some of our nation’s greatest artists and artistic families,” said Fendrick. “Our show represents the best in the region and beyond and we are happy to support the efforts of so many talented artists.”
Such a large show is an undertaking that takes months of work and many volunteers, from preparing the spaces to hanging all the works to a poster competition and the jury process. “It’s a rush to see everything that people bring, it’s all so unique,” said Tim Compton, Executive Director of Historic Yellow Springs. “I feel like every time I walk through the show I see something new, even if it’s the same spot I have walked past multiple times, there is just so much to see.”
Many of the most well-known artists of the Brandywine Valley have participated in the show over the decades. “It’s amazing how the show has persisted and it’s really a tribute to our strong artistic community and passionate supporters of history and the arts,” said Matthew Wren, a participating artist and Ceramics Studio supervisor for Historic Yellow Springs. He has seen the show evolve in the last decade while remaining true to its origins. “The history is made by the continued commitment of all involved,” he said.
The show is a favorite not only of patrons but of the participating artists. “Yellow Springs Art Show has always been a favorite of mine,” Elise Phillips said. Her landscapes celebrate the beauty of the local countryside, with familiar scenes of rolling hills and farms. She hopes in her works “to memorialize the area and share it with people who cherish the rich landscape and history of Chester County and the Brandywine Valley.”
Throughout the show, there will be special events, including the Opening Gala on Friday, April 26, and a Happy Hour on Friday, May 3. But one of the most popular events is the family-friendly “Art Around the Village,” held on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12.
“Art around the village is a magical event,” said Compton. “Families, food, music, art in action, it seems like there is something for everyone. I just love seeing people getting into the spirit of it all.” There are crafts for young visitors, vendors, tours of the historic buildings, and more for art lovers of all ages.
“There are so many excellent artists in this show and we really strive to recruit the best of the best through our thoughtful jury process,” Fendrick said. “My hope for our new and returning visitors is that they have a truly enjoyable and awe-inspiring visit to our show and to this beautiful historic village of Yellow Springs.”
The 51st annual Yellow Springs Art Show will be held from April 27 to May 12, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Historic Yellow Springs is located at 1685 Art School Road, Chester Springs. Admission is free. For more information, check out YellowSprings.org.
About Victoria Rose
Victoria Rose (she/her) is an editor, writer, avid reader, self-described geek, and fan of all things creative. Her passion for words has led to her current career as a freelance editor, and she is the owner of Flickering Words, an editing service. When not wielding a red pen (or cursor), she loves reading books of all genres, playing video, board, and word games, baking ridiculous creations to show off on the internet, or enjoying the gorgeous outdoors. She is a board member of the West Chester Film Festival and part of the Thirsty Monsters, a team of streamers from around the world who fundraise for various charities supporting LGBTQIA+ and accessibility rights. She can be found online @WordsFlickering or the Brandywine Art Guide @BrandywineArtGuide.
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