Greshville Antiques and Fine Art, Route 562 near Boyertown, will present the Annual Berks County Art Show Oct. 2 through 9, held in honor of the milestone anniversary of 35 years in business.
Valerie and Kurt Malmberg, owners of Greshville Antiques and Fine Art, will display the local works of art in their renovated 18th century Pennsylvania German stone barn. A collection of more than 125 pieces of art by a diverse group of artists from Berks County will be exhibited and offered for sale during this eight-day event. Included are museum quality works of art, circa 1850-1950, many having been purchased from private collections. These paintings have been gathered over the last 12 months and held for display at this show.
The real estate property for Greshville Antiques and Fine Art was purchased in 1980 for the specific purpose of an antiques shop, with a stone farmhouse for the residence and a farmer’s barn for the gallery. The barn was earmarked to be razed prior to the purchase. The initial renovation of the barn was completed within 12 months, with the addition of an electrical system, flooring, new roofing, wall construction, and a security system. Over the years, the owners have made several improvements including a new heating system, central air conditioning and modified display areas that enhance the atmosphere of the space. The barn has been distinguished not only as a model space for the display of antiques and art, but has also garnished attention as a representation of a premiere renovated historic building.
In the early years, the inventory of Greshville Antiques and Fine Art consisted primarily of the owners’ collection of clocks and furniture. As their interest in art developed, so did their inventory of paintings. The Malmbergs have been researching Berks County artists and their works for more than 30 years. They are considered the leading authorities and appraisers of Berks County art, assisting auction houses, institutions, appraisers and collectors in evaluating and purchasing this rediscovered regional art.
Their passion for Berks County art evolved into The Annual Berks County Art Show.
Through this endeavor, their intention has been to enlighten and educate the public about the industrious and creative colony of artists who were part of the cultural explosion in Reading 100 years ago. With a growing national interest in American art and antiques, many of Berks County’s local treasures have been stripped from this area. This show offers the local art enthusiast a chance not only to learn about and enjoy his/her local heritage, but also a prime opportunity to own it.
Included in this year’s show is a collection of paintings by Ben Austrian (1870-1921). Born and raised in Reading, Austrian is Berks County’s most well known artist of that era. His logo of a chick and broken egg shell for the Bon Ami Cleanser Company brought him international attention. Many fine examples of his work will be offered in this year’s show, including several still life, landscape, chick, and genre paintings.
Another highlight of this year’s show is a representation by the artistic Spang family, whose three brothers served in the Civil War in 15th Pennsylvania Regiment of the 160th Pennsylvania Volunteers and miraculously survived to return to Berks County to continue their art careers.
Many of the paintings included in the show are from private collections, including works by Christopher Shearer (1846-1926) and his brother Edmund Shearer (1851-1935). These paintings, purchased directly from a descendent of the Shearer family, will be shown for the first time.
Christopher Shearer was a strong promoter of the arts in Berks County and supported the movement through an association with the Oscar Woerner Art Gallery. Shearer was also instrumental in the development of the Reading Public Museum and Art Gallery, convincing the founder, Dr. Levi Mengel, to incorporate a painting gallery within the institution.
Rounding out the show are a selection of works by Eugene Reeser, Victor Shearer, Clint Shilling, Elda Craumer, B. Imhoff, C. F. Witman, J. H. Raser, J. R. Rowe, and others.
The event runs for eight days, and averages 2,500 to 3,000 visitors. The opening day is the most popular day, with competitive buying, and an attendance of “who’s who” in the antiques and fine arts community.
All paintings exhibited will be available for purchase and are guaranteed as represented. Along with the collection of Berks County Art, the gallery also carries a collection of 19th and 20th century American and European art, and American and European clocks, furniture, and accessories.
For more information, contact Valerie Malmberg at Greshville Antiques and Fine Art at 610-367-0076, visit www.greshvilleantiques.com, or follow on Facebook.
