Artist Julie Longacre to launch new book

Julie Longacre, a well known artist will launch her new book “A Sketch in Time” on Sunday, Nov. 25 at her bi-annual art show held this year at theBally Fire Company’s Social Hall. The doors open at 9 a.m. to an art exhibit unlike any other. The public is invited to view, (no purchase necessary) her latest creations on canvas, her new Christmas Card titled, “Snowfall,” and her new book.

“A Sketch in Time” is a collection of drawings selected from the pages of her sketch books and journals. The hand written captions reveal her personal thoughts and remarks concerning her subjects which include farms, barns and outbuildings. Among the other chapters is an intriguing one titled Singles and Mixed Doubles.

The book is unique in that it is printed and bound in the 19th century Arts and Crafts Tradition with a hand crafted cover and bound together with ribbon.

Julie’s bi-annual art event has become another tradition, begun in the early 80’s her art show is a gathering of friends and fans. Because of the volume in attendance, the use of the Fire Company Social Hall is not only necessary it’s transformed into a large art gallery with the use of Pottstown Artist Guild’s display racks, indispensible for the framed art work, featuring Julie’s recent compositions.

“It takes me two years to complete the new work. I am slowing down, you know,” says Longacre. This year with the release of her new book, the artist will celebrate her 70th birthday. “And no birthday is complete without ice cream. Longacre’s ice cream will be served at the show as usual. Who can celebrate without it?”

It was a joyous career, thus far according to Longacre, but as she states on the last page of her book, “Artists don’t retire, their brush strokes just get shorter.”

Longacre’s guests once again, will be the Antler Ridge Winery with their award winning selectionin time for the Holidays.

The show closes at 5 p.m. The Bally Fire company social hall is located at 537 Chestnut St., one block west of Main Street.