Ephrata Cloister’s historic buildings, collections, and programming invite the exploration of this unique community’s spiritual, creative, and intellectual accomplishments by encouraging visitors to develop a personal connection to Pennsylvania’s significant role in religious toleration and intellectual freedom. The Cloister is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) and is heavily supported by the Ephrata Cloister Associates, a nonprofit community-based organization.
The associates rely on funds from memberships, donations and sales from its gift shop to help fund programming that is done at the Cloister. The group is responsible for sponsoring most of the special events on-site such as lectures, living history programs, re-enactments, and various group tours.
In an effort to raise money, the Ephrata Cloister Associates has joined together with the Artisans in the Park Organization Inc. (www.ArtisansInThePark.com) to host a new event, the first annual Artisans in the Park Summer Fest, to take place on Saturday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ephrata Cloister. All funds raised will aid the group to update old equipment and make repairs to the buildings and grounds in order to keep the site open to the public. The Cloister is located at 632 W. Main St. in Ephrata, Pa.
The Artisans in the Park Organization Inc. is formed by people that share a love of history and want to aid in its preservation. They organize and promote community fundraisers for historical landmarks in the form of art shows and festivals. By showcasing a variety of handmade art, they are able to donate a portion of the event proceeds directly to the hosting organization to help preserve history for generations to come. All of their shows are admission free and take place rain or shine.
This year’s Summer Fest silver partner is Freas Farm Winery. “The show will showcase the skills of several artisans including pottery, body and household products, wood carvings, paintings, paper art, glass art, fiber art, hooked and penny rugs, metal art, jewelry, photography, and more,” said organizer Michelle Pearson. This artisan show will include food and wine from Freas Farm Winery, hot and cold drinks from the Perkup Truck, and more. There will be live artist demonstrations from Earth Tone Crafts and Weaving, Andy Smith, Bill Kassel Fine Art, LaBella’s Paper Petals, the Apple of Your Eye, CMK Creative Designs, and more.
Live music will take place from the Groovebirds of Portland, Ore., throughout the park all day. Be sure to play the Toss for Tickets game for a chance to win prizes from the artists in attendance as well as several community businesses. Proceeds from the game will benefit the Ephrata Cloister Associates.
The Ephrata Cloister Visitor Center and gift shop will be open to the public, and tours of the buildings and property will be going on throughout the day.
For further details on the Artisans in the Park show, advertising, or volunteer opportunities, email Michelle Pearson at Info@ArtisansInThePark.com.