The PA Auction Center in Quarryville, Pa., held a sale on Nov. 15, during the recent stormfront that brought the first measurable snowfall of the season. The auction was highlighted by a group of Zook artwork, notably a three-dimensional diorama farm scene depicting horses plowing a field and a sunset in the background by Abner Zook that set a new auction record, selling for $28,600. Prices reported include a 10 percent buyer’s premium.
The late Zook of Newmanstown, Lebanon County, Pa., was born in 1921. He was a member of the Schaefferstown Mennonite Church and died at the age of 89 in 2010. Zook created about 800 three-dimensional works during his lifetime, primarily in the 1970s and 80s. His twin brother, Aaron, also created finely detailed dioramas. Their work is regionally collected and has been exhibited at the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society. For those that wish to see a large assortment of these works, visit the Shady Maple Smorgasbord buffet-style restaurant in East Earl, Pa.
The previous record for a Zook work was set on Feb. 17, 2018, at a Witman auction, when an Abner Zook painting/diorama of a six-horse team pulling a Conestoga wagon crossing a stream with waterfalls and mountains in the background sold for $28,050.
The PA Auction Center facility is at 3164 White Oak Road in Quarryville.
To learn more, call 717-687-7018.