TEXT BY SCOTT CAMPBELL, PHOTO BY PAUL EMBERGER

Like many communities along the old Pennsylvania Railroad mainline, Middletown spawned its share of mills and factories. The establishment of the Olmstead Air Force Base in the last century further reinforced its blue collar identity. But, times do change. And could there be a more salient example than the Middletown Area Arts Collective?

Begun in the summer of 2007, MAAC found a home in the former Elks Lodge, a second story address along South Union Street. “The Greater Middletown Economic Development Corporation is keen on promoting the arts in town,” says the Collective’s founder and president, Shari Brandt. “Their efforts helped us locate this space.”

Plenty of walls and floor area provide adequate exhibit and work space, even in the room where a classic, wooden streamlined bar of 1940s vintage recalls the property’s earlier function. French doors and ubiquitous wood trim consistent with the building’s age contribute to the ambience.

One area is reserved for monthly exhibits. When I visited in February, a display of art from home-educated children filled its walls and tables. “Among our main goals is the promotion of the arts with today’s youth, giving them an avenue in which to display their talent,” says Brandt. “One of the groups that we work with is the Creative Home Education Support Services. They installed this show.”

“We also cooperate with the art departments of area school districts. We have had exhibits in here from Middletown, Hershey, Steel-High and Central Dauphin. And I’m pleased to add that some of the student work has been purchased.”

“We would also like to do more with college students and senior citizens in the way of instruction and exhibition,” she says. “We’ve conducted a few classes at an assisted living facility in Annville, and desire to expand that opportunity.”

The balance of MAAC’s space is dedicated to the presentation of members’ works. “We have over 70 members, and more than half of them are from Middletown,” states Brandt. Some of the pieces are by artists whose names have graced this column in previous issues of Harrisburg Magazine; glass artisan Linda Billet, cut paper wizard Jupi Das, wood sculptor John Hertzler and photographer Jeff Wiles.

Others of note that attract the attention of the writer include Fleur Byers, a long-time local artist of national repute. The encaustics of David Sponseller illustrate strong compositional qualities in a somewhat uncommon medium. Lawrence Von Knorr’s large, computer enhanced photographs possess a rich, painterly appearance and are appropriately mounted on stretched canvas. And Jan Hahn’s luminous marine giclée prints, also on canvas, are characterized by intense hues and polished detail. In summary, MAAC has a talented and diverse membership capable of producing an admirable level of work expected of such company.

Not least of them is Brandt herself. Dubbing her work “No 2 Alike Jewelry,” the Middletown woman combines a variety of glass, beads, gemstones and metals to produce delicate and distinctive pins, pendants, bracelets and earrings. Pointing to several examples displayed behind glass, she notes, “I use mostly copper foil and lead free solder, but also sterling silver wire for ear hooks and other parts.” A cancer survivor, Brandt is sensitive to the subject. She supports the Feel Your Boobies Foundation by donating to that organization 50% of sales proceeds from a special line of jewelry she created that was inspired by FYB’s website. She is also one of several members who teach, a primary function of the Collective.

Fliers available at the gallery entrance advertise various classes open to the public. One promotes beginners’ instruction in stained glass. “If you’d like to learn basic skills of stained glass, you will learn how to solder, cut glass and assemble your custom project,” declares the notice. “Tools and materials will be provided for the class and will be available for purchase.” Instructional sessions are held at a variety of times during the week, and on Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Other regular classes include pottery and painting. And many artists are available to teach their crafts on an on-demand basis. Brandt recommends contacting the gallery (944-1187, middletownarts.com) for instruction opportunities in a particular medium.

In addition to exhibit openings on the second Sunday afternoon of every month between two and six, there is a recurring schedule of social gatherings of various purposes. “High Tea Among the Arts” allows visitors to enjoy a Sunday afternoon menu of tea, scones, finger sandwiches and desserts while perusing the latest exhibit. A writer’s group meets the fourth (sometimes fifth) Thursday of each month. Music and film are the themes of still other events, as the organization endeavors to broaden its support of the arts and service to the community. The Frequent Flyer Lounge at nearby Harrisburg International Airport hosts exhibits of members’ work.

MAAC has further objectives. “When Women Create disbanded, they graciously transferred their 501c3 tax status to us,” says Brandt. “So, this will enable us to apply for grants to assist us in meeting many future goals. And, this location is temporary,” she says of the group’s current digs. “Being on a second floor has been a hindrance. We’re searching for more studio space that would have the capacity for other activities like a coffee shop or framing service. Parking is a concern too.” Once MAAC moves to roomier accommodations, its schedule of exhibits is likely to become more ambitious, and include some kind of annual juried competition. HBG