Farmland Preservation Artists of Central Pennsylvania launch show at Capitol in Harrisburg

A group of artists who support farmland preservation through their art are showing their work in the East Rotunda of the State Capitol in Harrisburg this month.

The show, “Our Farm Heritage,” is on display through Oct. 31. The members of Farmland Preservation Artists of Central Pennsylvania who are exhibiting are: Peg Klinger, Joanne Juhl, Brienne Brown, Anne Kenyon, Susan Nichols Gephart, Jeff Mathison, R Thomas Berner, Milt Trask, Cinda Kostyak, Barb Pennypacker, Avid Jones, Valerie Moyer, Jen Shuey and Martha Taylor. Taylor is the president.

“By showcasing the beauty of our agricultural heritage,” Taylor said, “I hope our elected officials will be reminded of the need to preserve that heritage.”

The FPA was created in 2005 under the direction of Elizabeth Kirchner. It is a joint enterprise of the Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania and the Centre County Farmland Trust. The artists donate 6% of their sales to each organization.

The rotunda, at 500 Commonwealth Ave., is open to the public during the week between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Parking is available at Capitol parking garage or at meters on the street.

The use of the East Rotunda to exhibit art was fully established by 1993, according to a House archivist. Shows had been held there periodically since 1987, when the Rotunda opened, but it was not until 1993 that the Department of General Services took charge.

Below is a look at some of the pieces in the show:

Susan Nichols Gephart’s “Big Valley Sunset” is on display in the East Rotunda of the State Capitol in Harrisburg as part of a show from the Farmland Preservation Artists of Central Pennsylvania.

R Thomas Berner’s “Star Barn” is on display in the East Rotunda of the State Capitol in Harrisburg as part of a show from the Farmland Preservation Artists of Central Pennsylvania.

Peg Klinger’s “Susquehanna” is on display in the East Rotunda of the State Capitol in Harrisburg as part of a show from the Farmland Preservation Artists of Central Pennsylvania.

Martha Taylor’s “Elegy for a Watershed” is on display in the East Rotunda of the State Capitol in Harrisburg as part of a show from the Farmland Preservation Artists of Central Pennsylvania.

Cinda Kostyak’s “The Mustard Barn” is on display in the East Rotunda of the State Capitol in Harrisburg as part of a show from the Farmland Preservation Artists of Central Pennsylvania.

Barb Pennypacker’s “Calf’s First Steps” is on display in the East Rotunda of the State Capitol in Harrisburg as part of a show from the Farmland Preservation Artists of Central Pennsylvania.