Article and photos by Mary Ellen Graybill

Marietta ArtHouse is reflecting images of the Susquehanna River at a new art exhibit called “Rivertowns Re-Viewed,” until December 18, at 316 East Market Street in Marietta, Pennsylvania. Many of the exhibiting local artists are adamant about their art and the river both and what the river means to the towns of Columbia, Bainbridge, Marietta and Wrightsville.

With recent news about fracking posing a threat to the already precarious health of the Susquehanna River, area artists have answered a call to apply their brush and pen and ink to river town landscapes, architecture, and riversides of the river towns.

The opening show on Sunday, November 13, brought a good turnout of people, said Claire Lavin, owner of the Marietta ArtHouse.

Linda Ross (l.) and Claire Lavin (r.) of Marietta ArtHouse. Photo by Mary Ellen Graybill.

The Susquehanna River is the source of water and nutrients going back in time to when the towns depended on the river for fishing, transporting lumber, iron industry and more – people living alongside the river and crossing the river as settlers went west.

David Haneman of Marietta, who is active in the town’s community activities, hatched the idea for the rivertowns show with several others. Then he specially created detailed collage of the Wrightsville Bridge with local buildings included. His work hangs over a soft impressionist painting of the river and the bridge by Columbia artist Diana Thomas.

David Haneman, standing in front of one of his paintings. Photo by Mary Ellen Graybill.

Shawn Young, part owner of a Wrightsville-based Vulcania Graphics and Fine Art shop said many artists came to the shop discussing the project.

“We heard so many artists talking about being in this exhibit! There was so much talk about people coming together for this show … ”

The excitement stemmed from concern about the river and a chance to create a new look at the river towns.

” … the beauty of the river, … is not something that can be taken for granted and it’s something that can change if we are not aware of fracking . (for example) … that’s something that people maybe are not aware of and not aware that it can hurt the river … people want to preserve the river … ”

“I think it’s what a lot of people like about this area, too, is it’s so different. You can go up the river, two miles and find totally different things … you don’t have to travel very far …”

Award-winning oil painter who grew up in Airville, Pa, Steven Alvin Heffner, who paints “Susquehanna Views”, is a member of the “Pennsylvania Arts Experience” expressed his feelings about the current situation over river health and frocking dangers and how it will impact the river and towns.

“Until we know, (more about fracking) I say hold off,” Heffner said, regarding the fracking conflict between corporations and activists protesting.

“You know, I grew up in the Susquehanna Valley, working on the river,” said Heffner. His father, John Heffner, an entrepreneur, was a boater and diver, and he always worked jobs traveling up and down the river … at Master Molder …”  Tobacco barns and traps were common sights along the river.

“At one time, even if it was something as insignificant as gathering ginseng to sell to the World War I effort … young men that had good legs would take to the hills and pick ginseng … dry it and sell it …”

Memories from grandparents haunt Heffner as he pursued the difficult but rewarding path of being an artist.

“We were farmers and we salvaged stuff and it was hard work,” he said. John Heffner, the grandfather was a decoy maker.”These were all practical decoys, made to attract ducks and put ducks in the freezer.”

Other artists who participated in the show were Linda Ross and Claire Lavin, Mimi Shapiro, David Walczyk, Sue Reno, Janette Toth-Musser, Susan Gottlieb, Susan Darling, David Haneman, Michael Kraniski, Bonnie Reitz, Phillip Windell and Emilie Snyder, and Columbian Diana Thomas and the author of this article, Mary Ellen Graybill.

The show was juried by Kim Bannister, curator of exhibits at Harrisburg Area community College’s art center.

Marietta ArtHouse welcomes visitors to its gift shop of exotic artistic gifts and inspiring art galleries on Wednesdays through Saturdays, noon – 5 PM, Sundays 1-5PM. FREE. 717-426-3946.

[DISCLOSURE STATEMENT:  Mary Ellen Graybill is a contributing writer to Columbia news, views & reviews. She has submissions entered in the Rivertowns Exhibit. She receives no compensation from the Marietta Arthouse nor Columbia news, views & reviews. Our goal is to ensure the content is not compromised in any way.]