The eighth annual Art Show and Lunch, held recently at the Palmerton Area Library in Palmerton, was well attended.

Thirty artists were credited for over 70 exhibits that decorated the walls of the upstairs main room. The framed art work ranged from water colors, oils, acrylic, colored and wooden pencil, multimedia and even jewelry art.Many of the artists were on hand throughout the afternoon event to share their techniques and answer questions about their work."This is one of our biggest years in art entries and public attendance. Our first show was held eight years ago and we are so happy that it seems to get more popular each year," said Diane Danielson, library director.Most of the entries were available for purchase, with 20 percent of each sale going to the library."This is the first time I have attended this show," said Becky Steigerwalt of Palmerton. "There is so much local talent put on display here in this room. The whole atmosphere is so wonderful."Those attending were encouraged to vote for their favorite piece for the Best of Show honor. Douglas Wilkins' painting, "Rails of Palmerton," was the grand winner. Wilkins, from Stroudsburg, is popular in the area and has won this award numerous times in the past."My friend Debbie kept encouraging me to get busy and start my paintings for this show. I got the idea for this one from some old photos of Palmerton and I just decided to add an older train engine on tracks," said Wilkins.It took Wilkins two weeks from start to finish the painting. It was one of three entries he completed for the show.The annual Art Show and Lunch is sponsored each year by The Friends of the Library, which is a nonprofit group of over 100 concerned patrons.The members hold different events and fundraisers for the library throughout the year.